BOWRIDER BOATS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Are you considering buying a bowrider boat? These beautiful and powerful vessels are extremely popular among new and seasoned boaters alike. That’s because they’re very versatile, so you can use them for a wide variety of boating activities.
Bowriders are great for:
cruising with guests
watersports, such as water skiing or wakeboarding
fishing.
So you can use one boat to go fishing, have dinner in a beautiful bay with friends, or take your kids water skiing. It’s a great vessel to own for anyone who enjoys being on the water in more than one way.
WHAT IS A BOWRIDER BOAT?
A bowrider is a trailerable powerboat that is 16 to 35ft long and can typically carry up to 10 passengers. It takes its name from the seating area located at the bow of the vessel, in front of the helm. Bowrider boats have a V-shaped hull.
Bigger models come with swiveling board racks, tow mirrors, a head (bathroom), berths (beds), a sundeck, and rear seating. However, bowrider boats are typically designed for one-day cruises. They are well-suited to lakes, inland waterways, and the coast.
If you expect to encounter rough water, bigger models with a 20 degree deadrise (the degree of the hull angle as your boat moves onto a plane) and above, can slice through the chop quite well.
There are also bowrider boats geared specifically towards fishing, although these aren’t suitable to take your kids wakeboarding or to spend an afternoon sunbathing. So before you settle on a specific model, think about how you’ll want to use it.
BOWRIDER VS DECK BOAT
Bowrider boats look very similar to deck boats. The best way to tell them apart is to look at the shape of the hull. A deck boat has a flatter hull that is wider towards the bow; it also features more seating in the front and extra storage, compared to a bowrider of the same size.
The difference between the hull shapes means that the two vessels behave differently. A deck boat lifts less when you accelerate, while the V-shaped hull of a bowrider allows you to cut through waves and to make sharper turns.
ENGINE TYPES
Bowriders come with three different types of motors.
Outboards
These are engines that are attached to the transom of a boat and can be raised out or lowered into the water. Being self-contained - they have an engine, gearbox, and propeller - they are cheaper to buy, maintain, and replace.
Stern drive
A stern drive is a hybrid between an inboard and outboard motor. The engine itself is located inboard and it delivers power to the drive unit, which is installed at the stern, under the waterline. The drive unit rotates the propeller. This system is more complicated than outboard motors, but it’s the most common setup you’ll find on a bowrider.
Jet-propelled motor
Finally, a bowrider can have jet drives installed either inboard or outboard. A water pump sucks up water and jets it out at the back of the boat, providing propulsion. Jet-propelled motors are more expensive to buy and maintain.
BOWRIDER COST AND MAINTENANCE
There are bowrider boats for all budgets. If you opt for a small second-hand model, you can spend as little as $9,500 AUD (about $5,000 USD, or £7,500 GBP). While a 30ft bowrider can cost as much as $207,000 AUD (about $150,000 USD, or £111,000). So if you’re set on a bowrider, you can almost certainly find one that will suit your budget.
To run a bowrider, you’ll need to purchase:
insurance
registration
fuel (gas)
oil for oil changes
water and electricity from marinas or yards
storage (marina and, or boatyard stays).
In terms of maintenance costs, you’ll have to spend money on:
maintaining and replacing gear, such as the bilge pumps
servicing the engine
antifouling the hull
re-painting the top sides and deck after a number of years.
The cost for each of these changes a lot based on where you’re based. For example, in boating hotspots near affluent cities, marina fees can be extremely costly - a small variation in length can make a big difference. In a cyclone or hurricane-affected area, insurance quotes are usually a lot higher.
For this reason, it’s worth asking for quotes for all running and maintenance costs you’ll have to pay for around your area before you start boat shopping.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BOWRIDER BOAT
There are various considerations you should make to decide which model of bowrider is right for you. These include:
purchase, running, and maintenance costs
activities you’ll use it for
number of people you want to take on board
storage space
gear.
Of course, your budget is the first thing you should think about. Do you need to buy a certain size boat? Should you go for a second-hand model? Can you store it near where you live for a reasonable price? Make sure to work out an estimate of costs.
Then, you’ll need to make a note of how you want to use the boat. For example, do you hope to take the whole family out for the day, so you can all swim, sunbathe, and have lunch together? Or do you prefer to go out fishing solo? The model you choose will dictate what you’ll be able to do.
The capacity of the boat is also very important. Is it worth investing in a 25ft bowrider, if you will mainly use it on your own? Will you be able to persuade your kids to join you on regular trips?
Likewise, think about how much stowage you’ll need. What will you be taking with you on a typical day out?
If you’re buying new, you’ll want to choose a model that comes with all the gear you plan to use. If you opt for a used vessel, make sure there is space to install any extra equipment you may need, such as a cockpit table.
No matter which model you choose, a bowrider boat will allow you to have lots of fun boating and fishing trips. Don’t forget to take it on a sea trial before you pull the trigger.