Aussie’s Best Family Boat: Choosing the Right One for You

Searching for the best family boat for your Aussie adventures is one of those parenting rites of passage. Trading your sports car in for an SUV may have been the first, and now here you are, ready to kiss your zippy little speedboat goodbye in exchange for a waverider…

But wait – life with kids is more than just, ‘We’re gonna need a bigger boat!’

Suddenly, you’ve got snacks, small, moody humans, and safety front of mind.

Choosing the best family boat

Before you buy, ask yourself a few questions:

• What are you going to be doing in the boat?
• Are you heading offshore into the ocean, or sticking to calm rivers and lakes?
• Who will be with you?
• What is your skill level?
• What are your safety priorities?

What to look for in a family boat

When you’ve got young kids onboard, your priorities shift quickly.

Speed and style give way to concerns about how to keep your boating lifestyle active while nurturing that love in the next generation of young boaters. You start to look at everything through the lens of creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Safety features

Look for boats with easy-to-reach grab rails, secure seating, and plenty of room for safety gear such as life jackets and first aid supplies.

For peace of mind, choose a boat with a space that feels enclosed, not open and unpredictable. A layout that keeps little people safely inside the boat, rather than perched up front, makes a huge difference.

Stability

Kids move. Constantly…

A stable platform means less rocking, fewer slips, less risk of going overboard, and a more relaxed day for everyone.

This is where pontoon-style boats really shine – their design naturally provides a smoother, more balanced ride compared to traditional hulls.

And not to worry, with the right boat, you’ll still be able to enjoy gentle water sports i.e. being able to pull a tyre ring without throwing a toddler into the drink.

Easy water access

Whether it’s swimming or climbing back onboard after a kayak, safe and simple access to the water is essential.

Look for wide ladders, low entry points, and swim platforms that make getting in and out easy for little ones.

Space

Investing in the most space for your dollar makes family boating trips more fun.

A good family boat has room to move, room to store all your stuff, and room to breathe.

Bonus points if you add a BBQ boating package – there’s nothing like catching your meal and cooking it right there to give kids the full outdoor lifestyle experience!

Comfort

For a great day out, choose comfortable seating. Boats built with comfort in mind make full-day outings way more enjoyable, and not just for the kids!

Sun protection

A generous canopy or cover is essential.

Kids + sun exposure = a very miserable afternoon or weekend ahead. Good shade keeps everyone happier for longer.

Resale value

Hard to believe right now, but families grow, and your needs will change.

Choosing a boat with strong resale value gives you flexibility down the track.

Pontoon boats tend to hold their value well thanks to their versatility and family-friendly design.

Bowrider vs. pontoon: what’s better?

Bowriders are fun, sporty, and great for older kids and teens who want a bit more speed and action.

But for families with younger children, pontoons come out on top. They’re safer, more stable, and designed with space and comfort in mind – everything you need when boating becomes a family activity.

Ready to find your perfect setup? Contact the team at LAGEE and start planning your next family boating adventure!