Day cruising brings a smile to everyone's face – from families with young kids to couples looking for a peaceful afternoon. Picture yourself exploring hidden coves or cruising along scenic coastlines where the salt air fills your lungs. However, these perfect days begin with finding the right boat!
And truth be told, you can use virtually any vessel for days on the water. But which will be the best? We asked our team for their thoughts, so keep reading to explore the best boats for cruising.
What Is a Day Boat?
A day boat is perfect for a full day out on the water when you're not planning to sleep aboard. They're usually bigger than dinghies – but are typically still trailerable. And they're ideal for heading out for awesome activities like fishing, casual cruising, or water sports.
Best Boats for Day Cruising: All the Options
The beauty of a day boat is that you can use it however you want. Start your day by fishing, and then, in the afternoon, explore new local swimming holes. Or gather your friends for water sports – these boats handle it all. They vary from compact models ideal for couples to larger versions that accommodate the whole family.
Boat Finder Tool: Find the Right Boat for You
Here's a breakdown of the best day boats for cruising:
1. Center Consoles (18-65 ft., up to 12 passengers):
These versatile boats have evolved beyond their fishing roots. With excellent seakeeping abilities and open deck space, they're perfect for both coastal and lake adventures. (And most are trailerable, expanding your travel options!)
Learn More About Center Consoles
2. Pontoon Boats (16-30 ft., up to 15 passengers):
The classic day cruiser offers open bow seating and excellent maneuverability. Perfect for everything from scenic tours to water sports.
Learn More About Pontoon Boats;
3. Bowriders (16-28 ft., up to 9 passengers):
The classic day cruiser offers open bow seating and excellent maneuverability. Perfect for everything from scenic tours to water sports.
4. Cabin Cruisers (20-40 ft., up to 10 passengers):
These guys are ideal for those wanting extra amenities, including shelter and a head (bathroom). And while capable of overnight trips, they excel at comfortable day cruising.
Learn More About Cabin Cruisers
5. Walkarounds (18-30 ft., up to 7 passengers):
From offering 360-degree deck access and basic cabin amenities, these are popular day boats for cruising. They also combine fishing capabilities with family-friendly features.
6. Fish-and-Ski Boats (15-22 ft., up to 5 passengers):
Perfect for active families who want it all – start with morning fishing, transition to afternoon water sports, and end with a sunset cruise.
7. Sport Fishing Yachts (26-100 ft., up to 12 passengers):
While designed for serious fishing, these vessels offer luxury amenities and comfortable cruising capabilities for day trips with larger groups. (However, they are not trailerable!)
Learn More About Sportfishing Yachts
8. Cuddy Cabins (18-28 ft., up to 8 passengers):
Often used for angling, these combine the agility of a bowrider with basic cabin amenities. (Essentially offering a perfect balance for day cruising with the added benefit of a small shelter.)
9. Trawlers (26-50 ft., up to 10 passengers):
Though built for long-distance cruising, these stable platforms excel at relaxed day trips, especially in areas with variable weather.
10. Ski/Wake Boats (16-28 ft., up to 8 passengers):
These boats are ideal for active day cruising where water sports are the priority (cough, cough, the name). Plus, they offer comfortable seating and amenities for relaxed outings.
Learn More About Ski/Wake Boats
11. Jet Boats (14-25 ft, up to 10 passengers):
Perfect for shallow-water cruising and quick maneuvers, these offer exciting performance capabilities with family-friendly features.
12. Multi-Hull Power Boats (16-30 ft, up to 8 passengers):
Provide exceptional stability and spacious deck layouts – making them excellent platforms for comfortable day cruising.
LLearn More About Multi-Hull Power Boats
13. Sailboats (7-70 ft, up to 14 passengers):
For those who enjoy a more peaceful pace, sailboats offer a unique day cruising experience powered by wind. Sailboats are perfect for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
14. Motor Yacht/Power Cruiser (26-100 ft, up to 20 passengers):
The ultimate luxury day cruising platform offers spacious entertainment areas and high-end amenities that make every outing special. Perfect for those who want to entertain large groups in style, with multiple deck spaces, indoor comforts, and the stability to handle varying conditions. (Not trailerable.)
Learn More About Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers
15. High Performance Boats
Perfect for thrill-seekers who want their day cruising with an adrenaline rush, offering exceptional speed and agile handling. These vessels come in V-bottom and catamaran hull designs and are also trailerable for easy transport to different waterways.
Learn More About High Performance Boats
16. Aluminum Fishing Boats (8-24 ft, up to 8 passengers):
These low-maintenance vessels make great day boats for those who want to access remote locations and switch between fishing and casual cruising.
Learn More About Aluminum Fishing Boats
17. Inflatable Boats (8-30 ft, up to 6 passengers):
Perfect for casual day cruising with easy transport, storage, and launch capabilities. Plus, many models offer rigid transoms for outboard power and surprisingly comfortable seating.
Learn More About Inflatable Boats
Each of these best-of-the-best day boats brings something unique to cruising – from specialized features, different passenger capacities, or varying levels of comfort and amenities. The key to buying one depends on your needs (and budget).
Questions To Ask Yourself: Finding the Best Day Boats
Day boats are built to make the most of your time on the water, from sunrise to sunset. However, whatever the destination might be, choosing the ideal boat depends on several factors.
Before making any decisions, ask yourself these key questions:
- How many people do you plan to have aboard?
- Will you be in sheltered waters, or do you feel the urge to cruise into open bays, lakes, or the ocean? And what types of waterways are close to home?
- How far might you want to go on your day cruises?
- Will you go day cruising in all different weather conditions, or only when it's nice out?
- Is the cruise your favorite part of the experience, or are you more interested in arriving at new destinations quickly?
Where Will You Go Day Boating?
The type of waterways you'll visit should play a significant role in the kind of boat you choose. It's very different cruising in and around New York City; for example, it is like taking a trip down a river in middle America.
One significant factor here is to ensure the boat you choose is appropriate for saltwater use – if you're going to use it in bays or the ocean. However, average water depth and how much draft (clearance above the bottom) a specific boat requires should also play a role.
Additionally, consider how large the seas you'll likely encounter may be. (Factors like these may dictate where you can and cannot visit on your day cruises.)
On top of those, consider whether the boat will live in a slip or marina or if you plan on towing and trailering. If you can trailer the boat, your horizons are more or less endless. However, size restrictions and your tow vehicle's capacity will limit the size and weight of the ship you can choose from.
How Far Do You Cruise?
Let's talk about range – it's all about fuel capacity and careful planning. Even the best day boats have their limits out there. A smart approach to fuel management involves the one-third rule. Start by calculating your range by planning to use one-third of your fuel going out, one-third coming back, and keeping one-third in reserve.
Want to get specific about your range? Take your total fuel capacity, multiply it by 0.9, then multiply that number by how many miles per gallon your boat gets at cruising speed. Remember that those numbers can change quite a bit depending on the weather and how hard you're pushing the throttle.
(Conservative captains like to make sure there's an even wider margin of safety, and many go by the fuel rule one-third out, one-third back, and one-third in reserve.)
Will You Be Cruising in Bad Weather?
If you're a fair-weather boater who won't leave the dock when it's raining, then owning an open boat is no problem. But if you're determined to go boating even when the weatherman's report is less than ideal, getting a boat with some protection is a good idea. That doesn't necessarily limit you only to cabin boats.
- Center consoles, for example, can be equipped with T-tops or may have a small enclosure inside the console that you can duck into.
- Smaller boats like deck boats or even some aluminum fishing boats can be at least equipped with a Bimini top to offer some shelter when the weather turns for the worse.
- At the other end of the extreme, day cruisers in places like the Pacific Northwest, where it rains quite often, will opt for designs like trawlers that emphasize enclosed areas. Usually, they have awnings or convertible tops sheltering the cockpit.
The Best Boats for Cruising Depend On Your Lifestyle
We hope this blog answered all your questions, from "what is a day boat" to "which best boats for cruising" fit your needs. Some boaters love taking their time on the water, so a slower pace with a sailboat makes perfect sense. But if speed gets your heart racing, high-performance boats offer that extra thrill.
Here's what matters most: The right cruising boat matches your specific needs and style. One person's dream boat could be wrong for someone else. So, think through these key points while shopping, and you'll discover your best choice.
