Bow riders are a type of runabout boat that range between 5m to 9m in length usually supporting a stern drive system but outboard engines are also common.
Its strength is the design, accommodating on average six and upto ten people. Normally runabouts have and enclosed bow or deck forward of the windscreen, what separate’s a bow rider apart is it’s signature open bow, lined with seating in front of the helm station on both the port and starboard sides often called the lounge area. This area can sometimes be large enough to lie down making it great for sun bathing.
A good all-round watercraft makes bow riders an ideal recreational and watersports boat that can handle tubing, water skiing, sun baking and supporting plenty of storage lockers, however in practical terms it is not ideal for ocean going fishing. Bow riders are more suited to rivers, lakes and sheltered bays. In heavy swell and choppy seas often water will spill into the boat due to the lower profile and open bow arrangement.
The bow area is excellent, passengers have a clear 360 degree view and on a hot day the overspray while underway way is cooling. On the other hand sitting in the bow while in operation can be a harder and bumper ride, passengers may get wetter than intended, also as with most open boats there is no shade from direct sun.
Often referred to as the sports craft of the water, bowriders are very comfortable and stable with great pick up and high end speed. They can make a great family boat being so versatile but this is only useful if you have the right waters to make use of this. That said, if you are considering buying a bow rider one recommendation worth mentioning is getting a good bimini to go with it, as not everyone, especially children like being in the sun for too long.
One of the best all-round boats for enclosed waters without doubt!
