5 Best Boats for Lake Boating - Top Picks for Smooth, Safe Lake Days

Choose a 20–22 ft fibreglass Bayliner with a reliable outboard; this combo delivers solid stability, easy handling, and a broader appeal on inland waters.

Bayliner VR6 – 20–21 ft fibreglass hull, outboard 150–200 hp, seats up to 8. Top speed near 38 knots, cover options available, and consoles are easy to read. Relative advantage lies in a size that remains agile yet solid in chop; annual costs stay moderate on inland-water days; it also works well with a shorter trailer and a bigger parking footprint near the ramp. What makes it a strong starter is its balanced performance and coastal adaptability.

Bayliner Element XR 18–20 ft – lightweight, fibreglass deck; outboard 115–150 hp; seats for 6–7; speed 28–34 knots; cover included; consoles compact and easy to navigate; costs are comparatively lower than larger siblings; draft is shorter, letting you reach shallow bays and coves with less risk.

Makocraft Offshore 22 ft – fibreglass hull, outboard 150–200 hp; knots 40+ top end; roomy bow space and seat layout making it convenient for families; solid stability in breezy conditions, and cover options for sun protection; maintenance remains straightforward, and costs stay reasonable relative to its size; this option is offshore-ready when winds rise along coastal shores.

CoastalCraft 2100 – 21 ft fibreglass runabout with an outboard 150–175 hp; seats for 6–8; speed 28–32 knots; consoles are roomy and easy to monitor; cover helps preserve the solid gelcoat and reduces costs of upkeep; ideal for longer day trips along coastal shores.

Among these picks, the Bayliner VR6 stands out as the go-to baseline with scalable power, compact size, and a track record of smooth handling on inland-water days. Your decision hinges on whether you value a larger bigger cockpit, a quicker speed, or a lighter load to cover the trailer when you move between ramps.

Boston Whaler Lake-Ready Picks: 5 Models for Calm Water

Baseline pick: 150 Montauk – comfy in placid coves, integrated fishfinder options and a responsive touchscreen helm; a strong option in the market with high resale value and a specific balance of value. These five models cover a range of needs.

Smaller option: 130 Super Sport – side-console layout, target coves, easy to trailer, Makocraft-inspired simplicity; brands like Ranger and Stessl back this family-friendly package.

Mid-size workhorse: 170 Montauk – larger than 150, with higher freeboard and integrated electronics; adds deck space to store gear and wakes management; specific mix of deck space and ease of use, the 170 Montauk hits a good balance.

Rugged option: 180 Dauntless – tough, stable on chop, built to handle wakes while staying comfy in shallow water; traditional Whaler DNA pairs with modern electronics.

Family-ready: 190 Montauk – bigger interior, comfy seating, suited to skiers, ready to pull wakes, outfitted with options like fishfinder and touchscreen, a smart choice for day trips and light fishing.

источник: official Whaler specs and market data.

Montauk 170: Compact Stability for Small to Medium Lakes

Choose Montauk 170 when you need stability in coves and shallow channels. This model pairs a traditional bow with a compact cockpit, delivering predictable, damped response in chop. A narrower beam aids inland maneuvering in slips and tight passages, while a high freeboard adds security that benefits kids and beginners. The hull is made to resist spray and keep essential gear within reach, making daily outings more comfortable and supporting a wide range of activities. Whos priorities include safety and easy control.

Length is about 17 ft, beam roughly 7 ft 8 in, draft shallow, dry weight around 1,750–2,000 lb. Payload capacity typically 1,300–1,800 lb, enough for a family of seven depending on gear. Engine options run 90–115 hp; top speeds near 35–40 mph under typical load. The dash accommodates a fishfinder installation and optional GPS/chartplotter, with a clean center console and a roomy bow storage for tackle, sunscreen, and kids’ PFDs. An example setup includes a single helm, a digital depth readout, and easy-access side pockets for small items.

Activities include family cruising, casual fishing, and watersports; this model sits in broader categories yet still meets the needs of whos who want safety and simple operation. Specific upgrades–such as a fishfinder preinstalled or a compact chartplotter–can be added at the store. The cockpit remains roomy enough for kids to learn basic rig handling; rigs and lines stow neatly, and a call to the dealer helps tailor a setup.

Compared with intex inflatables, Montauk 170 offers a stiffer ride and more stable tracking in crosswinds. Tahoe models deliver similar cockpit depth and coastal ergonomics, yet Montauk’s traditional build and proven resale value have been a staple in many store displays and dealer inventories. This combination keeps demand steady among families seeking a reliable, well-made craft that can handle a wider range of day trips, from calm mornings to breezy afternoons.

To explore options, call rudow for current stock and scheduling a test on a nearby waterway. This model also lends itself to example setups, including a fishfinder, a well-placed safety kit, and spaces to store kids’ life jackets; you can begin with a basic intex for comparison and progress to a dedicated configuration.

Montauk 190: All-Around Lake Cruiser with Easy Handling

Choose Montauk 190 when you want comfy seating, around-docked control, and a hull that delivers stable days on inland channels with an easy handle at the helm.

Known as a versatile cruiser, this model adapts to activities from casual cruising to angling and family outings, often with room to spare for gear and toys.

• Specifications: length around 19 ft (5.8 m), beam about 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m), dry weight near 3,000 lb, fuel capacity around 50 gal (190 L), and a passenger capacity suitable for a small crew. Range and loading will vary with engine choice and options.
• Power and speed: engine options from 115 to 150 hp keep pace with waterways, delivering fast acceleration and confident planing while maintaining a comfortable ride on chop and channels alike.
• Layout and comfort: comfy bow and cockpit seating, wide side rails, non-slip decks, and a spacious stern platform that lends itself to water toys or a quick step aboard after a swim.
• Electronics and integration: equipped with integrated electronics, fishfinder, GPS, and VHF options; electronics modules help sailors locate channels, mark waypoints, and stay connected when out beyond the marina.
• Versatility and activities: designed to support anglers, families, and social days; there’s space to mount a fishfinder, rod holders along the side, and a livewell setup if you want quick checks on catch and release.
• Anglers and adapters: been used by first-time anglers as a confidence-builder; the layout keeps lines clear and access simple, while the helm is easy to read from the comfy captain seat.
• Brand and support: Boston Whaler is known for reliability, and Montauk lines deliver a steady, seaworthy feel with durable builds that have been used across seasons and seasons of use.
• Water-sport readiness: the stern platform supports water-toy setups, including Sea-Doo accessories and similar activity modules for added splash and social days on the water.
• Availability and value: reviews on Amazon and dealer networks highlight the model’s consistency, range of configurations, and return-you-to-dock peace of mind when the day winds down.
• Tips for better handling: start with a light load, keep gear centralized, and use the integrated electronics to plan routes through channels; there’s a natural ease that will translate into better control on first trips.

Dauntless 180: Family-Friendly Platform for Watersports

Choose Dauntless 180 if your family wants easy handling, a stable ride, and a wide, inviting deck that accommodates skiers and wakeboarders without crowding. Specific handling, predictable wake, and the ability to produce calm cruising lanes make this model a reliable lake-related choice.

Key specifications and design notes:

• Hull is fibreglass with a deep-V profile and solid stessl-inspired builds that deliver predictable handling in chop.
• Bowrider configuration provides open, social decks; forward seating converts to a sun pad when idle.
• Comfort-focused decks include non-slip surfaces, ample toe rails, and padded gunwales for everyone onboard.
• powered by a single outboard in the 150–200 hp range, with options from brands such as Mercury or Yamaha; throttle response is very linear, making it easy to handle for newcomers and experienced cruisers alike.
• Capacity supports 7–8 adults; ballast is minimal thanks to a shallow draft and smart layout–another perk tied to lake-related activity routines.
• Swim platform and integrated ladder extend the social season; platforms on some stessl builds resemble a small dock, boosting comfort during exit and entry.

Performance and usage notes:

1. In wakeboard or ski setups, this hull can produce clean planing at low speeds and maintain stability when idle, which helps kids and beginners stay comfortable.
2. The cockpit layout keeps the skier and observer areas within sight; a separate helm area preserves your crew's line of sight.
3. Storage: dedicated wells under seating, water-tight compartments, and removable bins reduce clutter and preserve deck space for activities.

Model range and sale options:

• Models include a few builds with different seating arrangements and decks; most hot-selling configurations feature extended bow lounge and deeper gunwales.
• Standard equipment covers a full safety stack, fold-down billet steps, and a bimini or hardtop depending on the chosen build.
• Dealers often provide bundled sale incentives, including sloped rub-rails, upgraded stereo, and wakeboard tower; these items boost appeal to ski enthusiasts. theyre eager to hit lake-related action quickly.

Why it resonates with families and brands:

• Design heritage traces to stessl roots, known for rugged fibreglass hulls and practical layouts; this creates consistent builds across models.
• The platform emphasizes comfort and easy handling, so even first-time owners feel confident docking and relocating between coves.
• Bowrider bias provides ample seating and a social forward space, while the stern deck remains generous for gear and passengers.
• Hot-selling add-ons include upgraded sun pads, stainless ski pylons, and a deeper swim platform; theyre easy to install and increase daily usability.
• Brands in this class emphasize dealer support; ensure you choose a seller with solid parts back-up and quick maintenance options.

Dauntless 210: Spacious Deck for Day Trips on Larger Lakes

Pick Dauntless 210 with a roomy deck, suited to one-day outings across larger water. Open cockpit design yields secure flow from bow seating to stern transport area, keeping gear in reach and groups together.

Size around 21 ft, beam near 8 ft 6 in; seating for 9–12 adults ensures the crew can spread out during long cruises. Aft and bow lounges combine, while non-slip surfaces and secure handholds enhance safety.

Power and performance: outboard engines up to 300 hp provide fast acceleration, while a tough hull design maintains a smooth ride in chop. Electronics such as GPS, depth sonar, and VHF keep navigation secure; the build includes apache-grade fittings and aussie-grade wiring for durability.

Design notes: modern lines, a shorter windshield option, and a center console deliver more headroom, while secure rails and a wide bow platform assist when moving about the watercraft. The layout supports sorts of activities from fishing to cruising to fish-and-ski.

Those who want a compact, capable transport with a bigger deck will appreciate this model; Aussie buyers often see it as a popular choice.

Conclusion: If you want a secure, modern watercraft with a roomy deck, Dauntless 210 delivers a better balance of size, power, and comfort. It will deliver a smoother ride across a range of conditions.

Outrage 25: Offshore-Style Ride Tailored for Lake Days

Choose Outrage 25 when lake days demand a seaworthy, offshore-leaning ride that stays composed at speed. The hull is a deep-V design that maintains stability in chop, while a broad beam keeps the cockpit feeling roomy with gear and guests.

Perks start with the integrated amenities: bow lounge, aft sunpad, lockable rod storage, and an insulated cooler. Essential electronics include a fishfinder that integrates with GPS, and a dash that accommodates an additional radar or chartplotter. Among the areas where this model shines are its fishability and family-friendly layout.

Power and range: engine options span 250-350 hp; fuel capacity around 110 gallons; cruising range roughly 150-180 miles depending on load and conditions; top speed near 60 mph with a light load and optimum prop. The size and builds of the hull support steady planing and predictable handling across lake area exposure.

Investment and design: this makocraft-inspired series emphasizes integrated systems and rugged hardware. The makocraft shells pair with intex seating components to provide a durable, family-friendly cockpit. Ranger-grade fittings add reliability. The included amenities span a premium stereo, underwater lighting, and a clever tackle area. An integrated fishfinder layout helps spot structure and tailor your fishing plan.

Example setup and call to action: Example configuration with 350 hp power, a 12-inch screen, and integrated radar; call a dealer to start a test; switch between family cruising and fishing tasks by adjusting seating and rod holders; their news across the dealer network highlight improved ride on inland waters.