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