The Top 7 Best Boats for Families: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to family boating, choosing the right boat is essential to ensure fun, safety, and versatility on the water. Whether you’re looking to explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, the ideal family boat should offer comfort, ample seating, storage for gear, and, most importantly, safety features. Additionally, affordability and performance are key considerations when narrowing down your options. In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 best boats for families, focusing on features, specifications, and prices.

1. Sea Ray SPX 210 OB

Overview:

The Sea Ray SPX 210 OB is a popular bowrider that offers the perfect balance of affordability, performance, and comfort for families. It comes with an outboard engine, which increases deck space and makes it easier to maintain. Designed with family fun in mind, the SPX 210 OB features a spacious cockpit, swim platform, and plenty of seating.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 21’6”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 3,400 lbs
  • Engine: Mercury® 150 HP FourStroke (outboard)
  • Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 12 passengers

Price: Starting at $50,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Spacious layout with plenty of seating.
  • Easy access to swim platform, perfect for water sports.
  • Smart storage spaces for gear, life jackets, and coolers.
  • Smooth ride and good fuel efficiency for longer family trips.

2. Chaparral 247 SSX

Overview:

Chaparral’s 247 SSX is a luxury bowrider known for its top-tier craftsmanship and family-friendly design. It’s perfect for families who want both relaxation and the ability to engage in water sports like tubing and wakeboarding. The boat offers a deep seating area, which is ideal for keeping younger children secure, and a powerful engine that provides excellent performance on the water.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 24’6”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 4,800 lbs
  • Engine: 300 HP Volvo V8 engine
  • Fuel Capacity: 62 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 12 passengers

Price: Starting at $120,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Luxurious seating with plenty of space to relax.
  • Swim platform with ladder for easy water access.
  • Enclosed head (toilet) for convenience on longer outings.
  • Bimini top for shade, keeping kids cool in hot weather.

3. Bayliner Element E18

Overview:

The Bayliner Element E18 is an affordable and versatile deck boat that’s perfect for families new to boating. It offers an open, spacious layout with lots of seating and storage, making it ideal for cruising, tubing, and picnics on the water. This boat’s intuitive M-Hull design ensures stability and smooth handling, even in choppy conditions.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 18’2”
  • Beam: 7’5”
  • Weight: 2,000 lbs
  • Engine: 115 HP Mercury FourStroke (outboard)
  • Fuel Capacity: 30 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 9 passengers

Price: Starting at $27,500

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Easy-to-use layout, great for first-time boat owners.
  • Wide bow area with comfortable seating and drink holders.
  • Stable ride and handling, providing confidence even in rough water.
  • Low maintenance costs, ideal for budget-conscious families.

4. Yamaha 252S

Overview:

The Yamaha 252S is a jet boat that delivers an incredible combination of power, comfort, and family-oriented features. Yamaha’s twin-jet propulsion system ensures excellent maneuverability and shallow water capabilities, making it safe for families with children. The boat’s layout maximizes space with innovative seating arrangements, including a convertible rear lounge area.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 24’6”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 4,325 lbs
  • Engine: Twin 1.8L High Output Yamaha Marine engines
  • Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 12 passengers

Price: Starting at $82,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Jet propulsion system eliminates risk of propeller injuries.
  • Spacious swim platform, ideal for water sports.
  • Convertible seating for lounging or dining.
  • Integrated sound system and plenty of storage for gear and snacks.

5. Bennington 23 LXSR (Pontoon)

Overview:

Pontoon boats are known for their stability and space, making them great for families with young children. The Bennington 23 LXSR is a premium pontoon boat that offers plenty of seating, a smooth ride, and a variety of luxurious features. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a slow cruise or take the kids tubing, this boat is versatile enough to meet every family’s needs.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 23’
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 3,500 lbs
  • Engine: Yamaha 150 HP (outboard)
  • Fuel Capacity: 32 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 12 passengers

Price: Starting at $65,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Stable and spacious deck, perfect for kids to move around safely.
  • Bimini top for sun protection.
  • Luxurious seating and plush upholstery for maximum comfort.
  • Multiple storage compartments for toys, snacks, and other essentials.

6. MasterCraft XT23 (Wakeboat)

Overview:

For families that love wakeboarding, wakesurfing, or water skiing, the MasterCraft XT23 is the ideal choice. Designed specifically for water sports, this boat offers precision control, powerful wakes, and luxurious amenities. The boat’s innovative ballast system lets you adjust the wake for different activities, making it a versatile option for active families.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 23’4”
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 5,300 lbs
  • Engine: Ilmor 6.0L MPI engine (373 HP)
  • Fuel Capacity: 55 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 16 passengers

Price: Starting at $160,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Customizable wakes for wakeboarding, surfing, or skiing.
  • Seating for up to 16 passengers—perfect for larger families or groups.
  • Spacious storage compartments for wakeboards, life jackets, and other gear.
  • Premium sound system and luxurious seating for all-day comfort.

7. Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless (Center Console)

Overview:

The Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless is a center console boat designed for versatility, making it great for fishing trips, watersports, or just family cruising. Known for its unsinkable hull design, this boat offers unmatched safety and durability. It also features a family-friendly layout, with plenty of seating and storage options for a full day on the water.

Key Specs:

  • Length: 24’
  • Beam: 8’6”
  • Weight: 3,300 lbs
  • Engine: Mercury 250 HP Verado (outboard)
  • Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons
  • Max Capacity: 10 passengers

Price: Starting at $135,000

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Versatile deck design with bow seating and optional sun pad.
  • Safe, stable ride with Whaler’s unsinkable hull.
  • Ample storage for fishing gear, water toys, and coolers.
  • Swim platform and ladder for easy water access.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best boat for your family comes down to your specific needs, whether that’s relaxing on the water, engaging in water sports, or going on fishing adventures. From affordable options like the Bayliner Element E18 to luxury picks like the Chaparral 247 SSX, there’s something for every family. As you explore these options, consider the features most important to your family’s lifestyle, and you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable memories on the water.

Happy Boating!

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