If you are a South Florida resident, chances are you love being on the water. But there is a multitude of ways to be out on the sea in a boat and a wealth of boat diversity to explore when determining what water activities to partake in.

If you are looking to find the right boat for you and your family and to get the most out of your boat, read on for some helpful suggestions for finding the right path.

Questions To Ask When Looking at Boats

If you’re looking to buy a boat, chances are you have a reason. Perhaps you like to fish, or maybe you like to go snorkeling with your family. Whatever your reasons, you are probably well aware of the range of boat diversity available and the need to make choices that will work for the whole family.

One question to ask is: who will be using the boat? If the boat is primarily for you and your son, and you both enjoy fishing, you might want to start by looking at all-purpose fishing boats — or something more specialized, like a bay boat or bowrider.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the best all-purpose boats or the best boats for families, you might want something a little less specialized — like a cabin cruiser, cuddy cabin, or deck boat.

On the other hand, are water sports your sort of activity? In that case, an option like an inflatable, or a jet boat, might suffice. In general, it is important to ask yourself who will be using the boat, what the boat will be used for, and how frequently it will be used.

What Is the Best All-Around Boat To Own?

With such boat diversity available, it can be hard to say what the best all-around boat to own is. Still, there are some good rules of thumb. A boat with diverse attributes — good for the family, fun for fishing, appropriate for water sports — may offer you the most bang for your buck, especially if the boat is to be used by many people.

Here are some examples of watercraft that may fit this bill:

• Jet boats: Jet boats are easy to handle, and without a propeller, are especially safe for the family. While there may be fewer options than other types of craft, jet boats can be a great all-around choice.

• Pontoon boats: Pontoon boats may be a little unusual, but they are fun and stable and offer plenty of opportunities for full family fun.

• Sailboats: Obviously, sailboats take a unique set of skills and interests to operate. But they can be a great way to teach kids about the open sea and can be excellent for fishing, too.
• Fish and ski boats: Fish and ski boats are exactly what they sound like, designed to be great for water sports and fishing. With accessories allowing you to take advantage of both activities, plus sleek designs that allow for general water enjoyment, this can be a great class of all-around boat.

• Bowriders: Finally, bowriders are a great class of laid-back watercraft that can be an excellent choice, no matter your particular interests. They come in many sizes, offer plenty of seating, and can have unique customization (including kitchens and bathrooms), depending on your personal proclivities. While not specifically designed for fishing or water sports, they certainly can be used for this purpose.

Getting the Most Out of Your Boat

With such a boat diversity to choose from, it can be hard to find a good all-around pick that allows you to fully enjoy your time on the water, as well as engage in a multitude of fun activities.

Ultimately, you want your boat to be a source of connection. Work with your family to determine what you want out of a new boat. Do you want to fish together or go on day or overnight cruises? Do you want to waterski or wakeboard out on the water?

Once you have a list of criteria, you can begin to narrow your options. But whether you end up with a jet boat, sailboat, trawler, walkaround, deck boat, or something else, with careful planning, you will be able to find that a boat is versatile — and a great way to bring the family closer together.

Get On the Water With Your New Boat

For help in navigating boat diversity and figuring out just what boat is right for you, contact Nautical Ventures. We are a marine superstore and can connect South Florida water enthusiasts with their perfect boat.

Don't wait! Contact Nautical Ventures online today.