What Type of Boat Show I Buy? Comparing Three Popular Choices
Whether you’re a casual weekend cruiser, an on-water entertainer, or an avid angler, the type of boat you buy can greatly impact your experience on the water. Among the many types of boats available, three popular options are triple pontoons, bowriders, and center consoles.
Choose the Best Boat for You!
So what type of boat should I buy? And how can I decide what kind of boat is right for me? Read on to learn the pros and cons of triple pontoons, bowriders, and center console boats to find the boat of your dreams.
Should I Buy a Triple Pontoon Boat?
The triple pontoon, or tritoon, is one of the most sought-after pontoon boat models. Some of the benefits that come along with owning a triple pontoon are the spacious, open floor plan to accommodate guests, stability over rough waves, and the option to lounge in the sun or shade using the large bimini top.
The amount of deck space and comfortable seating options on a triple pontoon boat allow larger families and groups to enjoy an excursion out on the water. Plus, all that room for water sports gear and an added high horsepower option make this boat ideal for water activities such as tubing and water skiing. Your experience on a pontoon boat can vary drastically depending on the boat’s horsepower. Read our blog on discovering the right horsepower for you!
There are also plenty of customization options for triple pontoons, such as grills, power bimini tops, and more to enhance their recreational value.
Browse our inventory of new and pre-owned Starcraft Marine triple pontoon boats here. And don’t miss our helpful boat walkthroughs and reviews – here’s just one walkthrough of the 2021 Starcraft Marine CX 23 DL triple pontoon boat.
Should I Buy a Bowrider Boat?
The perfect balance between sporty and leisurely, bowriders are a great choice for families and watersport lovers. Their agility and speed make them suitable for water activities such as tubing and water skiing.
Bowriders are an especially great choice for boaters interested in water sports, a contemporary style, and intimate family outings. Plus, choosing a smaller size bowrider can makes these boats easier to dock than a longer, wider boat such as a triple pontoon.
Although there may not be as much room for entertaining as on a triple pontoon, many bowriders offer versatile seating options so you can switch up how you lounge, with a perfect cockpit for spending quality time with the family. And when it comes to storage capabilities, there’s ample storage space in the seats, floor, and sometimes even a head compartment.
Browse our inventory of new or pre-owned bowrider boats here. You can also watch our boat review and walkthrough of the 2022 Four Winns HD5 bowrider, just one of the many boat reviews we do in a season!
Should I Buy a Center Console Boat?
Center Console boats aren’t just great for fishing, they can also make a great boat for families.
Although center consoles are known as a premier choice for anglers, the open layout, smooth ride, and comfortable seating options can make this boat ideal for families engaging in watersports, venturing into rougher waters, or simply hanging out on the boat. However, choosing a center console can reduce the amount of comfortable seating options and lounging areas that boaters often find appealing in pontoon and bowrider options.
Browse our inventory of Wellcraft Center Console boats here. Or watch our center console boat reviews, like our full walkthrough of the 2023 Wellcraft 202 center console boat.
With So Many Great Options, How Can I Choose the Boat for Me?
Choosing the right boat depends on your intended activities and the type of water you’ll be boating on. Schedule a one-on-one consultation here and let us help you discover your best boating fit. You can also take our Boating Personality Quiz and find out what kind of boater you are!
Let Bridge Marina Help You Get into Boating!
Test the Waters Before Making Your Purchase
Our Boating Club members can try triple pontoon, bowrider, and center console boats in our Lake Hopatcong or Highlands fleet. Click here to learn more about our Boating Club and discover the best boat for you. You can also take a look at our impressive Boating Club fleet on Lake Hopatcong or in Highlands.
Find the Boat That Fits Your Needs
Bridge Marina is a certified Starcraft Marine and Four Winns boat dealership. Our inventory holds a wide array of styles from new and pre-owned triple pontoons, fiberglass bowriders, center consoles, and more! Browse our new and pre-owned boats for sale now.
Service Your Boat with Bridge Marina
Our award-winning service department provides boat detailing, recommission, winterization and storage, fiberglass repair, and more! We are also Lake Hopatcong’s only Clean Marina, certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Place your boat’s care in our hands, and we’ll make sure that your vessel is meticulously cared for year-round. Fill out a service request form here to schedule your boat’s maintenance or repairs with us!
About Our Marina
At Bridge Marina, we’re dedicated to helping you kickstart your boating lifestyle and discover your perfect boating fit. Choose between our exclusive Boating Club, luxury boat rentals, pristine new and pre-owned Four Winns fiberglass or Starcraft pontoon boats, and so much more! However you decide to boat with us, our acclaimed team will be there, helping you every step of the way and beyond at our hospitality-focused marina.
Our flagship marina on Lake Hopatcong, NJ, sits just north of Brady Bridge in a serene, no-wake zone, mere minutes by water from dining, water sports, expansive open water, and secluded coves for anchoring. You can also enjoy our luxury boat rentals or Boating Club at our sister location at Baker’s Marina on the Bay at the Jersey Shore in Highlands, NJ!
Need help?
You can schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your boating needs here. You can also call us at (973) 663-1976 or fill out this quick form.
We look forward to connecting with you!