Bowrider vs center console for a family's first boat?
Asked by weekend_wally in Powerboats on May 31, 2026
Two kids (7 and 9), lake + occasional bay days, $35-45k used budget. Bowrider seems comfy, center console seems versatile. Owners of either: what do you wish you'd known?
3 replies
hatterashank · June 1, 2026
CC if anyone will EVER fish, bowrider if never. A CC with a bow cushion package does 90% of bowrider comfort; a bowrider does 10% of CC fishing.
outboard_ollie · June 1, 2026
The real answer is shade. Whichever one you buy, the family's verdict gets written by whether there's a top over their heads in August.
onemoreboat · June 2, 2026
Buy the layout the WIFE picks. I'm not being cute — if she's comfortable the boat gets used, and a used boat holds value. The spec sheet is for you, the cockpit is for them.