10 Best Boats For Families

Trying to find the best boats for families can be a challenge, as the industry is chock full of different models to suit different needs. To help you on your way, we’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorites.

Boating is all about family time and making memories on the water. But with a market full of hard-core fishing boats and tournament-level wakeboard rigs, it can be tough finding versatile family boats that can do it all. Here are 10 of the best boats for families.

Lead photo by YanLev/Shutterstock.com

Blackfin 332 CC

Blackfin 332 CC

Big, seaworthy, spacious and built for the summer sun, the Blackfin 332 CC features a fighter jet-worthy digital glass dash built around a pair of 16-inch Raymarine multi-function touch-screen displays, which face three bucket seats. Out back, a pair of 400 horsepower outboards get you where you’re going with plenty of time to spare. Thoughtful features, like a useful windshield vent lets the breeze flow through, and a pair of slide-out 45-qt Yeti Tundra coolers, speak to Blackfin’s attention to detail in this versatile and appealing family runabout.

Boston Whaler 240 Vantage

Boston Whaler 240 Vantage

Boston Whaler calls its versatile 240 Vantage the “Swiss Army knife of boating,” based on its smart features and options for fishing, cruising, beaching, water sports and entertaining. A convertible ports-ide lounge adjusts to provide a variety of seating configurations, while there’s a head and sink concealed in the boat’s stylish port-side console. The extra-wide bow provides further seating options, with room to spare. Upgrades including an integrated hard top and a glass helm allow buyers to personalize this boat exactly as they wish, making this one of the most versatile boats for families on our list.

Cobalt A29

Cobalt A29

Cobalt’s A29 raises the bar on comfort and performance with a boatload of innovative, forward-looking design features – starting with its unusual, asymmetrical walk-through windshield that provides incredible seating space up in the bow. Of course it comes with a glass dash featuring dual Garmin touch-screen displays, a killer stereo with Bluetooth streaming, a 48-quart removable ice chest, spacious head compartment, massive stern sub pad and Cobalt’s swim platform Swim Step that flips down for easier access from the water from this outstanding family boat.

Four Winns HD3

Four Winns HD3

The all-new Four Winns HD3 looks ready for a fun day on the water even when it’s still sitting at the dock, with to its elegantly curved, automotive-style windshield, gleaming stainless trim and full-width sun lounge in the stern, which can be adjusted for aft-facing or forward-facing seating. The rich and super comfortable interior upholstery features discreet integrated bolsters for added comfort, while even the spacious under-seat storage compartments are neatly finished to protect valuables from scuffs – a smart choice in a family boat. Spacious bow seating can be further enhanced with an optional filler cushion set. The big bow swim platform even has its own retractable ladder – talk about attention to detail!

Lowe FM 1900 WT

Lowe FM 1900 WT

Families who like to fish and cruise will love Lowe’s FM 1900 WT thanks to the company’s careful attention to the little details that make all the difference – things like fold-flat stainless steel cleats that won’t snag fishing lines, its dual aerated live wells, a welded-on transducer bracket for extra durability and an extruded full-length keel to protect the hull from damage in case you nick a stump on the way into those shallow hot spots. Of course there’s a load of storage space for gear, an in-deck rod locker for eight rods, a big walk-through windshield for protection from the elements and a stern swim platform with a re-boarding ladder for those times when you’d rather swim like a fish than try to catch one.

Regency 230 DL3

Regency 230 DL3

Built for active families, the Regency 230 DL3 puts an emphasis on versatility so that everyone can enjoy what this well-designed pontoon has to offer. Tri-toon construction with lifting strakes and the ability to harness outboards of up to 250 horsepower keep the performance fans happy, while a standard Kicker Bluetooth stereo pleases everyone with its audiophile sound quality. Swimmers will appreciate the Regency’s extended aft swim platform with ladder, while comfy lounge seats, a Bimini top, a sleek console, a flush-mounted Lowrance Hook2 7 fish finder, a pop-up change room and a wide range of options including a BBQ make this family boat a hit with the whole crew.

Scarab 215ID

Scarab 215ID

Powered by a pair of Rotax jets, the 215ID from Scarab might just be the one of the safest watersports boats out there since there are no exterior propellers – something that will be appreciated by all wakesurfers and swimmers, and especially kids and newbies. Those twin jets also mean big-time performance, giving the 215ID an incredibly sporty ride and responsive handling. An available Touch Command digital helm puts essentials like the tach, tunes, depth, GPS, wake presets and camera controls on a single, intuitive touch screen for total control. A premium stereo, ComfortRide seats, massive storage lockers for gear and a long list of standard features are just the start. When it comes to outright performance and exceitment onthe water, the Scarab 215ID is one of the best boats for families available today.

Sea Ray SPX 230

SPX 230

Sea Ray’s sporty SPX 230 is a capable, versatile and elegant family runabout that builds on the legendary boat builder’s enduring legacy or quality and innovation. A wide, spacious bow design provides extra-roomy seating up front, without bumping elbows or feeling squished. Massive storage compartments accommodate a weekend’s worth of gear, while still allowing dedicated space for a removable cooler. The boat’s standard VesselView Mobile functionality streams all engine controls to any phone or tablet for incredible convenience, while the super-comfy seats, massive stern sun pad and Bimini top make every day on the water a memorable experience. Put it all together and this is one of the best family boat options you can find.

Skeeter WX 1910

Skeeter WX 1910

Skeeter’s latest edition of the company’s best-selling WX 1910 raises the bar on fishing boat technology in a package that the entire family can enjoy. That includes Skeeter’s revolutionary REACT Keel for enhanced control and turning as an all-new feature for 2021, along with an all-new stereo system with Bluetooth streaming. A reconfigured bow provides more space, while the standard equipment list now includes an awesome Minn Kota Terrova electric trolling motor with i-Pilot GPS-control. There’s also a completely redesigned helm with space to flush-mount a nine-inch multi-function touch-screen display. It even comes with port and starboard rod tie-downs, a Yamaha SHO 200 outboard and a custom Skeeter tandem axle trailer – all standard on this family boat for anglers.

Sylvan S3 CRS DC

Sylvan S3 CRS DC

Boaters who think you can’t be all things to all people should take a very close look at Sylvan’s new S3 CRS DC pontoon, which seems to accomplish exactly that. For starters, there’s all-new, super-plush seating with just the perfect blend of support and comfort, and a 10-foot Bimini top overhead for protection from the mid-day sun. Enjoy the sounds of a standard Kicker KMC10 stereo with Bluetooth streaming, then cool off with a swim from the extended rear swim platform. There’s even a stern lounge seat that flips up to create a convenient walk-in change room so you can change afterwards. But the real highlight in this boat has to be the starboard-side galley, complete with a countertop, wine glass holders, and a freshwater sink, which faces an inviting L-shaped lounge that backs onto an innovative chaise lounge on the swim platform. The entire package makes this an outstanding family boat and all but guarantees a great time on the water.

Yamaha 252SD

Yamaha 252SD

With luxury features, and all-new hull design and a striking modern look, the all-new Yamaha 252SD jet boat offers a one-of a kind boating experience courtesy of the company’s E-Series drive-by-wire functionality. It all starts with twin 1.8L Yamaha marine engines that give this boat the kind of muscle and torque guaranteed to push everyone back in their seat and smile with delight. Yamaha’s DRiVE paddle control system that makes handling a snap, even at idle speeds around the dock or at the boat ramp. Of course the 252SD comes with Yamaha’s all-new floating 12.3-inch Connext touch-screen display, which puts all the key info in one neat display for easy, intuitive operation.