Which Kind of Recreational Powerboat Is Right for You?

Powerboats come in all sorts of shapes, styles, and sizes, and each one is particularly well-suited for certain on-water activities. Here are some of the more common types of powerboats that people use for recreation, so you can see which best fits your intended use.

Bowrider: Great to Ride In

Bowrider powerboats are distinguished by their uncovered bow, which has additional seating that’s open to the air. Thus, passengers are free to ride up in the bow if they choose to.

These runabout boats are especially fun to ride in, as passengers up front feel like they’re skimming over the water. They might get wet without covering or windows to protect their seats, but being splashed on a hot day only adds to the enjoyment for some.

Additionally, many Bowriders can be used for tubing, water-skiing, fishing, or other on-water sports. They aren’t specifically designed for these activities, but they’re capable general boats. The only thing the boats aren’t well-suited for is overnighting because they don’t have any beds with protection.

Because Bowriders are fun to ride and can serve other purposes, many families get these to be an all-purpose boat.

Pontoon Boats: Family Fun Time

Pontoon boats are flat-decked vessels supported by two or three tubes, aka – pontoons, that make them incredibly stable on the water. Ideal for recreational use, these boats offer spacious seating, making them perfect for families, entertaining, and leisurely cruising. 

Having a pontoon boat is like bringing your backyard to the water. These recreational boats can be equipped with various amenities like petite lounge areas, portable grills, and plenty of cooler space, making them versatile for fishing, watersports, or simply enjoying a day on the lake. Pontoon boats offer a smooth ride and are great for all-day adventures.

Center Console: Ideal to Fish From

Center console powerboats are so-named because they have a center console located in the middle of the boat. This is where the steering wheel, throttle, gauges, and driver’s seat are located. Some other seats may be located throughout the boat, either in the bow or the stern.

The location of the console in the center of the boat, as opposed to on one side, allows anglers to move completely around the boat unobstructed. They can go from bow to stern and back, walking along either side of the console.

This freedom of movement is an advantage when fishing, as you can follow a fish that’s on a run, no matter what direction the fish swims in. Even if the fish moves from one end to the other, all you need to do is walk alongside the boat and keep the real out over the water. In other kinds of boats, moving around seats and maneuvering a fishing pole around features is challenging.

Cabin Cruiser: Fun to Get Away On

Cabin cruisers are like small RVs that go on the water rather than the road. These boats have the features necessary to live aboard the boat for a few days, which allows you to explore new areas. Some of the features that cabin cruisers come with include a bathroom, a bed, and a kitchen area.

If you get a cabin cruiser to explore new waterways with, make sure you know the draft of the boat and get charts for wherever you go. You need to know how deep the water you boat in is so you can make sure you don’t hit bottom.

Find Your Powerboat at Petzold’s Marine

Choosing the right recreational powerboat is a personal decision that depends on your unique needs, lifestyle, and boating goals. Whether you’re drawn to the speed and thrill of a sports boat, the comfort of a family cruiser, or the versatility of a fishing boat, finding the perfect match will ensure countless hours of enjoyment on the water. At Petzold’s Marine Center, we’re here to help guide you through this exciting journey. Ready to find the boat that fits your dreams and adventures? Explore our selection of new and used boats and speak with our expert team today by visiting our showroom in Portland, Connecticut.