The Best Bowriders For The Money

To say there’s been a lot of activity in the boat business over the past couple of years would be a huge understatement as millions of young families with kids discover the simple joys of getting out on the water.

The result is a massive demand for family runabouts, and bowriders making a triumphant return to the market after years of losing ground to fishing boats and pontoons.

Sporty, fun to drive, comfortable and versatile, bowriders have a lot to offer for boating families. So which are the best bowriders for the money? You can’t go wrong with any of these:

Bayliner VR4

Bayliner VR4

One of the biggest names in boating for generations, Bayliner has probably built more bowriders than anyone, and models like the stunning VR4 explain why. The boat offers a huge amount of interior space thanks to Bayliner’s BeamForward design, allowing more space in the bow and a more expansive rear seating area. Learn more here.

Chaparral 21 SSi

Chaparral 21 SSi

With seating for 12, a self-draining cockpit and a fully molded fiberglass dash, Chaparral’s 21 SSi is all about big fun and little maintenance. Premium upholstery, a great standard sound system, a color-coordinated Bimini top, LED lighting and a built-in 70-quart cooler are just the start of the standard features on this model that is certainly one of the best bowriders for the money. Learn more here.

Chris-Craft Launch 25 GT

Chris-Craft Launch 25 GT

With its classic, retro styling and exceptional attention to fit and finish, Chris-Craft’s Launch 25 GT might just be the most unique bowrider on the market today. Because the standard features list includes every imaginable luxury, the Launch 25 GT isn’t cheap. But in terms of value, it’s definitely one of the best bowriders for the money today. Learn more here.

Cobalt 220S

Cobalt 220 S

Any conversation about the best bowriders for the money has to include Cobalt, and specifically models like its 220S. Plush upholstery, exceptional build quality and innovative features like the company’s Zenith arch and its patented swim step put the 220S in a class of its own. Learn more here.

Formula 270 BR

Formula 270 BR

One of the bigger bowriders on our list, Formula’s 270 BR raises the bar with exceptional levels of comfort, convenience, storage space, seating capacity and overall luxury – right down to a spacious head compartment for comfort and convenience. And hey, it’s a Formula, so rocket acceleration and sportscar-like handling comer standard. Learn more here.

Scout 255 Dorado

Scout 255 Dorado

With brilliant features like its electronic aft-facing seat that easily converts to a lounger, Scout’s 255 Dorado ups the ante with its comfortable seating, a terrific sound system, a massive bow seating area, an electric grill and more. Scout says it’s ideal for fishing, cruising, entertaining, and watersports, and we believe every word, as this versatile craft is one of the best bowriders for the money. Learn more here.

Sea Ray SPX 190

Sea Ray SPX 190

If anyone knows a thing or two about good times on the water it’s Sea Ray, and that heritage lives on in its all-new SPX 190. Adaptable seating, a terrific Fusion Audio sound system, Vesselview Mobile control that lets you monitor the boat remotely on a smartphone and a 200 horsepower MerCruiser V6 are just the start of the standard features on this fantastic bowrider. Learn more here.

Starcraft SVX210 IO

Starcraft SVX210 IO

Starcraft began making boats way back in 1903, and in the 120 years since they’ve definitely figured out what works on the water. The SVX210 IO comes with versatile seating, a Bluetooth-enables stereo system, a standard Bimini top for sun protection, soft-touch flooring, a ski tow and a bow boarding ladder for easy reboarding off a beach or sandbar. When it comes to sporty performance, the SVX210IO is among the best bowriders for the money. Learn more here.

Tahoe 210 S

Tahoe 210 S

Tahoe has always been about value, and that’s clear in looking at the features on its 210 S. A standard Kicker stereo, am eight-inch touchscreen dash display, interior LED lighting, a standard stern boarding ladder and a non-skid fiberglass interior mean more time on the water and less time cleaning up. Learn more here.

Yamaha AR195

Yamaha AR195

Its 1.8L supercharged engine and jet drive with no exposed propeller make Yamaha’s AR195 especially popular among families with small children and those who enjoy wakesurfing. A spacious interior, comfortable seating, a digital dashboard display and snap-in woven mat flooring are just some of the AR195’s standard features that help it earn its spot on our list of the best bowriders for the money. Learn more here.