Picture the perfect afternoon out on the water. It’s a beautiful day, the water is calm, the sun is shining and you’re surrounded by family and friends. I bet if you look down, odds are you’re on a bowrider boat. Bowriders have become the epitome of the perfect family boat that balances style with exhilarating speed. If you’re in the market for a new boat for the kids to enjoy, here are a few things to consider when buying a bowrider boat.
Budget
We know that the strongest influence over your purchase is your budget. You’ll want to make sure you set a budget range that’s realistic for the market and for your pocketbook. Start by aiming a little low so you have some wiggle room that doesn’t completely send you over the edge. Make sure while you’re looking around that you’re manufacturer and the dealership, whether it’s Longshore Boats or not, is giving you fair service. Ask about all payment options and warranties and terms and conditions. Ask about delivery details and pricing as well. Don’t forget to keep this in mind when you’re setting your budget.
Performance
Now for the exciting part! Start by thinking about how’d you like your boat to handle. Ask to take a boat for a test drive to make sure it handles the way you are wanting. Smaller engines might be nice if you’re a first-time boater or if you don’t intend to cut through the water at high speeds. But if you’re more into the high-speed action and water sports, you’ll probably be looking at a bigger price with a bigger engine. More importantly than top speeds, check how the boat feels at a gentle, cruising speed and how well it turns. And the bigger the boat, the more horsepower you’ll need so don’t shirk on this step if you’re looking at a 17-20 footer.
Capacity
Consider how many people you’ll want to bring along with you regularly. It’s uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe if your passengers cannot all sit down and you’re trying to overload your boat. The bigger the crowd, the bigger the boat you’ll need! While you’re looking for the right sized boat, you’ll also want to make sure it comes with the right accommodations. Comfortable seats and some room to walk around is very important. You’ll most likely be sitting while you’re in motion so you won’t want everyone packed in and a lot of models come with places for your cooler and other fun amenities, so be on the lookout for your capacity needs!
Activities
If you’re like most boaters, it’s not enough to just ride around for a few hours and call it a day. There are plenty of fun activities that bowriders can help you with as long as you choose the right one. Throw a party with all the extra storage or travel to another part of the area in record time. Bowriders are also ideal for water sports. With its high speeds and smooth handling, they make the perfect towing craft. Ask your dealership about fulfilling all of your water outing desires!
These suggestions just skim the surface. Don’t forget that this will be your bowrider, so you want it to perfectly suit your wants and needs. Stop by Longshore Boats today and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for whether it’s a Chaparral or an EdgeWater boat. View our bowrider inventory on our website now!
