There’s no shortage of great choices right now among types of boats for lakes — and choice is good. More options mean you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for, whether this is your next boat or your inaugural purchase. However, too many options can also be overwhelming and require more legwork to compare.
It’s best to start by narrowing it down to a preferred category before you explore individual manufacturers and models. If you’re wondering how to decide what type of boat to buy, here’s an overview of the four types most boat owners prefer for recreational boating, fishing, and watersports on New Hampshire’s pristine lakes.
The bowrider — also called the “runabout” — is your go-to for joyrides, family weekends at the lake, watersports, and leisurely day trips. There’s a wealth of choices and model options with these types of boats, too, since almost every major boat manufacturer offers a line of bowriders.
Entry-level bowrider models serve as a first boat for many, and it’s no wonder — their versatility makes them a favorite among all kinds of boaters, from beginners to pros. The size and price point you rest upon for a new bowrider will depend on your means, but you can spend as little as $40,000 on an all-purpose option under 20 feet, or as much as $500,000 or more on a luxuriously fitted 30-footer with bow and aft seating, a mid-cabin, and a berth.
The deeper V-hull of bowriders makes them great performers on the water, with nimble and crisp handling that makes for a lively ride. What they offer in performance, they trade off in overall passenger capacity. While a bowrider can hold just as many people as other types of boats for lakes, it would generally have to be larger and longer to offer the same amount of deck space.
Bowriders have earned a reputation for handling many activities equally well. Picture this: It’s a weekend on the lake, and you alternate between wakeboarding with the kids, a cruise to the sandbar to anchor and socialize with family friends, and a final sunset trip to that local gem waterfront restaurant for cocktails and a special meal.
That’s what’s in store with these boating-fan-favorites.
Center consoles are popular lake boats that are often thought of as fishing vessels. However, today’s models are actually incredibly flexible, easily accommodating the full gamut from leisurely family cruises at quiet swimming holes to hardcore fishing missions with a squad of well-equipped anglers.
The name comes from the design with a centrally located steering station on a console in the middle of the boat that leaves open deck space at the bow and stern. Modern models tend to outfit that space with many of the features you’d find on other types of boats for lakes — seats, lounging areas, tables — although they’ll generally fold up or tuck away to open up more deck space when needed. Many people are surprised by how great of a family boat a center console makes. Between the smooth ride, open layout, and more comfortable modern furnishings, it’s a great multi-purpose option for combining family fun with fishing adventures.
Models under 25 feet often feature bow seating for two, a leaning post at the console, stern seating for additional passengers, a swim platform, a freshwater shower, towing eyes, and tow bits. Amenities like stereo systems, USB ports, cupholders, and coolers are now available, and some boats may even include a “head” (a bathroom) within the console for added comfort.
For those seeking more luxury, larger center consoles (which can even extend over 60 feet — but keep in mind you’ll need a storage solution) offer extensive features like full cabins, berths, galleys, entertainment centers, air conditioning, and dinette tables. The large, high-end, multi-engine center console models can come in at a price point close to a house, but the many affordable single-engine options will be priced similarly to a new car and make for a great family boating experience on the lake.
Once considered simple party barges, pontoon boats have evolved into beloved pleasure boats perfect for a variety of activities. Their calling card remains the ample deck space and stability of the multihull pontoon design, which makes them perfect for entertaining. The party comes along for the ride on your waterborne patio.
Many buyers are surprised at the level of performance offered by newer models with their more powerful engines. If watersports are your jam, modern pontoons won’t let you down. Today’s pontoons have the combination of space and power to offer everything from relaxing days on the lake to thrilling rides. These aren’t the puttering floating decks of yesteryear.
The latest luxury pontoon amenities can include plush seating, large bimini tops, powerful stereos, touch screens, ample storage, washdown systems, and a powerful motor. The simple days of the boxy floating platform are long gone, and the pages of potential features and options can be jarring to a new buyer.
In the end, buying a pontoon boat can fit any budget, whether you’d prefer to be economical or aiming to splurge. Pontoons have enjoyed many more advancements in recent years than other types of boats, offering extensive options for customization.
Deck boats are the perfect choice for families and those seeking more space than a bowrider can offer. With their flared hull designs (wider at the front than the pointier bowrider), they provide plenty of room for seating, amenities, and storage. Whether you're looking for an aluminum or fiberglass model for fishing or family fun, the market offers a wide selection to suit your needs.
Deck boats are ideal for day cruising, and can easily mix in watersports (the prototypical realm of the bowrider) and entertaining (like a “party barge”). There’s an old joke that when mom wants a pontoon boat and dad wants a bowrider, you buy a deck boat. The humor comes from the grain of truth — the deck boat is a happy blend of both worlds.
They can be equipped with features like kitchenettes and head compartments, ensuring you can stay out, picnicking on the water all day, and towing kids on tubes without sacrificing comfort. There are fishing-specific models available that come equipped with pedestal seats, live wells, and rod storage, while models for watersports enthusiasts will pack elevated towing fixtures.
While recent innovations in the deck boat market have been limited, advancements from other boat types continue to enhance their features and functionality. Look out for wider bows and hull designs that maximize deck space.
The pointers above are just a quick rundown of the main points of comparison to guide your decision. As far as brands, Stingray bowriders and deck boats, Qwest and Coach pontoons, and Carolina Skiff and Sea Chaser center consoles are always great and worth a look!
Here are a few more helpful resources that should help you identify the best type of boat to buy for your family when it comes to features, financing, in-depth reviews, and potential red flags.
Finally, make sure you don’t forget to get your boating license — if you don’t have one already — as a part of your process of buying a boat. Your local state boating license will be valid for virtually any of the common types of boats for lakes (much larger yachts or seafaring boats may differ). New Hampshire residents have access to many options for online courses. Your local marina may be able to help you, too — as we do at North Water Marine!