There’s nothing quite like being out on the open water, surrounded by natural beauty. And what better way to enjoy that experience than from the comfort of your own boat?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day of fishing or want to explore some of the most scenic lakes in the country, there’s a perfect boat out there for you.
Here are 5 of the best lake boats for Relaxing and Sightseeing:
1. Sylvan L-3 DLZ
The Sylvan L-3 DLZ is the perfect lake boat for relaxing and sightseeing. It has a spacious, comfortable floor plan, perfect for groups of up to 10 passengers. It has a powerful 5.7L motor, making it ideal for cruising on the lake. Additionally, it has a Bimini top to provide shade from the sun, a stereo system for playing your favorite songs, a wake ballast for an extra fun time on the water, and a swim platform for swimming and fishing. Furthermore, the tower provides a great vantage point to take in the scenery, and the Surf Shaper helps create perfect waves for wakeboarding and water skiing. All this makes the Sylvan L-3 DLZ an excellent choice for enjoying a relaxing and memorable outing on the lake.
2. Boston Whaler 190 Montauk
The Boston Whaler 190 Montauk is an ideal lake boat for relaxing and sightseeing, thanks to its impressive features. The boat has a length of 21 feet, a capacity for up to 10 passengers, and a motor of 200HP, giving it enough power for comfortable cruising. The boat is also equipped with a bimini top for protection from the sun, a radio for entertainment, lounge seating for comfortable lounging, and storage for your supplies. Furthermore, its best uses include sightseeing, fishing, snorkeling, cruising, and relaxing, making it an excellent choice for spending a day on the lake. Finally, its depth finder and tubing capabilities add extra capabilities to the boat, making it ideal for a variety of activities on the lake. All in all, the Boston Whaler 190 Montauk is an excellent boat for relaxing and sightseeing on the lake.
3. CRUISERS SPORT SERIES 279
The Sports Series 279 Cruiser is an excellent choice for relaxing and sightseeing, thanks to its features such as a Bimini Top, Radio, Lounge Seating, Storage, Split Seats, Seat Strap Tow Hook, Wide-Angle Mirrors, Large Swim Platform, and Tow Hook. These features provide plenty of protection from the elements, a comfortable place to relax, and plenty of storage for items you bring with you. The powerful motor and large capacity allow you to get to your destination quickly and safely. Additionally, the wide-angle mirrors and large swim platform provide excellent visibility and convenience when sightseeing and enjoying the outdoors.
4. Regency 250 LE3
The Regency 250 LE3 is a great lake boat for relaxing and sightseeing with its 10.8 ft length and 300 HP motor. It has a capacity of 2 passengers and boasts features such as split seats, a seat strap tow hook, wide-angle mirrors, a large swim platform, and a tow hook. It also comes with a bimini top to provide shade from the sun, a radio for entertainment, and lounge seating for comfort. It also has plenty of storage space for your belongings.
5. PURSUIT SC 365I
The Pursuit SC 365I is a great lake boat for relaxation and sightseeing because it has several features that make it perfect for the lake. It has a 10.8 FT length, a capacity of 2 passengers, a 300 HP motor, and features including split seats, a seat strap tow hook, wide-angle mirrors, a large swim platform, and a tow hook. These features make the boat perfect for cruising and open-water fun. It’s also great for sightseeing as it has a large swim platform and wide-angle mirrors to take in scenic views. Its split seats and seat strap tow hook make it comfortable for lounging and spending time on the lake.
What to consider when buying a boat for cruising on lakes?
Size
When buying a boat for cruising on a lake, size should be considered since it can affect the type of activities you can pursue and the comfort of your ride. Smaller boats, such as runabouts, are great for use on smaller lakes, while larger boats, such as cabin cruisers and cuddy cabins, are more suitable for larger bodies of water. Larger boats will provide a safe and comfortable ride due to their speed and range, and they might also include features such as a galley, berths for overnighting, and a low cabin for shade.
Comfort
When buying a lake boat, comfort is an essential factor to consider. Pontoon boats are excellent for lake cruising because they are wide, stable, and offer plenty of seating for passengers, while cabin cruisers, bowriders, yachts, sailboats, and deck boats are also great boats for lake cruising. Boats that offer comfortable seating, shade for passengers, and a swimming platform with ladders will provide an enjoyable experience on the lake. Additionally, Scout Boats has an excellent reputation for providing a comfortable and luxurious ride on the lake. With the right lake boat, you can enjoy a day of watersports, freshwater fishing, and cruising on the lake in luxury and comfort.
Safety
Safety is an essential factor to consider when buying a lake boat, as it can significantly impact the safety and enjoyment of your time on the water. Whether you’re fishing, skiing, tubing, or simply cruising around sightseeing, it’s essential to obey applicable laws regarding alcohol usage, PFDs, and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers. Taking a boating course can provide boaters with important information on common courtesy while on the water, as well as the legal requirements and regulations. Ensuring you have the right boat and necessary safety equipment will help you enjoy a safe and memorable experience while on the lake.
Price
When considering a lake boat purchase, price is an essential factor to consider. Not only do you need to factor in the cost of the boat, but also the cost of any necessary gear and accessories, registration, insurance, and annual fuel, storage, and maintenance costs. These costs can add up quickly and can be a deciding factor in which boat you choose. Also, bigger boats often have a higher cost than smaller boats and can require more in terms of maintenance and fuel. It’s important to consider your budget and the cost of owning and operating the boat before making a purchase.
FAQ
What is the best type of boat for sightseeing on a lake?
When it comes to sightseeing on a lake, the best type of boat is a personal watercraft (PWC) or jet-ski. PWCs are compact and easy to maneuver, making them great vessels for sightseeing. Depending on the make and model, they can comfortably hold up to three passengers. They don’t have an exterior propeller, meaning they can travel into small coves and shallow areas without the risk of injury or environmental damage. PWCs are also easy to anchor and dock, which is great for lake or river locations.
How do I know what size boat is right for me?
Step 1: Consider your Location – Where you live and how far you will have to travel to get to the water will determine the size of the boat you need. If you plan to keep a boat at home and tow it to the water when you want to use it, consider the boat’s size and the vehicle that will pull it.
Step 2: Consider the Type of Water – If you plan to boat in the ocean, you may need a bigger boat with a greater draft than freshwater. Likewise, if you plan to boat in shallow water, you may need a flat-bottomed boat designed for shallows.
Step 3: Consider the Activities – Are you looking for a boat for water sports or for the whole family to learn to sail together? If you are looking for weekend trips, you will need a bigger boat with space to sleep and storage.
Step 4: Consider Your Boating Experience – If you are new to boating, you may want to consider a simpler boat until you gain more experience. The more technical features a boat has, the more maintenance and knowledge you will need.
Step 5: Consider Salt or Freshwater – If you plan to use your boat in the ocean, you will need a more hearty boat than if you were using it in a lake.
What features should I look for when choosing a lake boat?
When choosing the best lake boat for your family, it’s essential to consider the size of the lake, the activities you plan to pursue, and your budget. Features to look for include a boat that’s the right size for the lake, with plenty of seating and adequate power and range for the conditions. If you plan to spend time waterskiing, wakeboarding, and other watersports, look for a boat with a swimming platform and ladders to facilitate easy re-entry. Boats with large decks, premium sound systems, and plenty of comfort features are ideal for lake cruising. If you plan to use your boat in shallow water, look for a flat-bottomed boat explicitly designed for this purpose. Depending on the size of the boat and how close you live to the lake, you may be able to tow it or store it at home, or you may need to find a marina where you can keep it. Additionally, if you plan to take trips in the ocean, you’ll need to consider a sturdier boat with a deeper draft than freshwater.
What safety equipment do I need to have on board my boat?
When renting a pontoon boat, it is essential to ensure it comes with the necessary safety equipment. This includes enough life jackets for all adults and children on the boat, as well as a fire extinguisher, dock lines, buoys, boat fenders, and anchors. Additionally, you should wear UPF and quick-dry clothing, including a sun shirt, sun hat, and comfortable bottoms. Taking a boating course is also recommended to ensure you stay safe.
What are the best boating destinations for sightseeing and relaxation?
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a family vacation, many lakes across the United States offer the perfect opportunity to get out on the water and soak in some stunning scenery. In the West, you can find beautiful and deep freshwater lakes for a memorable boating experience. The Midwest is known for its expansive reservoir lakes, where you can find picturesque views and diverse wildlife. In the South, you can rent a pontoon boat for a day of fun and relaxation on the lake. Visit Spa Shiki on Missouri’s lake’s shores to enjoy pampering and wellness treatments. And in the East, take a boat ride around the Great Lakes to enjoy sunsets and beautiful mountainous scenery.