Best Day Boats for Fun on the Water

Boats have changed dramatically over the past decade or so. Where the focus was once on plush overnight accommodations and vast storage spaces for extended cruising, day boats are what is hot today with their open decks with an eye to having fun in the sun. The reality is that not many people have the time to head off on multi-week holidays any more, and boats are increasingly used for day trips and the occasional weekend getaway than protracted voyages over great distances.

That shift has been echoed in boat design of course, and the most exciting new boats put a premium on deck space and room for toys – all in opulent luxury, of course, with neatly integrated heads, galleys and more.

Here are six of the best day boats guaranteed to delight any family.

Chaparral 277 SSX

Chaparral SSX-277

Blending the comforts of a cruiser with the seating capacity of a pontoon and the sporty handling of a jet boat, Chaparral hits it out of the park with its all-new 277 SSX. Riding on the company’s extended V-Plane hull, the 277 SSX provides a sporty ride that remains comfortable, dry and secure in even heavy seas. Oasis lounge seating offers forward-facing or aft-facing view, or folds flat to create an inviting sun pad. The helm is a work of art, with a custom hand-wrapped console featuring stainless steel accents, a custom leather steering wheel, and twin Simrad NSS7 EVO3 chartplotter multi-function touch-screen displays. There aren’t many day boats that can keep up with the Chaparral SSX-277.

• Length: 27’ 0”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry weight: 5,500 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 80 gal.
• Power: 430 hp

Formula 380 SSC

Formula 380 SSC

You want to be comfortable. And you want to go fast. Enter Formula’s brilliant 380 SSC, which comes ready for any weather with its full-width hardtop with a motorized glass sunroof allows owners to make the most of every day offshore. Available reverse-cycle air conditioning keeps things comfy on the hottest summer days, while in any weather the boat’s spacious U-shaped lounge to starboard and facing lounge to port offer versatile spaces for lunch, basking in the sun or enjoying a relaxing twilight cruise. There’s a cockpit galley, plenty of comfy seating with overhead sun protection, and even an fully-appointed cabin below with every imaginable comfort.

• Length: 38′ 0″
• Beam: 11’ 6”
• Dry weight: 20,500 lbs
• Fuel Capacity: 250 gal.
• Power: 2x 430 hp

Four Winns HD3

Four Winns HD3

Riding on the company’s Stable-Vee hull that provides stability at rest and flat cornering underway for greater ride comfort, the Four Winns HD3 looks sporty just sitting at the dock with its elegantly curved, automotive-style windshield and gleaming stainless trim. A full-width sun lounge dominates the stern of this impressive craft, while interior seating is rich and super comfortable, thanks in part to discreet integrated bolsters. An available surf package includes a variety of wake-enhancement features, including a ballast system and an enhanced flat panel helm display. When it comes to sporty fun, the Four Winns HD3 is one of the best day boats available.

• Length: 22’ 1”
• Beam: 8’ 5”
• Dry weight: 4,170 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 44 gals.
• Power: MerCruiser 4.5L 250 hp

Jeanneau 9.0 CC

Jeanneau 9.0 CC

The Jeanneau 9.0 CC is more than just a spacious day boat, it’s also a terrific weekender that can easily handle overnight getaways. The aft cockpit features an inviting lounge seat, plus a pull-out seat to starboard that retracts into the gunnel when no longer needed. The helm console includes a sliding door that leads to a spacious cabin, complete with a large double berth, a separate head compartment with a shower, and extra space behind the companionway which can be set up with cushions to create a private and inviting space for the kids.

• Length: 29’ 11”
• Beam: 9’ 9”
• Dry weight: 5,247 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 140 gal.
• Power: 2 x 250 hp

Monterey 298 SS

Monterey 298SS

With a huge aft sun pad, an L-shaped cockpit lounge, a wet bar with a prep station, wine storage, refrigerator and space to stow a 48-quart carry-on cooler, the Monterey 298 SS is all about enjoying the good life. A standard Bimini top provides relief from the sun, while the Fusion Apollo stereo with four JL Audio speakers keeps the mood festive, while the helm features a digital GPS speedometer, tach, hour meter, fog-resistant gauges, stainless push-button switches for electrical accessories, and a stylish chrome-on-black padded steering wheel, while still leaving room for a large flush-mounted display. The entire package makes this one of the best day boats in the industry.

• Length: 29’ 0”
• Beam: 9’ 0”
• Dry weight: 6,800 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 100 gal.
• Power: 560 hp

Regal 38 SAV

Regal 38 SAV

Regal’s magnificent 38SAV is kind of like a luxury hotel with 900 horsepower behind it. Step aboard and you’ll be greeted with an inviting aft-looking sofa, a retractable bench seat in the transom and a retractable TV overhead, inviting you to grab a cold drink and relax in comfort. The forward end of the cockpit features a walk-around island with a solid-surface counter, a grill, a sink, a trash can, twin refrigerators and plenty of storage. The helm includes twin 16-inch displays, a stainless steering wheel with a turning knob, and air conditioning vents to stay cool underway. Or, open the overhead sunroof and enjoy the fresh air. If you are in the market for one of the best day boats on the water, you can’t go wrong with the Regal 38SAV.

• Length: 39’ 8”
• Beam: 11’ 11”
• Dry weight: 18,665 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 340 gal.
• Power: 3 x 300 hp