How To Choose A Boat

Summer is on the horizon, which means that boaters everywhere are gearing up for their pleasure cruises, watersports activities, fishing trips and more. But if you’re stuck on the docks without a craft of your own, you can’t join in on the fun!

So you’re probably thinking strongly about acquiring your own marine vessel, but you may not yet be certain what it will look like or what you should consider. This guide to choosing a boat by Bob Hewes Boats, serving North Miami, should help you figure out what to look for so you can get the perfect boat, no matter what your plans are!

Size & Features

A major factor in figuring out what boat you should buy is determining the size of boat you need. For a two-person fishing outing that only takes an afternoon, you can get by perfectly well on a flat-bottom skiff. However, if you’re planning on entertaining a group during an evening river cruise, you might want to go with a boat that maximizes deck space like a pontoon.

Family outings necessitate a boat with sufficient seating space for everyone on board as well as some more amenities like a head (bathroom) or galley (kitchen) within a cabin to improve passenger comfort and enjoyment. If you’re going to be out in the hot sun or rainy conditions for hours, you’ll probably at least want a T-top cover for shelter.

What You’ll Do

Another way to narrow down your options is to figure out how you plan to use your boat. Some crafts are geared towards fishing, with features like livewells and rod holders. Other boats might have a ski pylon and additional ballast to allow you to tow watersport participants like wakeboarders. 

There are also plenty of boats made for simple pleasure cruising with ample seating around the deck so that everyone can converse comfortably and soak up the sun. Think about whether you need your boat to be more utilitarian or if you just want a boat that’s fun so you can eliminate any features that won’t be of use to you.

Visit Bob Hewes Boats in North Miami to see our selection of new and used boats for sale! We carry lots of popular styles so you’ll have plenty to choose from, and our staff will be happy to answer all your questions.