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Convertibility is the single most underrated feature of the bowrider. The same hull is a family cruiser on Saturday, a fishing boat at dawn on Sunday and a sun lounge by lunchtime.
How bowrider seating, cushions and storage convert between family cruiser, fishing platform and watersports boat in minutes.
Bowrider seating is modular by design. Backrests flip, bases hinge, cushions lift out and filler pieces bridge the gaps. A transom bench becomes an aft-facing lounge, the cockpit becomes a sun bed, and the bow becomes a casting deck.
Better boats do this with proper hardware, gas struts, positive latches and cushions that store dry. Cheaper boats do it with loose cushions that end up in the garage.
Every conversion depends on somewhere to put the parts you removed. Look for a long in-floor ski locker, deep dry lockers under the bow lounges, a wet locker for vests and ropes, and an insulated chiller for food and drinks.
Fishing gear, water skis, lifejackets and personal items all disappear into hidden compartments, which is why a bowrider cockpit looks empty even with eight people aboard.
Family mode: all cushions in, bimini up, chiller loaded, tow rope stowed. Ski mode: rear cushions out, pylon in, rope and vests to hand, observer in the bow. Fishing mode: rear and bow cushions out, deck mat down, rod holders clamped on, bait board on the transom.
None of it takes more than ten minutes, and that is the whole argument for the type.
The bowriders that come up most often when readers ask us where to start.
The world's best selling bowrider size, Light, simple and easy to tow.
US$38,000 - US$52,000 new
The refined mainstream benchmark: quiet, dry, and beautifully finished for the money.
US$72,000 - US$95,000 new
15.5 ft fibreglass Bayliner bowrider with stern drive power — entry level pricing and a classic convertible bowrider layout.
US$26,000 - US$34,000 new
Featured Boat of the Week
This week we are putting the Bayliner Bayliner DX2000 in the spotlight, and it earns the spot. At 20 ft 2 in (6.16 m) long on a 8 ft (2.44 m) beam, this is a bowrider that reads the water well and still feels roomy enough for a full day out. A 20-foot deck-boat-width bowrider with outboard power and a huge social cockpit. Power comes from 115-150 hp mercury fourstroke outboard through a outboard package, and the fibreglass hull keeps the ride settled when the afternoon breeze puts a chop on the surface.
Seating is rated for 8 people, so there is space for family, friends, towels, eskies and the tow rope without anyone climbing over gear. Owners tend to buy it for family, water ski, leisure — which is exactly where it shines. Fuel is 30 us gal (114 l), and on the second-hand and new market you should expect to land somewhere around US$42,000 - US$58,000 new depending on hours, trailer and options.
Our full deep dive covers the layout in detail: bow lounge comfort, helm ergonomics, the rear entertaining area, storage that actually swallows a weekend, plus standard features, popular options and honest notes on where the boat compromises. If the Bayliner DX2000 is on your shortlist, start there — and check back next week, because the featured boat changes every week as we complete more full model reviews.
Featured Bowrider Article
Buying Advice
Fifty thousand is a genuinely useful bowrider budget. It buys a new boat with a warranty, a nearly new mid-size boat, or a large premium boat a decade old. Which route gives you the best boat depends on how much maintenance risk you are willing to carry. At this level, new means entry-level: aluminium bowriders around 4.8-5.5 m with 90-115 hp outboards, or the smallest fibreglass models from mainstream builders with modest sterndrive or outboard power. Trailer, basic bimini and a simple sound system typically fit inside the figure. You get a warranty, dealer support and zero unknown history — real value for first-time buyers. What you sacrifice is size and equipment: expect vinyl floors, manual canvas, single-battery wiring and few luxury touches. Two to five years old is where the budget stretches furthest. The same money buys a 5.8-6.4 m boat with 150-200 hp, a better-finished interior, a decent bimini, upgraded upholstery and often remaining warranty on the engine. Depreciation has already taken its biggest bite, reliability is still high, and the trailer, cover and safety gear are usually included. For most families this is the smartest fifty thousand in the market. The same budget also buys a ten-to-fifteen-year-old premium bowrider of 7 m…
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