6 of the Best Family Boats

This article looks at some of the best family boats available today that offer exceptional value, sporty performance, big water capabilities, and more.

While it’s always fun to prowl the boat shows and dream about winning the lottery, most families need a boat that’s going to deliver incredible value. That doesn’t mean scrimping and keeping the price tag as low as possible, it means getting the most for your money.

Whether your interest is fishing, hanging out at the sandbar or pulling the kids around on a tube, these six boats deliver exceptional value, making them among the best family boats on the water this season.

Chaparral OSX 300

Chaparral OSX 300

Chaparral’s 300 OSX blends high tech with high luxury in an elegant and inviting design with the company’s proven performance hull. Behind its elegant windshield, the center-line helm position has two standard nine-inch multi-touch displays that are angled for perfect viewing and accessibility. New Vista View seating changes position with the push of a button for full-length lounging in forward-facing or aft-facing positions. When it’s time to relax enjoy the spacious aft cockpit, which is covered with a large integrated fiberglass hardtop system complete with lighting, bonded skylight and an optional Sure Shade for added sun protection.

Four Winns HD 180

Four Winns HD 180

Four Winns’ exciting HD 180 offers an enticing combination of seating for nine people in plush comfort along with a spirited ride thanks to its Stable-Vee hull design and up to 150 horsepower on the stern. The wide bow provides enhanced seating comfort up front, while its sporty, low-profile walk-through windshield and dual sport seats make this boat pure joy to drive. A generous 121L fuel capacity means you can go a long way between fill-ups too, making the HD 180 ideal for memorable weekends at the lake. All this combines to make this one of the best family boats available.

Harris 230 Sunliner

Harris 230 Sunliner

With a variety of available floor plans, the 230 Sunliner from Harris offers comfortable seating and ample storage space for everyone’s gear. Standard features include a 10-foot Bimini top for protection from the mid-day sun, a mooring cover to keep the boat clean between rides, a removable wood-grain table with molded drink holders for those lunch stops with a view, tilt steering for driver comfort and a Fusion stereo with wireless streaming capability. Popular options include Bimini top extensions, a full canvas all-weather enclosure and more.

Scout 277 XLF

Scout 277 LXF

The all-new Scout 277 LXF is a high-performance offshore fishing machine that’s built for the open ocean but equally at home on large, choppy lakes. The best family boats should be able to go anywhere and the Scout 277 LXF delivers. It comes pretty well loaded with standard features like a full-width swim platform you can walk all the way across – rare on outboard-powered boats – plus a port-side swing-in door, forward seating with removable backrests and storage underneath, and a powder coated T-top hard top with an integrated frameless windshield. The upgraded fiberglass leaning post includes goodies like a bait (or lunch) prep station, a sink, stainless steel storage drawers and space for an optional grill.

Smoker Craft Adventurer 180

Smoker Craft 180 Adventurer

Designed to be the ultimate multi-species freshwater fishing boat, Smoker Craft’s all-new Adventurer 180 offers a huge raised casting deck in the bow complete with internal storage compartments for rods and gear. A custom console and tiller steering provide unparalleled precision, allowing anglers to troll forwards or backwards while still keeping one hand on the rod to feel tentative bites. A FreshCatch aerated live well, Smoker Craft’s Integrated Gunnel Track System and available Yarblow system to dry stowed rods and gear make this rig the catch of the year. It’s one of the best family boats for families that like to fish together.

Yamaha SX 195

Yamaha SX 195

The SX 195 has been one of the best-sellers in Yamaha’s line of premium jet boats for years, and a full makeover for 2020 ensures it will stay that way. Powered by a 1.8L SVHO engine for exhilarating performance, the SX 195 comes with all-new cockpit seating and a new port-side entertainment station, complete with a fold-down table. A new helm now features Yamaha’s Connext feature, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and even a cell phone holder, freeing the cup holder for its original purpose. Add the available gas grill and there’s no need to return to the dock. The Yamaha SX 195 is among the most fun family boats will find.