Bowrider Boat Buying Guide
Among the many boat types, bowrider boats stand out for their unique design. In a bowrider boat, extra seating is placed in the bow. This makes them excellent for both hosting social gatherings and for watersports activities. It’s no surprise that many families are choosing to go with a bowrider for their boating activities.
Tommy’s Boats is the largest ski and wake dealer on the globe. We have created this helpful guide to make your bowrider shopping process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions for our helpful staff or want to view bowriders in person, visit us at one of our fourteen locations, including three in California and three in Michigan.
Decide the Ideal Size
Bowriders can vary in length from 17 feet up to 35 feet. Larger boats are more expensive, but can fit more passengers and will generally have a higher performance capacity. How big your boat should be is determined by a combination of how many passengers you plan to bring with you and how much room needs to be set aside for storage. Figure how much space you need, and don’t overspend on a model that has more than that.
Determine the Number of Passengers
Most bowriders fit between six to ten people, so make sure that you find a model with enough seats for your expected group size. Bowriders are unique in that they have extra seating in their bows. This forms a kind of lounge area, the perfect place for passengers to socialize and soak up the sunshine.
Factor in Storage Needs
Depending upon your disposition, there may be quite a few items you and your passengers want to bring with you, so storage space is an important consideration. The amount of storage space varies from model to model, so keep that in mind throughout the buying process. Whether it's an inner tube you plan to drag behind the boat or food and cutlery for a midday lunch onboard, there should be room set aside for it.
Consider Cockpit Features
If you take your bowrider on a longer voyage, there are certain cockpit features that will make captaining the boat more comfortable. These include a tinted screen and matte dash for reduced eye strain, a seat bolster to offer support for your back and arms, and angled foot braces for better foot comfort.
Think About Grab Handles
Grab handles are a safety feature that passengers can hold onto to steady themselves during the ride. They are very helpful on rides where the boat changes speed and direction often, as is often the case when water skiing or wakeboarding. That is why they are included as standard on most models, though the placement varies. If your model does not have grab handles, you may wish to consider installing them, in which case you should think carefully about how to place them optimally for your boating style.
Consider Entertainment Features
Bowriders are popular as a leisure craft, so it’s no surprise that many owners choose to add optional entertainment features. Though these features will increase the cost by a bit, many have found that they also increase the enjoyment factor! When you first buy, always stick to your list of must-haves, and don’t get distracted by fancy extras. At the same time, keep in mind that you can always upgrade later if you so choose.
Some common bowrider extras include a wakeboard tower to connect a rope for watersports towing, speakers for playing music, deck lights for hosting in the evening, cup holders for easy beverage storage, and surface spaces like a small table to hold food and games. These are only a few examples, so feel free to do research on your own to find some extras that fit your particular lifestyle.
If you are ready to view bowrider models, head on over to Tommy’s Boats. Our expert staff is on hand to offer the highest level of customer service, and with fourteen locations throughout the US, we are not hard to find.