How You'll Use It
The fastest way to start an argument on a boat ramp is to say a bowrider can fish. It can, and thousands of owners prove it every weekend, but the setup matters.
Yes, a bowrider can fish properly. How to convert the layout, what gear to add, and where bowriders beat and lose to dedicated fishing boats.
These are the bowriders our reviewers reach for when fishing is the priority. Every one keeps the three-zone lounge layout intact.
Australia's default family alloy bowrider: light to tow, tough on ramps, genuinely fishable.
AU$55,000 - AU$75,000 new (rig)
Europe's value bowrider: outboard simplicity, walkaround deck, easy first boat.
EUR 35,000 - EUR 50,000 new
Affordable alloy bowrider that handles ramps, oyster racks and kids equally well.
AU$48,000 - AU$62,000 new (rig)
A deep-V bowrider for people whose water gets lumpy in the afternoon.
EUR 45,000 - EUR 65,000 new
Start by removing the rear lounge cushions and backrest, which on most boats lift out in under two minutes. That exposes a flat aft area that works as a casting platform and gives room to fight a fish without climbing over upholstery.
The bow lounges do the same trick. With the cushions out and stored, the forward area becomes a raised casting deck with the anchor already in place.
Removable rod holders that clamp to the gunwale, a portable bait board that sits on the transom, and a soft esky that doubles as a kill tank will convert almost any bowrider. A bow-mount electric motor transforms drift fishing if the deck can take the mount.
Keep everything removable. The whole point of the boat is that it goes back to being a family cruiser by Sunday afternoon.
You will not get plumbed live wells, under-gunwale rod racks or a fully open casting deck without cutting into a boat you probably do not want to cut. Bowriders also carry upholstery that hates fish slime and hooks, so a cheap deck mat is a wise investment.
For offshore work in a swell, a deep-V centre console or a plate alloy boat is the better tool. Inshore, in estuaries and on lakes, a bowrider fishes perfectly well.
Brands & Models
Convertible Bowrider Boats
Materials & Sizes
Aluminium Bowrider Boats
How You'll Use It
Bowrider Boats for Families
How You'll Use It
Bowrider Boat Maintenance
How You'll Use It
Bowrider Boats for Water Ski
How You'll Use It
Bowrider Boats for Leisure
How You'll Use It
How Do Bowrider Boats Ride?