The Pros and Cons of a Bowrider Boat

Bowrider boats are a type of recreational watercraft that has extra seating in the front or bow. While they are highly affordable and well-suited to a number of different boating styles, there are some things that bowrider boats don’t do as well as other types of boat. That’s why the experts at Boat Master Marine have created this guide to bowrider boat pros and cons.

Pro: Versatility

If you’re only planning to use your boat for one type of activity like fishing, entertaining, or watersports, you should purchase a vessel specifically designed for those purposes. However, if you want a boat that can do all of the above, a bowrider boat isn’t a bad choice. They are some of the most versatile vessels on the water. If you’d like that versatility but still tend to lean towards a certain activity, there are models with special features that make them a bit better suited to those activities.

Con: Narrow Front Seating

While having extra seating in the vessel's bow is useful for a variety of reasons, the way that most models are set up means that these front seats are rarely as roomy as the back seats. Passengers in the front seats may find themselves feeling cramped on longer voyages. If you do plan to go out for hours at a time, make sure that your guests are comfortable. Consider creating a system where people occasionally rotate seating so that no one has to spend too much time in front.

Pro: Affordability

Bowrider boats are highly affordable, especially compared to boats of a similar size with similar features. Even the more inexpensive models tend to have a lot of extra features like built-in swim ladders, coolers, and advanced helms. Bowrider boats are a great value whether you’re an experienced boater or just buying your first model.

Con: No Overnight Options

Bowrider boats are built for a day out on the water, not a long-term trip. Most models lack a cabin or enough storage space to support a longer voyage. If your plans involve an overnight stay, you might want to use a different kind of boat.

Shop bowrider boats at Boat Masters Marine in Akron and Lake Milton, Ohio. We also offer servicing, parts ordering, financing, winterization, and storage services. We’re proud to serve communities like Youngstown and Cleveland, Ohio.