13 Best Runabout Boats of 2023
Baker’s Dozen
13 runabouts to make your day
The term runabout is somewhat outdated these days, and there are many definitions that have refined its meaning throughout the years. A runabout in the boating world is generally thought of as a small, lightweight boat that doesn’t have a cabin, is trailerable, needs little maintenance, only has room for a few people, is designed for calmer waters, and averages between 15 and 25 feet. They’re also usually less expensive to purchase and have no designated purpose, such as fishing or wake surfing, other than to have fun; however, just about every activity can be had in a runabout, especially in a bow rider, which has been associated with the term runabout because of its open seating arrangements and limited capacity.
There are so many boat brands and models that can fit the runabout definition, but many are activity specific, so we’ll leave center consoles, fishing boats, pontoons, and water sports tow boats out of the mix. Here are 13 fun runabouts, or bow riders, that will be on the water in 2023.
Blackfin 232DC
From offshore fishing excursions to cruising the Intracoastal waterways, the 232DC (LOA 24’ 6”, beam 8’ 6”) is the runabout boat that has everything you need to enjoy your time on the water to the fullest. Standard features include U-shaped bow seating and custom helm seats, a recessed and a telescoping swim ladder off the integrated swim platform, and a Fusion Satellite Stereo system. Blackfin is also including an insulated 18-gallon baitwell to up the activity options. Base price: $132,087 with a Mercury DTS 225XL outboard; blackfinboats.com
Chaparral 247 SSX
The 247 SSX (LOA 24’ 6”, beam 8’ 6”) packs a punch with its elegant styling and performance. There’s comfort, too, with aft bench seating that converts to a sun lounge, helm bucket seats, molded-in cooler boxes in the cockpit and up in the bow, ski and board storage, drink holders, and a stainless steel swim ladder off the large swim platform. With color schemes, engine options to 350 hp, water sports tower, JL Audio system, lighting, flooring, and trailer options, you can make the 247 SSX as luxurious as you desire. Base price: $125,833 with Mercury 4.5L DTS 250-hp inboard engine with Bravo 3 sterndrive; chaparralboats.com
Cobalt R4 Outboard
The R4 Outboard runabout boat (LOA 24’ 3”, beam 8’ 6”) has a sleek, low profile that not only puts you closer to the water, but makes it easy for trailering and storing. It’s available as a sterndrive (Volvo Penta or Mercruiser up to 430-hp) with a deep-V hull or as an outboard (Mercury or Yamaha to 350-hp) with a hull specifically designed for outboards. The Cobalt Glass Cockpit has a dual Garmin 743 interface that is fully integrated with the pivotal handling and safety information from the Cobalt powertrain. The R4 Outboard’s spacious interior is certified for 13 passengers with plenty of room for gear. Base price: $118,998; cobaltboats.com
Crownline E235 XS
Crownline’s E235 XS (LOA 23’, beam 8’ 6”) has the sleek style lines and ride of a sport boat with all the comforts and conveniences of a deck boat. There’s plenty of room to stow your gear in storage areas with impact-resistant, non-marring coating for skis, boards, and toys, and a full wraparound swim platform for easy water access. There’s even a removable ski pole standard. Other features include a J-shaped cockpit with a transom seat that electrically adjusts into a sun lounge, an enclosed head with Porta Potti, and lounge seating in the bow, including a telescopic boarding ladder off the bow. The power option is a Mercury 3.4L 250-hp outboard. Base price: $109,755; crownline.com
Formula 240 Bowrider
The 240 Bowrider (LOA 24’, beam 8’ 6”) may be the entry-level model runabout boat in the Formula Bowrider series, but it’s an upscale runabout that can handle water sports and a family cruise at the same time. She comes standard with ample seating, including a double-wide convertible helm seat with articulating seat bottom. The integrated swim platform has a concealed stainless steel swim ladder and transom stainless steel grab rail for safety, and the fun is heightened with the standard Clarion waterproof transom-mounted stereo control. Base price: $170,150 with a MerCruiser 4.5L 250 ECT Bravo Three DTS engine. formulaboats.com
Four Winns H6
The largest runabout boat model in Four Winns’ H-series, the all-new dual console H6 (LOA 26’ 2”, beam 8’ 5”) offers plenty of seating, including a transom forward/aft-facing sun lounge, storage, USB outlets, stereo with speakers, and plenty of options for an active day on the water. Standard power is a Mercury or Yamaha outboard up to 300-hp. True to a classic bowrider, the full center walk-through leads to spacious seating in the bow and a nice swim platform off the stern. Base price: $134,640 with a Mercury 250XXL Verado. fourwinns.com
Pursuit DC 246
The sleek lines and the signature fiberglass-framed windshield of the DC 246 (LOA 25’ 8”, beam 8’ 6”) is just the beginning of her design qualities. Unique social zones on a boat this size seem like they were made just for you and your family, and the ability to move seamlessly fore and aft through the center walkway is evident of the increased cockpit size and functionality over her predecessor. Enjoy a variety of activities from this platform that can be customized with plenty of options. Base price: $162,075 with Yamaha Digital F300 V6 Offshore outboard. pursuitboats.com
Regal LX2
The LX2 (LOA 2’ 9”, beam 8’ 6”) is an outboard-powered bowrider that brings the striking lines, spacious storage, and meticulous craftsmanship through the LX series and into a 22-foot package. The FasTrac hull is optimized for outboard power, and its deck layout is designed for versatility with multi-position seating, including a social-focused transom with dual rumble seats and a double-wide helm seat. A low-to-the-water swim platform with ladder makes access easy, and with all the options, you can personalize it into a complete water sports activity vessel. Base price: $85,675 with the Yamaha 2.7L F150XB; regalboats.com
Scout 215 Dorado
The 215 Dorado (LOA 21’ 6”, beam 8’ 6”) is a dual console with a beautiful frameless wraparound windshield that further adds to the sleekness of the boat. She’s loaded with standard features like the Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four six-inch speakers, hydraulic steering, and two adjustable captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees. The transom also has dual swim platforms with a ladder for easy boarding. This makes for a great runabout boat Base price: $72,460 with Yamaha F150XB or Mercury 150XL; scoutboats.com
Sea Ray SPX 210
Sleek, stylish, and sporty, the SPX 210 (LOA 23’ 9”, beam 8’ 6”) fits the bill for an active family as well as those who want to relax. A spacious interior provides comfortable lounging and plenty of room to add options to make the boat water sports ready. There’s abundant storage and seating in both the sterndrive or outboard propulsion setups. The sterndrive comes standard with a Mercruiser 4.5L MPI ECT Alpha One engine, and the outboard is fitted with a 150-hp Mercury EFI outboard, both with Vesselview Mobile engine data. Base price: $60,585 (outboard), $62,071 (sterndrive); searay.com
Starcraft SVX 231
The 231 SVX Outboard (LOA 22’ 8”, beam 8’ 6”) is a good example that fun on the water doesn’t have to be expensive. The wide deckboat layout is loaded with value, including features like a four-speaker stereo, a bimini top for sun protection, and EVA Soft Touch Traction Mat flooring in the bow and stern—all standard. Power up with Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, or Mercury outboards up to 300 hp. Base price: $67,900 with Yamaha VF200XB outboard; starcraftmarine.com
Stingray 211DC
The 211DC (LOA 21’ 8”, beam 8’ 5”) is a dual console dayboat that offers comfort, versatility, and performance in a sporty yet elegant design. The wide, sport deck design creates plenty of interior space with large bow and aft seating, a freshwater sink in the head compartment, and a cockpit table with side mounts to make a day on the water with your crew a breeze. Base price: $63,650 with Suzuki DF150 outboard; stingrayboats.com
Yamaha SX220
Yamaha’s new 22-foot series starts with the SX220 (LOA 22’, beam 8’ 6”). The 22-foot platform has a spacious interior with a deep cockpit as well as large bow and cockpit areas for a more comfortable riding experience. New for Yamaha boats is a smartphone holder with wireless charging at the helm and portside. The SX220 features a 5-inch Connext touchscreen that is the hub for relevant boat system data when underway. Base price: $52,099 with twin 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 marine engines; yamahaboats.com
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