Best Bowrider Boats (Reviewed)

The Yamaha 222XD is the company’s smallest wake-series boat that comes with the impressive DRiVE technology package. The drive-by-wire Yamaha jet drives can be easily controlled at low power for close-quarters handling and docking. But, as fun as this little boat is to drive, the beauty of the machine is more evident in its SurfPointe wake surf system. It includes internal ballast tanks, electrically-actuated Wakeboosters, and rider-specific programmable presets using the 12.3-inch Connext touchscreen.

The VR6 is popular because it appeals equally to watersport enthusiasts as much as families who want to do some fishing and cruising.

It might seem like a budget bowrider because of its price in the more affordable end of the market.

Bayliner has done a good job on production and the VR6 demonstrates a solid sterndrive vessel that handles reliably and does pretty well as a ski boat.

With an emphasis on luxury and performance, the Formula 240 Bowrider blends sport boat handling with upscale features in a sleek, compact, and easily trailerable package that will certainly turn heads around the lake.

The bow of the boat features a concealed beach ladder as well as plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the sun. The cockpit offers a versatile and comfortable seating layout, including the captain’s chair which is double-wide. Simply flip the seat’s backrest to any position you desire.

The molded fiberglass helm station comes with all your standard features as well as a Clarion stereo system. And if entertaining is your thing, the 240 Bowrider comes with a removable cockpit table as well as a removable cooler. The molded cockpit wetbar and the stainless-steel sink are optional.

The aft section offers a double-wide full-length sun lounge with an angled backrest so you can watch the kids swim from the extended swim platform. Ski and wakeboard rack integrated into the tower supports means keeping plenty room for lounging.

Powered by a single 430 horsepower MerCruiser 8.2, the Formula 240 Bowrider reaches a top speed of 53.6 mph.

The SLX 350 is Sea Ray’s second-largest luxury deck boat. It is, more or less, the larger 400 with a much smaller cabin. For boat shoppers who know they won’t be overnighting, the SLX 350 is the biggest, top-of-the-line boat that offers maximum comfort and luxury for a day on the water. It’s available with twin Mercury sterndrives or Mercury Verado outboards.

The air conditioned cabin space in the 350 is cozy and offers a private area to change clothes. Sea Ray calls this the “day extender.” In practical terms, the television and cool air will keep the kids happy with their devices and provide lots of space to store your stuff.

You can overnight on it in a pinch, but it will probably feel like camping. For comfortable overnights, check out the larger SLX 400 or the Sundancer 370.

Simple yet comfortable and functional, the Tahoe 210S offers all the amenities to make your day on the water fun and full of great memories.

The bow comes with your standard lounge seating with ample storage below while the cockpit offers adjustable twin bucket seats, plenty of storage to keep your valuables secure and dry, and a Kicker stereo system with Bluetooth and MP3 capability.

The back of the boat features a comfortable U-shaped lounge with a remarkable aft storage compartment that makes one wonder why it wasn’t done before. An extended swim platform with a ski tow ring for the wakeboarder and water sports enthusiasts and a padded sundeck with an adjustable folding backrest for the sunbathers rounds out this gem.

Powered by a 225 horsepower Mercury FourStroke in different possible configurations, the Tahoe 210S will reach speeds over 55 mph.

Bryant Boats is a U.S. company with a growing footprint in the commercial boating industry and is known for their production of sterndrive runabout class vessels. Their 30 feet bowrider, the Calandra 27, is a model that keeps getting updated, for good reason.

Its wide-open deck makes moving from the bow to the stern a breeze. Lots of seating and storage mean a comfortable trip and nothing to block walkways. There’s plenty of horsepower available to push a sleek, solid design. The Calandra 27 is made for cruising, fishing, skiing and a host of other activities on the water.

A simple bowrider that’s easy to handle, easy to maintain, and easy to tow—that pretty much sums up the Regal 21 OBX.

What sets the 21 OBX apart from other entry-level bowriders? Regal’s fit and finish on this boat are outstanding, and the upholstery work is especially beautiful. Plus, the FasTrac hull and social seating options make it a boat you’ll enjoy playing with all year long.

From the cushioned and coated leather and vinyl upholstery to the varnished mahogany steering wheel, every detail on the Chris-Craft Launch 25 GT is designed with functional intent. From optional stern or outboard drives, there are so many customization possibilities on this bowrider.

The Chris-Craft trademark Tumblehome design has a deep V bottom and a flared bow complemented by the striking lines of the stainless-steel windshield.

Some standard features of this boat include a 10” Garmin display navigation screen with CZone digital switching with all the information you need right at your fingertips, a Fusion stereo system with amp and subwoofer, a spacious and versatile sunpad that can be converted into an aft-facing lounge, and for the thrill-seekers, a stainless-steel ski tow.

Bayliner builds two different series of deck boats. The Element boats feature their M-hull, a modified cathedral hull with three points, and come in lengths from 15 to 21 feet. The DX series has larger vee hulls with lengths available from 20 to 22 feet.

Bayliners are often criticized for their poor built quality, lack of amenities, and cheap fixtures, but the new generation is worth a look if you’re looking for a lot of bang for your buck. A small deck boat for lakes and bays doesn’t need to cross oceans, and Bayliner allows you to get into one of these boats for a lot less than most other brands.

With seating for up to nine people, a solid construction, and loads of comfort the Four Winns Horizon 190 presents great value along with all the amenities to make time on the water fun and special.

Ideal for entry-level boaters and small families, the H190 comes with dual captain’s bucket seats with flip-up bolsters, a Clarion sound system, a rear bench seat with a built-in self-draining cooler, a full-width sunpad that can also be converted into two aft-facing seats, and a nice and extended swim platform.

Powered by a 4.3L MerCruiser, the Four Winns H190 runs at a top speed of 46.5 mph.

Built with impressive quality and attention to detail, the Chaparral 21 SSi offers great performance, fuel efficiency, and a boatload of amenities that boaters of all kinds will certainly enjoy.

It features thick but soft luxury upholstery, two bucket seats with flip-up bolsters, a rear bench seat, a 70-quart built-in cooler, a multi-position sunpad, and an extended swim platform.

Powered by a 240 horsepower Volvo Penta V6, the Chaparral 21 SSi reaches a top speed of 48.8 mph.

Cruise in style aboard the Cobalt 220S. This sporty runabout has a size that will get you dock to spot quickly. Beach the boat or drop anchor, pull a towable by the optional adjustable zenith arch or have a meal in tranquility.

The “S” in the name stands for the optional sport seating layout in the cockpit. You can adjust the backrest to a rear-facing lounge or fully recline it for a sunpad. The arch adjusts for easy garage storage too.

At the stern, you’ll find another versatile and comfortable sunpad, a removable cooler, and an extended swim platform, which comes with Cobalt’s signature, the flip-down swim step for easy water access.

Powered by a 225 horsepower Volvo Penta V8, the Cobalt 200S reaches a top speed of 44.2 mph.

This little Sea Ray has all the right features in a small, easily towable package that can get you on the water fast. It’s one step up from Sea Ray’s smallest (and least expensive) boat, the SPX 190. But the 210 gets you just a little more space for friends and family, a little more room for water toys and gear, and a little more capability to tackle a fun day on the water.

While the SPX series is poised as Sea Ray’s entry-level boats, these boats have a much better fit and finish than most of the company’s competitors. You’re getting a high-end Sea Ray, but it lacks the amenities you’ll find on the SLX-class boats. Still, there are plenty of upgrades available.

This is a great boat for lakes and bays that is plenty capable in coast regions as well. Like all modern Sea Rays, you can pick between sterndrive or outboard power.

Yamaha’s twin-engine 27-foot boats include some of the company’s largest and most powerful vessels. These boats are yacht-certified for maximum capacity and come loaded with high-tech features that make your day on the water a great one.

The 275SD is the top-of-the-line Yamaha. It comes with DRiVE X, Yahama’s best control system. With twin engines, the boat can spin on its axis and hold position laterally on a dock. These controls are built into the system, with forward/back paddle controls on the helm wheel.

This 27-footer is laid out well, with a comfortable bow lounge and convertible aft seats. Just aft of the helm, you’ll find a galley prep area with cooler storage and a built-in sink. There are a lot of moving features that make this boat a great entertainment vessel for watersports and leisure enthusiasts.