Introduction

Going on fishing trips provides a great bonding experience for families, so careful thought must be put into choosing a boat that will mirror the style and class of one’s family. When choosing the best saltwater boat for families, the buyer must match the right boat with the family’s needs to ensure that they get the best out of the boat in the long term. The functionality of boats differs, depending on if the boat is a bow rider, watersports, or saltwater boat.
A prospective buyer will also benefit from choosing a boat with dimensions appropriate for a family. For family fun, dual consoles and bow riders of all sizes will work perfectly. The decision may differ depending on the size and needs of the family.
This piece contains the necessary details about the subject. It will take a comprehensive approach to enhance better understanding.
Things To Look For In Saltwater Boats For Families
Before choosing a family boat, one must first understand what boat features their family needs. While the preference may differ from family to family, most large families will choose a similar boat. Below are a few of the qualities to look out for in a family boat.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a critical feature in any good family boat. The boat should be built with excellent speakers for music. It should also have a television in case long hours need to be spent on the water.
Swim Platform
The bigger the platform, the better. A bigger platform will allow the kids ample space for swimming.
Shade
The shade can come from a helm cover or a cabin. The family must always have a shade to hide if the sun gets too hot.
Spacious Casting Deck
If the saltwater boat functions as a fishing boat, a spacious casting deck is essential, especially for the kids. An extensive casting deck will allow the kids to cast their lines with minor complications.
Comfortable Cabin
A great cabin serves as a relaxing spot for the whole family. When the temperature rises, one’s family will benefit from having an air-conditioned cabin.
Food And Drinks Convenience
A good family boat should have options for food and drinks. A dining table, onboard grill, and microwave are some dining feature a good saltwater family boat should have.
What Boat Size Is Appropriate For A Family?
The primary use case of the boat is what determines the size. For families that want to use their boats for water sports, a 17-25ft small boat will serve well. However, for in-shore fishing-oriented families, a 15-22ft Bay boat is appropriate for the job.
Center consoles with deep V-hulls will serve families that wish to do their fishing off-shore. The dimension for an out-shore V-hull is 20-30ft.
Best Saltwater Boats For Families
The best saltwater boat for families will have features tailored for relaxation and family bonding. Features such as sound system, shade, and casting deck are significant because they go a long way in determining the pleasure obtained from the boat. The following paragraphs will discuss some top-quality saltwater boats that suit a family.
Brig Eagle 8
Brig Eagle 8 has large diameter Hypalon tubes with Matt-effect textured finishing. It has rectangular grab rails that are wrapped in stitched fabric. The Brig Eagle also comes with a cup holder recessed into the helm console. The cup holder is perfect for families who wish to have beverages onboard.
Brig Eagle 8 comes with comfortable bench seats that face each other across a detachable table. The seats in the bow section of the boat can be transformed into a large sun pad for those who like to sunbathe. The Suzuki 300hp engine is hushed and delivers effortlessly.
PROS
- The seats are adjustable.
- It has multiple cup holders.
- It can easily have 16 people on board.
- The brig’s size has a big enough console to house a toilet.
CONS
- The wheel and throttle are too high.
380 LXF
380 LXF is perfect for a large family. Although pricey, the boat offers features that match the price. The 380 LXF has an epoxy-infused hull that uses carbon-fibre glass to deliver fine structure. It is an excellent choice for families who wish to fish while on their boats. The electronically controlled rocket launchers make the process of unloading rods easier.
When a button gets pushed, the mezzanine seats and footrests fold up to reveal an entertainment station. The entertainment centre has a sink, cutting board, storage, etc.
PROS
- It has an excellent entertainment centre.
- It has an onboard control system.
- It comes with a flat-screen TV in the forward cabin.
- It has well-designed rod stowage.
CONS
- It is costly.
275 Dorado
275 Dorado is a family-friendly boat, perfect for both relaxing and fishing. It has a custom fibreglass hard-top that is complete with LED forward. A side entry door gives the user a convenient way to enter and exit the cockpit. 275 Dorado also comes with a fusion Bluetooth stereo with 7.7″ speakers.
The convertible arrangement leaves numerous entertainment options for the whole family. The seat’s upholstery comes in multiple colours designed according to the buyer’s taste. The Nuv3 provides an efficient fuel system that is not only designed to save fuel but also to enhance performance.
PROS
- The speakers are loud and clear.
- The seats are convertible.
- It has ample space, enough to take at least a dozen people.
- It is well suited for any water activity.
CONS
- The cost of maintenance is high.
235 XSF
234 XSF is a small boat; however, it has premium features and a quality build. It is built with a Nuv3 fuel-efficient technology that saves energy and fuel. It has a length of 23’8″ and a 100 fuel gallon capacity. 235 X35 can hold 11 persons onboard simultaneously. The long onboard shaft creates a level, full-access swim platform for safe access.
A 12V plug and five USB outlets ensure that most passengers can plug in their various devices. Furthermore, the boat has an igloo cooler, three cup holders, and four-rod holders.
PROS
- The longer board creates easy access to enter the boat.
- It has three cupholders, more than most boats in its size range.
- It has a forward seat with detachable headrests.
- It has a 61-gallon bulk stowage.
CONS
- The boat is relatively small.
Scout 355 LXF
Scout 355 serves as a cruise boat and also a fishing boat. The boat comes with optimum electro-hydraulic steering that makes steering the boat very easy. Scout 355 LXF has a fusion Bluetooth stereo system with eight speakers, the sound produced by the speaker is loud and crispy clear. A fish-eye camera mounted in the bow projects images to the MFD.
Scout 355 LXF comes with adjustable seats and a sun pad. Also, a fold-away transform seat ensures that the cockpit stays open. Scout 355 LXF can hold 12 people or more simultaneously, which makes it perfect for a large family.
PROS
- It has a large seating capacity.
- It comes with an in-built refrigerator.
- It has three seats at the helm.
- It has multiple screens, which aids in keeping track of the boat’s functions.
CONS
- It is not affordable for the average family.
Nimbus T8
Nimbus T8 is the newest model to the WTC series. The boat is specially designed for daily activities, water sports, and relaxation. It has a length of 8.15m but comes with up to 300hp hanging off the transom with twin step hulls. It is affordable for most families, costing only £87,124. The mouldings finishes are top-notch, giving the drawers and lockers an excellent look.
When the boat’s teak table is folded, it reveals a dinette with a 30-litre drawer fridge. Buyers can ask for an outside gas hob for the complete dining experience.
PROS
- The drawers are tastefully finished.
- It has a dining table.
- It is a high-speed boat, clocking its speed at 48 knots.
- The engines are very quiet.
CONS
- It only has a two-person berth.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 has critical features, such as a side door for easy access from the helm station to the starboard side deck. There is also a side access gate for safe boarding. Jeanneau Merry salon has a large opening sunroof that allows natural light into the boat. The boat’s galley offers a lot of storage compartments, and the salon table is convertible into an additional berth for guests.
The boat’s overall length is 8.83m with a hull length of 7.98m. It’s a two-cabin boat with a water capacity of 26 gallons.
PROS
- It has a convenient outboard power.
- It gives good access to the bow.
- It has ample space, which is well suited for a large family.
- The fore cabin is well equipped with windows.
CONS
- The rod holders are too wide for standard rods.
- The hull volume affects rides in rough weather.
Beneteau Flyer 10
Beneteau Flyer 10 is a flagship of the modern Flyer fleet. The boat comes with four-berth accommodation, a 700hp on the transom, and a length of almost 33ft. A three-person lounger and separate shower heads put this small family boat ahead of its peers. Diagonal walkway grants easy access to the six-man dining station quickly converted into a sun-pad.
Beneteau starboard galley features a sink, a two-ring gas hob, and a fridge. Unfortunately, it does not have a worktop, but the starboard galley position ensures that passengers can easily step across the table for food preparation.
PROS
- The four-seat helm is perfect for a family drive.
- It has a great cockpit.
- The diagonal walkway makes entry and exits easy.
- It has an in-built fridge.
CONS
- It doesn’t have a worktop.
Marex 330
Marex 330 is the newest addition to the Marex Scandinavia fleet. The boat comes with twin engines and shafts, catering to different market needs. Marex 330 cruising speed ranges from 23-30 knots and clocks at 38. Spacious indoor and outdoor seats that a large family can enjoy ample seating space. The boat packs a heater for winter conditions and air-conditioning for summer.
Marex 330 has an optional solar panel on the rooftop, providing up to 900 watts of charging power.
PROS
- It has a main bedroom in the cabin.
- It offers long and short bathing platforms, depending on the passenger’s preference.
CONS
- It is pretty tiny.
Sealine C330
Six years after its launch, the Sealine C330 is still a top family boat option. Sealine C330 uses an enclosed wheelhouse with an external aft in place of a deck. The power options are 330-400hp for the single-engine version and 170-220hp for the twin-engine version. It has ample space, enough to contain eight persons. Sealine C330 has a spacious master cabin and a flexible, user-friendly central deck arrangement.
The galley is designed to be brought up and positioned on the starboard side. This enables the cooking area to be larger and easily accessible. A raised seating area allied to the obstruction-free windows generates a nice view for the saloon diners.
PROS
- It has extensive accommodation.
- It has an excellent platform for swimming.
- Sealine C330 comes in a very stylish design.
CONS
- It is expensive.
Conclusion
Before one buys a family boat, it is essential to ascertain the features that will guarantee maximum pleasure at the best price. The best saltwater boats for families should have a great swimming platform, cup holders, and dining facilities. Although an average family boat is expensive, many offer the best value for money.