

#Runabout boat brands full#
They may have a full windshield or a half windshield in front of the skipper. Outboard engines have become more and more popular in these boats as horsepower and performance have improved.ĭeck boats have an open layout like a pontoon boat and run about 20 to 35 feet in length. They are powered by inboard, stern drive, or outboard engines. Most pontoon boats have simple mechanical systems and few electronic devices that need to be looked after.ĭeck boats and bowriders are fiberglass boats that combine the open seating of a pontoon boat with better performance on the water. Pontoon boats are stable and have a large, open seating space that can feel as comfortable as if you were hanging out on the deck at home. These boats make an excellent starter boat for a family. Many of them are made of aluminum so they’re durable and relatively lightweight. Most pontoon boats are powered by low maintenance outboard engines. If your main goal is to get out on the water and relax with your family, then pontoon boats are a great choice. Of course, the more gadgets you have on your boat, the more opportunities you have for increased maintenance costs down the line. These are the kind of boats you see the fishing pros use on TV. More elaborate aluminum fishing boats up to 24 feet may have swivel seats, wheel steering, fish finders, depth sounders, fish livewells, rod holders, and an assortment of amenities. This simple configuration can give you years of fishing enjoyment with minimal maintenance.
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The simplest are bare-bones car top boats with bench seats and a small electric motor or gas outboard engine attached to the stern. These range in size from 8 to 24 feet long. Some of the most affordable family boats are aluminum fishing boats with outboard engines. The Best Low Maintenance Boatsĭo you like to fish? Many of us have fond memories of family fishing trips where we caught our first fish. Now let's look at the different types of family starter boats. Fiberglass boats give a quieter ride in rough water. Though heavier than aluminum, it may be molded into intricate shapes that can create a more comfortable and attractive boat. Fiberglass is another low-maintenance boat-building material that lasts for years. These boats need less power than a heavier boat of the same length. Lighter weight means aluminum boats are easier to put in and out of the water and haul on a trailer. Aluminum boats last for many years with minimal maintenance needed other than regularly washing them down at the end of the trip
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It is forgiving for first-time boat owners because it is more likely to dent in a docking mishap than crack like fiberglass.

Aluminum is strong, durable, and lightweight. Both are low maintenance materials with different qualities. The two most common hull materials are aluminum and fiberglass. If you live in a colder climate, you'll need to winterize your engine if you don't plan to use it during the long winter.Īnd if you're ever unfortunate enough to run aground or strike a submerged object, it's much cheaper to repair or replace the lower unit of an outboard than it is to fix the devices on the underside of an inboard. With gasoline inboards, you need a blower system to vent the interior space. There's running gear, struts, stern glands, and stuffing boxes. They've got thru-hull fittings for cooling and exhaust that may leak over time. That means they've got more potential for mechanical problems. Inboard engines and inboard/outboard (I/O) combinations with stern drives have more components. They're lighter than inboard engines with the same horsepower so they tend to be faster. Outboard engines are the easiest to care for and don't need much maintenance. The type of engine you choose can make a big difference, too.

Smaller boats in the 8 to 26 foot range, with simple systems, can give you years of fun on the water with minimal need for repairs. What Makes a Low-Maintenance Boat?Īs you can imagine, big boats with complex systems and lots of gadgets cost more to maintain than smaller ones. But most of us would rather spend as much time as possible on family excursions away from the dock. Low maintenance boats can help assure you spend more time on the water with your family and less time waiting for repairs. We'll look at several good options in this article.Īnother major consideration when buying a boat is maintenance. This will help you narrow down your choices. Here are a few things to consider that will help you find the best boat for your family.įirst, you need to think about what type of recreation you and your family will be doing most of the time. But there are so many boats to choose from. Now you've got to choose what type of boat you want. So you've decided to buy a boat for your family.
