Best Lake Boats: Considerations & Recommendations
Every year, countless boaters enjoy “the lake life,” hanging out with friends in the cove, pulling the kids on tubes, skis and boards, or if they’re really lucky, enjoying all of the above from a lakefront home. Lakes are more plentiful and far easier to access than more limited coastal waters. They also typically offer calmer, less intimidating water conditions, a mix of party-friendly coves and secluded fishing spots, and scenic backdrops that vary by region.
Ready to join in on the fun? Here’s what to consider, as well as our expert recommendations, when choosing a lake boat.
On this page:
Best Types of Boats for Enjoying the Lake
While any boat can be enjoyable on the lake, we think the best are those that match the interests of the person or family they’re intended for.
Popular Lake Boat Types:
- Bowriders/Deckboats – Perhaps the classic lake boats, with an open bow cockpit for additional passengers and the versatility to cruise, pull a variety of watersports or fish.
- Pontoon Boats – Once dismissed as simply sunset cruisers, modern pontoons boast impressive speed and handling, make a great fishing platform and can even be used for watersports.
- Watersports Boats – Designed to deliver the ultimate ride, watersports boats use ballast and additional hardware to produce sizable wakes for board sports, while packing in a sizable crew.
- Fishing Boats – From bass boats to fish-n-skis to center consoles, fishing boats focus on the needs of the angler, but typically offer some measure of comfort for family use.
- Personal Watercraft – Featuring agile hulls, plenty of horsepower and an intimate connection to the water, PWC continue to be high on fun factor…while growing increasingly diverse.
– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE –
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled.Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Bowriders/Deckboat
The lines have blurred between bowriders and deckboats in recent years, but the common theme is an open bow cockpit that can accommodate additional passengers forward and the versatility to cruise, hang out at the sandbar, fish or pull everyone’s favorite towable. Featuring sterndrive, outboard or jet drive power, their V-hulls handle a variety of water conditions and prove exceptionally stable. Layouts feature seating in both bow and main cockpits and aft swim platforms ideal for swimming, coving or gearing up for watersports.
Quick facts:
- Average new boat price: Typically priced between $30,000 – $300,000, depending on length, horsepower, brand and trim level.
- Top Brands: Sea Ray, Bayliner, Yamaha, Chaparral, Four Winns, Scarab, Regal, Cobalt, Chris Craft, Monterey, Crownline, Starcraft, Tahoe
- Lake/water type: Ideal for small-medium lakes, but larger models with more horsepower can comfortably handle larger bodies of water.
- Average passenger capacity: 8 – 12
- Primary activities: Cruising, watersports, fishing, family fun.
Highlights:
- Incredibly versatile, with room for a family-sized crew and the ability to multi-task (i.e. cruise, fish, cove, watersports)
- Deckboats carry beam well forward, typically offering more passenger space than a runabout’s more pointed bow design.
- Most sizes are trailerable, opening up the boating lifestyle to those who live off the water or don’t wish to spend money on storage.
- Relatively simple to operate, with intuitive controls and responsive handling.
Considerations:
- Sterndrive and jet drive power not easily upgradeable should you desire to eventually repower.
- Exposed, open cockpits offer little protection in bad weather.
Runabout/Deckboats to Consider:
Pontoon Boats
Once equated as slow, stable platforms for senior citizens’ cocktail cruise, pontoon boats have matured to become one of the best-selling segments in the boating market. Still stable as ever, but with triple-pontoon configurations offering the buoyancy for ever more passengers and horsepower, modern pontoons take advantage of their rectangular footprint to include seating that rivals many living rooms and a seemingly endless list of amenities. Larger horsepower options make a pontoon a legitimate towboat for watersports. Fishing-oriented models will also satisfy the angler.
Quick facts:
- Average new boat price: Typically priced between $30,000 – $300,000, depending on length, horsepower, brand and trim level.
- Top Brands: Bennington, Harris, Starcraft, Sylvan, Avalon, Tahoe, Manitou, Barletta, Princecraft, Crest, Viaggio
- Lake/water type: Ideal for small-medium lakes. Larger models with triple pontoons can comfortably handle some larger lakes or even coastal waters.
- Average passenger capacity: 8 – 15
- Primary activities: Cruising, fishing, family fun.
Highlights:
- Diverse selection of floorpans allow buyers to choose a layout that fits their wants, needs and typical passenger load.
- Handling and horsepower have vastly improved and sometimes rival comparable fiberglass V-hulls.
- The ultimate party platform, often highlighted by cutting-edge sound and lighting systems.
Considerations:
- Medium to larger models are not easily trailerable by common tow vehicles.
- Harder to dock/maneuver on a windy day as perimeter fencing can catch the breeze.
- Though modern pontoon configurations have lessened the advantage, V-hulls still prove superior in rougher waters.
Pontoons to Consider:
Watersports Boats
While dedicated ski boats are still produced in limited numbers, most modern watersports boats favor the wake-sports crowd. Hulls are designed to naturally displace water. Wake-boosting internal water ballast tanks and a variety of transom hardware further dials in that wake’s size and shape. While V-drives remain the power of choice for serious riders, both jet drive propulsion and forward-facing sterndrives have opened up the market to a larger audience by also keeping propellers away from riders in the surf zone. Look for intuitive dash displays that dial in wakes, ballast and speed with just a few taps of the screen.
Quick facts:
- Average new boat price: Typically priced between $100,000 – $300,000, depending on length, horsepower, brand and trim level.
- Top Brands: Malibu, MasterCraft, Nautique, Centurion, Moomba, Supra, Tige, Scarab, Regal, Sea Ray
- Lake/water type: Ideal for small-medium lakes and relatively calm conditions.
- Average passenger capacity: 8 – 16
- Primary activities: Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, family fun.
Highlights:
- V-drives typically produce superior wakes, but forward-facing sterndrives and jet drives make wake surfing in particular accessible to a much larger audience.
- Typically a higher level of fit and finish, particularly on the interior.
- Intuitive controls make it easy to adjust multiple variables, and save a rider’s preferred settings in convenient presets.
Considerations:
- V-drive boats can’t be trimmed, which can mean a rough ride in choppier waters
- Typically more expensive than other boats of comparable size.
- Though modern pontoon configurations have lessened the advantage, V-hulls still prove superior in rougher waters.
Watersports Boats to Consider:
Fishing Boats
When your fishing grounds are freshwater lakes, your boat of choice often depends on what type of fish you’re after…and who else you have to please. Hardcore anglers can choose between low-slung bass boats, multi-species dual-console models or bigger-water center consoles. Family buyers may find the fish-n-ski the best of both worlds, or a fishing-ready pontoon offers the balance they’re looking for. Whatever your choice, look for plenty of rodholders, rod storage, livewells, and GPS/Fishfinders.
Quick facts:
- Average new boat price: Typically priced between $20,000 – $100,000, depending on length, horsepower, brand and trim level.
- Top Brands: G3, Smoker Craft, Yar-Craft, Bass Cat, Nitro, Charger, Ranger, Skeeter, Starcraft, Triton, Yamaha
- Lake/water type: Ideal for small-medium lakes and calm to medium-chop conditions.
- Average passenger capacity: 2 – 8
- Primary activities: Fishing, cruising, family fun.
Highlights:
- Fishing-specific models recognize the needs of the angler, and provide specific amenities like rodholders and storage, livewells to keep bait fresh, electronic GPS/Fishfinders and casting decks.
- Convertible seating options often balance the needs of the family buyer, with removable cushions, seating that transitions into casting decks, etc.
- Outboard power dominates the fishing market, but jet propulsion has made inroads and offers the shallow draft ideal for skinny waters.
Considerations:
- Even on family-friendly models, don’t expect the same plush seating found in mainstream runabouts and deck boats.
- Some models, like low-draft bass boats, are ideal for flat, shallow waters but can deliver a rough ride in chop.
Fishing Boats to Consider:
Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft deliver an experience akin to a waterborne motorcycle or snowmobile. Even the largest models are easy to tow, store and maintain. As a whole, they’re also some of the most affordable boating choices on the market. Bonus? Today’s personal watercraft are also more diverse than ever before. High-powered flagships still blast across the water and turn on a dime, but there’s also entry-level, family-friendly cruisers, playful freestylers, long-distance touring models, even wakesport and fishing-specific craft.
Quick facts:
- Average new boat price: Typically priced between $7,000 – $21,000, depending on length, horsepower, brand and trim level.
- Top Brands: Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki
- Lake/water type: Ideal for small-medium lakes, but larger models with more horsepower can comfortably handle larger bodies of water.
- Average passenger capacity: 1 – 3
- Primary activities: Freeriding, cruising/touring, watersports, fishing.
Highlights:
- Advantageous horsepower-to-weight ratios deliver strong acceleration and thrilling top speeds, while hull designs prove agile and responsive.
- Simple to trailer and store, as well as relatively easy to maintain.
- Diverse segments now include tamer recreational models, freestyle tricksters, touring-friendly cruisers, tow-sports haulers, even well-equipped fishing models.
- Relatively simple to operate, with intuitive controls and responsive handling.
Considerations:
- Though relatively simple to operate, riders must familiarize themselves with the craft’s unique controls, including the fact that throttle is required to turn.
- Appropriate riding gear is a must, including a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket and neoprene shorts or wetsuit.
Personal Watercraft to Consider:
– TOW LIKE A PRO –
Remember to leave extra stopping room when trailering your boat. At the ramp, be considerate of others but take the time you need to launch and recover your boat safely. Always check tie-downs, safety chains, lights – and the drain plug.Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Things to Consider When Buying a Lake Boat
Need more help narrowing down your options? Here are five more things to consider when buying a lake boat.
- Who will use it: Consider the wants and needs of your entire family, or those you plan to boat with. Make sure your eventual choice can accommodate everyone’s goals.
- Safety: Likewise, make sure your crew is safe. Parents of younger children will want a deep cockpit that feels secure.
- Size of the lake: Make sure your boat has the size and power to handle the conditions. Larger lakes require larger boats. Some may not be a fit for a boat’s size and style.
- Horsepower: Don’t test drive a boat solo, load it up like you plan to use it and see if it performs as expected. If not, consider going up in horsepower.
- Storage: Depending on the activity, friends and family may bring a lot of gear aboard. Check out the storage capacity, as well as the convenience of accessing individual compartments.
- Price: Be realistic about your budget and buy within your means. Remember added costs, like fuel, insurance, storage, etc.
– ALWAYS USE YOUR ENGINE CUT-OFF LANYARD –
Make sure your Engine Cut-Off Switch lanyard is attached to your person whenever you’re underway. They’re now required on all open boats under 26 feet.Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Other FAQs About Lake Boats
Have more questions about lake boats? Check out our list of frequently asked questions below, as well as extensive reviews of many lake-worthy boats at boatingmag.com.
- What is the best hull type for a lake?
It depends on the lake’s size and water conditions. A deep-V hull is a good choice for most any conditions. Flatter-bottom designs are fine if you keep to calmer, more sheltered areas. Pontoons handle mild-to-moderate conditions with relative ease, but can deliver a rough ride if wakes kick up.
- What is the best engine for a lake boat?
Sterndrive, outboard, inboard/V-drive and jet drive are all common engine choices powering lake boats. Outboards are easiest to upgrade should you want more power. Inboards are great for watersports, but can’t be trimmed like an outboard or sterndrive. Jets offer thrilling handling and low draft, but can suck up weeds and debris if present.
- What size boat is best for lakes?
Ideally, match your boat to your needs but also your lake. A 29’ bowrider is probably overkill for a 300-acre lake. Likewise, a smaller pontoon is not a good match for larger lakes that can get extremely rough.
- Are center consoles good lake boats?
An appropriately sized center console is a good choice for a lake if you’re into fishing and want full access around the boat’s perimeter. It’s probably not the best choice if family comfort is important or if you plan to do a lot of watersports.
- What brands or manufacturers produce good lake boats?
A wide range of manufacturers produce good lake boats, including runabout/deckboat manufacturers Sea Ray, Bayliner, Yamaha, Chaparral, Four Winns, Scarab, Regal, Cobalt, Chris Craft, Monterey, Crownline, Starcraft, and Tahoe; pontoon manufacturers Bennington, Harris, Starcraft, Sylvan, Avalon, Tahoe, Manitou, Barletta, Princecraft, Crest and Viaggio; watersports brands Malibu, MasterCraft, Nautique, Centurion, Moomba, Supra, Tige, Scarab, Regal, Sea Ray; and fishing manufacturers G3, Smoker Craft, Yar-Craft, Bass Cat, Nitro, Charger, Ranger, Skeeter, Starcraft, Triton, and Yamaha.
- What is the easiest type of lake boat to tow and store?
The easy answer, of course, is that the smaller the boat the easier it is to tow and store. Pontoons are typically the most difficult due to their physical size and unique trailers. Bowriders, deck boats and watersports boats depend on size. Check your vehicle’s owners manual to find its towing capacity. When figuring weight, don’t forget to factor in the weight of the trailer, as well as fuel and gear you have aboard.
- What kind of lake boats are best for families?
Bowriders, deck boats, pontoons, and wakesports boats are all ideal for families. Again, consider how your family will use the boat to determine which is the best choice. Some fishing boats can also do double-duty as family models if they offer features like convertible seating.
- Which lake boats are best for skiing, wakeboarding, or other watersports?
While many lake boats — including some pontoons — can pull a skier, wakeboarder or tuber, the best recreational rides will typically be offered by a runabout or deck boat with sufficient power. More avid enthusiasts will be best served by ski or wake-specific models designed to produce the ideal wake conditions for their individual sport. Wakesurfing? You must have a boat that keeps the propeller tucked well under the hull to keep the surf zone safe. Inboards/V-drives, forward-facing sterndrives and jet-drive engines all fit the bill.
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