Lake Life: The Best Boats for Lakes

You don’t have to go all the way to the ocean to enjoy a day on the water. Local lakes and even rivers offer lots of fun for boaters, as well as private boat dock rentals that make it even more accessible. Now, you probably won’t be able to use that 50’ sportfish you’ve been eyeing, but there are a variety of other boats that are perfect for lakes. You can enjoy the relaxation of a leisurely cruise, the thrill of pulling tubes and wakeboards or the calm of casting a line and reeling ‘em in.

While boat size is really the biggest issue when choosing a lake boat, there are some types that just suit the lake life better than, say, a sleek Hatteras sportfish or a speedy 38’ Wellcraft Scarab (save that one for Miami). Keep reading to discover some of our suggestions for the best boats for lakes.  

Bowrider

Photo: Bayliner Boats Facebook

Also called “runabouts,” bowriders are a versatile choice for towing, cruising and docking/dining on local lakes or inland rivers. They come in models from 17 to 35 feet and have room for six to 10 passengers. Forward seating (at the bow) gives everybody room to stretch out and relax. They’re characterized by a “pointy” nose (more so than a deck or ski boat) and offer deft handling and excellent performance. Examples of bowrider boats include the Bayliner 160 Bowrider, the Chapparal 23 SSi and the Regal 26 OBX.

Pontoon Boats

Photo: Pixabay

The humble pontoon boat is one of my all-time favorite boats for the lake. It may not be the speediest vessel on the water, but it’s a steady and stable ride. The wide deck and spacious seating make it the perfect “picnic pad” for families with small kids and lots of friends to anchor out and swim, snorkel or even fish. Some pontoon boats have kitchen space, a basic porta-potty and quite luxurious layouts.

Even though they’re known for leaning toward the slow side of the speed spectrum, you can still pull tubes with a pontoon boat. In fact, I’ve seen some of the newer pontoon boats getting up to a brisk speed. Pontoons can be harder to load onto a trailer, so this is when a private boat dock rental is a solid solution. Pontoon boats include models like the Bennington 24 R Swingback, the Suntracker Parkty Barge 18 and the Manitou 25 Legacy.

Deck Boats

Phtoto: Bayliner Facebook

If you want the open space of a pontoon boat, but need a bit more speed, a deck boat is a good mix of the two. Deck boats have wide bows and decks and are great for cruising, entertaining and even pulling tubes and wakeboards around the lake. They range in size from 19 to 26 feet and usually have a deep-V hull that flares out at the bow. Some have a tri-hull or a catamaran-style hull. Deck boats can be confused with bowriders as they often have forward seating areas, but the wide floor area is what sets them apart. Both are fairly easy to trailer, or store in a lakefront boat slip for rent. Deck boat models include the Hurricane Sundeck, the Stingray 212SC and the Lowe SD224 Sport Deck.

Ski Boats

Photo: MasterCraft Facebook

Freshwater lakes are the perfect surface for waterskiing, tubing and wakeboarding. Also called wake boats, ski boats are versatile vessels that can accommodate about eight passengers. Ski boats can be stored on-water in a private boat lift rental or launched from a public ramp. At 16 to 28 feet in length, ski boats can be trailered to other destinations beyond your local lake. Their versatility makes ski boats good for use as a runabout (like a bowrider), but they won’t have that smooth ride of a runabout since ski boats are designed with a flatter hull to provide a wake for skiing. Check out ski boat models like the MasterCraft X30, the Nautique Super Air Nautique 230 E and the Malibu 20 VTX.

Bass Boat

Photo: Unsplash

The low profile, swivel chairs and aerated livewells make bass boats a favorite among lake-loving anglers. They range in length from 16 to 26 feet. Whether you’re fishing for bass, trout, perch or catfish, bass boats can navigate calm or slightly choppy lakes with ease. The low deck is exactly what makes them undesirable for high waves in the ocean. Additionally, most parts of a bass boat are designed for fresh water, so taking them out in saltwater is a very bad idea. In the market for a bass boat? Take a look at the Bass Tracker classic XL, Bass Cat Puma or the Ranger Reata.

Sailboat

Photo: Unsplash

Sailboats such as sloops, sailing dinghies and pocket cruisers (under 30 feet) are a fun way to travel around wide lakes. Sailboats larger than that can be hard to trailer. While trailering a sailboat can be done, it’s not as easy or as convenient as a traditional boat (there’s that tricky issue of a keel on the bottom). If you want to avoid trailering, consider a private boat slip rental. Then, all you have to do is show and hop aboard. Smaller lake-friendly sailboats include the American 18, the Islander Bahama 28 and the Hunter 27.

Whether you want to pull tubes and wakeboards, take it slow and easy or catch all the fish, there’s a boat out there that’s perfect for a day on the lake. Hopefully you’ve found a few ideas to help with your decision. See you on the lake!