| Buying a family boat can be a bewildering | | | | outboard motor. The larger boats have a |
| experience, especially if you don't know much | | | | chemical toilet, which may be an important |
| about boats. Given the wide range of new and | | | | feature if you have children, or for female |
| used boats available, all with different | | | | family and friends. |
| functions and suitability, and you can | | | | |
| quickly find yourself involved in a purchase | | | | Both cuddy boats and half cabins have good |
| you don't need if you're not careful. This is | | | | weather protection - so you won't be exposed |
| particularly true if you want a boat for | | | | too much to wind and sea spray. The main |
| different activities. For example, ski boats | | | | difference between them is the lower cabin - |
| are quite specific in design, and not much | | | | it is bigger on half cabin boats. Half cabins |
| use if you have a lot of people wanting to | | | | will have more space in the area where the |
| cruise around, or go fishing. Also, the type | | | | boat is steered, and can come with a galley |
| of boat you'll choose if you want to go | | | | or sink. In the smaller half cabins (below |
| offshore will be different to a boat that is | | | | 6m), the back area of the cockpit is smaller, |
| better for inshore waters. | | | | though this is not an issue in the larger |
| | | | variety. |
| Probably the biggest consideration for those | | | | |
| wanting a family boat will be getting one the | | | | In addition to weather protection, these |
| right size - and within your budget. Getting | | | | boats provide some protection against |
| a boat that's too big for your needs can | | | | incoming waves because of their cabins. You |
| result not only in an increased cost at the | | | | can also fit a canopy overhead to provide |
| time of sale, but increased running costs. | | | | some sun protection, which is important if |
| Running costs should always be taken into | | | | you have small children who will be boating |
| consideration when deciding on the type of | | | | with you. |
| boat to buy. Fuel is not cheap! Other running | | | | |
| costs include insurance, the cost of the | | | | Finally, the bow rider is another good choice |
| trailer to tow it, and also storage costs. Do | | | | for families or those who bring groups of |
| you have a big enough storage area, or will | | | | friends along for recreational boating. Bow |
| you need to build a new one? | | | | riders have a lot more seating than most |
| | | | other boats, and they also ride well in |
| The cost of the trailer is a potential issue | | | | choppy waters because their steering is |
| if you decide on a bigger boat than you had | | | | closer to the back of the boat. These are |
| originally planned. For example, whilst a 5 | | | | inshore boats however - if you are boating |
| meter boat only needs a single axle trailer, | | | | offshore, the cuddy or half cabin will be a |
| a 6 meter boat requires a tandem axle | | | | better alternative. |
| trailer, which is more expensive. Also, | | | | |
| bigger boats need a 4WD to tow them, whereas | | | | Overall, there are many choices for family |
| smaller boats can be towed with regular | | | | boats. The market for used boats has a great |
| vehicles. | | | | deal of cuddies and half cabins, as these two |
| | | | are very popular choices. One thing to keep |
| In terms of boat type, the best family boats | | | | in mind, whatever type of boat you choose, is |
| are the cuddy and half cabin. Cuddy boats | | | | the importance of boat safety. Completing a |
| have a high cabin, or an enclosed deck with | | | | boat safety course is the best way to prevent |
| berth. The cockpit is of a medium size, and | | | | an accident to your family whilst you're on |
| there is usually a bench seat in front of the | | | | the water. |