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.

A bowrider is a trailerable powerboat that is 16 to 35ft long and can carry up to 10 passengers. The bowrider term takes its name from the seating area located at the bow of the vessel (at the front area of the boat), in front of the helm. Bowrider boats have a V-shaped hull.

Some bowrider models, usually the ones that have bigger sizes, come with swivelling board racks, tow mirrors, a head (known as a bathroom in a boat), berths (another term for bunks), a sundeck, and rear seating. However, bowrider boats are typically designed for one-day cruises. They are well-suited to lakes, inland waterways, and coastal waters. Bowriders are great for cruising with friends and families or/and doing watersports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, or catching fish. This is the reason why they are a popular choice for families.

Engine Types Suitable to Bowrider

Bowriders can be powered by these three different types of motor engines:

Outboards: These are engines that are attached to the transom of a boat and can be raised up or lowered into the water. Outboards are self-contained and have an engine, gearbox, and propeller, plus they are cheaper to buy, maintain, and replace. Mercury outboard motors are one of the most common outboard engines for sale in the market.

Stern drive: A stern drive motor is a hybrid between an inboard and an 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.

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 the process of purchasing the boat, driving the boat, maintenance costs, the number of people you plan to take on board, and the storage space you will need to keep all your boating accessories and gear.

Of course, the first thing you should consider first, before buying a bowrider is your budget. Do you need to buy a certain boat size? Should you go for a second-hand model? Can you store it near where you live for a reasonable price? Before jumping the gun and buying a bowrider boat, make sure to estimate your costs first.

Don’t forget to figure out 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 family or your mates to join you on regular trips?

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. A Quintrex bowrider is one of the best models in the market and it is a great investment for you to get. No matter which models you choose, a bowrider boat will allow you to have lots of fun boating and fishing trips.