Brands & Models
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.
The bowriders that come up most often when readers ask us where to start.
The world's best-selling bowrider size, in its most accessible form: 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
The previous-generation classic. Millions of families learned to boat in one of these.
US$8,000 - US$22,000 used
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.
