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Family Boats for Sandbar Days and Weekend Fishing
Anchor up.
Stay till sunset.
Shade, seats and a swim ladder. Still fishes on Saturday.
Find your fit
Offshore fishing
Inshore & bay
Family & sandbar
Cruising & overnights
A good family boat is one everyone wants to be on. That means shade overhead, seating that works for a crowd, a table, a stereo and, on larger models, a head, so the day doesn't end early. It also helps when the same boat can fish on Saturday and anchor at the sandbar with the family on Sunday. Florida's sandbars, spoil islands and sheltered coves reward a stable hull with a manageable draft and room to anchor up. The boats below include Sea Hunt Ultra models, Scout Dorado, Wellcraft T-Tops and Regal LX, Surf and SAV. Narrow the list by length, power and store, then bring the family by for a walkthrough on the water.
What to look for
Before you shop.
Shade: a T-top or hardtop that covers the crew
Seating, a table and a head for a full day
Draft and anchoring for sandbars
9 photosSea HuntUltra 219
17 photosSea HuntUltra 255 SE
16 photosSea HuntUltra 275 SE
40 photosWellcraft38 T TOP
Questions
Straight answers.
Ask about your water, your crew and your ramp. A real person at your store answers.
What kind of boat is best for sandbar days?
Look for a stable hull with a manageable draft, shade, seating for everyone and a swim ladder or easy way to get in the water. Many families choose a center console or a cruiser with a T-top and a bow seating area. Tell us how many people you bring and where you anchor, and we'll narrow the choices.
Can a family boat still be a fishing boat?
Yes. Many center consoles are set up for both: bow cushions and a table for the family, a livewell and rod holders for the fishing. Sea Hunt describes the Ultra as its family-fishing all-rounder. Ask about the seating and storage layout, because that is where family boats and fishing boats differ most.
Should I choose a center console, a bowrider or a pontoon for my family?
Center consoles trade some lounge space for fishing ability and a better ride in a chop. Bowriders put more seating up front, and pontoons offer the most deck space at lower speeds. This page focuses on center consoles and cruisers that also fish.
How many people can a boat carry?
Every boat has a rated capacity. Boats under 20 feet carry a U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate, and larger boats list a rated number of persons from the manufacturer. Never exceed it, and count children as people. Check the listing for the rated capacity, and ask our team about seating if your group is large.
Is a T-top worth it in Florida?
For most families, yes. Shade lowers the heat on long days and protects young skin. Sea Hunt lists a fiberglass T-top with a mister system as standard on the Ultra 265 SE, for example. Check each listing for what is included, because a T-top can also be an option or a later upgrade.
Keep exploring
Read up, then come see it.
Other ways to find your fit
Offshore fishing
Inshore & bay
Cruising & overnights