Last Updated on November 12, 2026
For 8 incredible boats that redefine what a family day on the water looks like, start with a design that fits how your family spends time outside. The Sea Ray SDX 250 is a strong all-around choice because its open deck layout gives you room for cruising, swimming, and relaxing together.
Your ideal boat might be a pontoon with a roomy lounge, a fishing boat that welcomes kids, or a quiet electric cruiser for a slow afternoon. As you compare models, think about where you’ll boat, how you’ll use the swim area, and how much seating your crew needs.
Quick picks:
- Best all-around: Sea Ray SDX 250
- Best for wake sports: MasterCraft NXT22
- Best for quiet cruising: Duffy 22 Sun Cruiser
1) Sea Ray SDX 250
You get a versatile deck boat for family cruising, swim breaks, and comfortable time aboard. Its open layout makes it easy to move between the cockpit and bow, while the wide seating areas give your group space to settle in. When you anchor for a swim, the aft area keeps water access close at hand.
This 25-foot model suits families who want one boat for several kinds of outings, including a run across the lake and a relaxed afternoon at a cove. Before choosing a configuration, check the seating plan, storage, and engine option with your dealer. A bimini top adds shade for younger passengers, and a boarding ladder makes swim stops easier to manage.
2) Yamaha 252SD
You get quick handling and a social layout in this twin-engine jet boat. Its jet propulsion avoids exposed propellers, a useful detail when your family swims near the stern. The open seating plan also keeps conversation easy while you cruise, and the swim platform gives you a comfortable place to prepare for a dip or tow-sport session.
Choose this model if you want a family boat with energetic performance and room to bring friends along. Twin engines provide the power for watersports, while the jet system suits many shallow-water boating settings. Keep the operating area in mind when planning a swim stop, and follow the owner’s guidance for engine shutdown and passenger safety. Review storage space and seating positions to make sure the layout fits your crew’s gear.
3) Bennington 23 LXSB
You get a lounge-focused pontoon that makes it easy to spend a full day together on the lake. Its swingback seating lets you change the direction of the aft lounge, so you can face the water or turn toward the rest of your group. The broad deck also gives you room to move around without crowding the seating area.
This 23-foot pontoon works well for families who value comfort, easy conversation, and unhurried cruising. Use the open deck for snacks, board games, or a fishing rod, then shift the lounge to watch swimmers from the boat. Check the selected floor plan for storage and seat placement before buying. You can also ask about shade options and the recommended passenger capacity for the specific configuration you’re considering.
4) Boston Whaler 240 Vantage
You get a flexible dual-console layout for family cruising with fishing gear in the mix. The separated helm and passenger consoles provide a familiar ride for your crew, while the open cockpit supports casting, moving around, and preparing for a swim. That balance makes this 24-foot boat a practical option when family outings include more than one activity.
Choose it if you want your boat to handle day trips, casual fishing, and time at the sandbar. The bow seating creates a comfortable place to ride, and the cockpit gives you useful working space when you bring rods aboard. Before purchase, compare seating and fishing features in the exact trim you want. Confirm that the storage setup fits your tackle, towels, and safety equipment.
5) MasterCraft NXT22
You get a purpose-built wake boat for family days centered on surfing, wakeboarding, and towing. Its hull and wake-shaping equipment help create rideable waves, while the cockpit gives passengers a place to watch the action between turns. The 22-foot size suits families who want watersports capability in a boat that still works for cruising and hanging out at the lake.
If your kids are eager to learn wake sports, plan for the full setup: boards, ropes, properly fitted life jackets, and an experienced spotter. Ask your dealer to explain the controls for shaping the wake and setting speed for different riders. Storage needs attention too, since boards and wet gear take up room. Check the seating arrangement and gear compartments against the number of people you expect to bring.
6) Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX
You get an easygoing pontoon layout with room for lounging, snacks, and lake views. The open deck keeps your family connected, and its seating arrangement is designed for relaxed outings with several passengers. A swim ladder supports easy water access when you stop, while a changing room adds a handy bit of privacy aboard.
This 22-foot pontoon fits families who want a simple setup for cruising and swimming. Bring a cooler and beach towels, then use the wide deck as a comfortable base between activities. Check the exact model year for its seating configuration, storage, and listed capacity. You’ll also want to compare available shade options if your plans include long hours in direct sun. Ask your dealer which motor choices fit your usual waterways and preferred cruising pace.
7) Ranger Reata 220F
You get a fish-and-cruise layout that gives your family a clear place to cast and a comfortable ride between spots. The fishing-focused design supports time on the water with rods and tackle, while the seating helps make the trip enjoyable for passengers who would rather watch the shoreline.
Consider this 22-foot model if fishing is a regular part of your family outings. Check the casting areas, rod storage, and seating positions in person so you can picture how your crew will move around. Ask about the motor and electronics included in the configuration you’re comparing. A well-fitted life jacket for every passenger and a simple plan for keeping hooks and tackle contained help make family fishing trips smoother.
8) Duffy 22 Sun Cruiser
You get a quiet electric cruiser suited to slow outings and conversation on calm water. Its covered seating area offers shelter from sun and light weather, while electric propulsion keeps the ride peaceful for your passengers.
That relaxed pace works well for sightseeing, picnics, and evening cruises where the journey itself is the main activity. Choose this 22-foot cruiser if your plans center on sheltered waters and low-speed family time.
Electric boats require attention to charging access and the route you plan to travel, so ask the dealer about the battery setup and charging needs for your chosen model. Check local rules for your boating area, too.
Pack food and drinks before departure, and leave room aboard for jackets, towels, and any gear your family needs during a longer outing.
