Budget Boating: Runabouts and bowriders

Nothing beats a good trailerable runabout or bowrider for family boating on Australia's big bays, harbours and impoundments. These craft are available as basic pressed-alloy fishing tinnies through to high-performance fibreglass sports tow-boats with plush seating, plenty of creature comforts and loads of interior space.

OVERVIEW
- Bowriders set to surpass traditional runabouts in popularity
Throughout the world the runabout configuration has traditionally been the most popular of all trailerboat configurations. This type of craft has the windscreen, helm and engine controls positioned well forward in the boat so that there is a great deal of cockpit space aft.

This type of layout does not have any berth sleeping space, or an enclosed area to seek shelter – but it does have heaps of open cockpit space, and this is great for day boating in good conditions.

A variation on the classic forward windscreen, forward control runabout is the modern bowrider. With this layout, the windscreen and helm is usually positioned a bit further aft in the boat so that it becomes possible to fit a V-shaped or semi-circular seating area up in the bow area, forward of the windscreen.

The result is a layout with loads of seating and open deck space. With a bowrider, the full length of the boat is usable — not just the area aft of the windscreen.

In recent years, trailerable bowriders have become increasingly popular, and are set to replace the traditional runabout as the preferred configuration for family boating.

RUNABOUTS & BOWRIDERS
- What are they good for?
Trailerable runabouts and bowriders are ideal for boating and fishing in bays harbours, lakes, impoundments and other semi-enclosed waterways.

These craft can also be used in offshore waters, but the low position of the windscreen on most models, and the lack of shelter from wind and spray, makes them best for waterways that are protected, or where you can seek shelter should the weather blow up.

Having noted the above, plenty of fishermen choose a runabout to fish offshore waters. The classic Haines Hunter V19R is a perfect example. This boat has a standard runabout layout with a low windscreen and a huge rear deck area. The appeal for fishos in this and other big runabouts is the size of the fishing cockpit. Anglers who opt for this style of boat are obviously prepared to deal with the lack of helm shelter in exchange for cockpit size.

Personally, I prefer the opposite. I can’t stand running an hour or more offshore and arriving at the fishing grounds wet and miserable. I much prefer an elevated cuddy cabin structure with bimini and clears — even if this means the cockpit has to be shorter.

To counter the lack of shelter issue, some runabout manufacturers are now mounting their windscreens on a raised deck or platform so the skipper can stand at the helm with improved protection from the weather.

To achieve the same objective, other builders are going without a windscreen altogether and fitting a fibreglass or alloy "wave breaker" deck platform - behind which the helmsman and co-pilot can shelter in inclement weather.

Another option for weather protection on standard, low windscreen runabouts is to surround the helm area with a clear canvas "tent" to shelter the skipper and crew — but it doesn’t work as well and it looks quite silly.

ALLOY OR FIBREGLASS?
- Fibreglass for the glamour, alloy for the practicality
Modern trailerable runabouts and bowriders are pretty well outfitted. As a rule, the glossy fibreglass rigs will be a lot more glamorous looking and better equipped than pressed alloy models – but, even the alloy models these days have carpet throughout, walk-through windscreens, moulded dash units, and extras like drink holders and upholstered side pockets and back rests.

Of course, there is still quite a difference between alloy and fibreglass runabouts and bowriders. Aluminium models are less glitzy and more utilitarian. Alloy models will appeal more to fisherman and general boaters looked for an easy care, low maintenance craft that can occasionally be used for pulling the kids on a tube, etc.

Conversely, fibreglass runabouts and bowriders will appeal to the sports boater. Fibreglass hulls are more attractive, softer riding, and they handle much better than aluminium models. If you want to go fast, pull skiers or wakeboards, or simply get a buzz out of zooming around the bay, then a fibreglass runabout or bowrider is the way to go.

There are several Aussie manufacturers of quality sports bowriders and towboats, but the most glamorous, best appointed craft generally come from overseas, although they can get quite pricey.

Leading brands like Chaparral, Cobalt, Sea Ray, Mastercraft, Bayliner, Four Winns, etc, produce wonderfully appointed sports boats in a wide range of sizes.

For specific applications, including serious water skiing or wakeboarding, etc., then you should be looking for a boat designed specifically for that purpose... and there are plenty available from local and overseas manufacturers.

LAYOUT & DESIGN
- Lots of convertible seating and storage space essential
Most runabouts will have seating for a minimum of four adults, with a comfortable bucket chair for the driver and forward passenger, along with stern quarter "jump seats" or a full-length rear padded bench seat.

Another common fitment in sports runabouts and bowriders is the back-to-back seating arrangement. This is a low set, fixed structure with one forward and one aft facing seat. Two of these up front, along with two rear jump seats, or a padded, full width rear bench type seat provides seating for six of seven adults.

Generally, these back-to-back chair/seat assemblies can be re-configured into a full-length sun lounge, too.

Aluminium runabouts and bowriders will usually have twin pedestal mounted bucket chairs for the skipper and forward passenger, along with a fold down or lift out rear lounge.

The seating in most alloy boats will be a little plainer, less 'sumptuous' than in a comparable fibreglass rig, reflecting the aluminium boats more general-purpose application.

FISHING BOWRIDERS
- Family boating/fishing cross-over models
Twenty years ago, few anglers would have considered purchasing a trailerable bowrider boat for fishing. Bowriders have traditionally been made of fibreglass and intended to be used as sports day boats for the glamour set – or for day trips with the family tubing, etc.

In Australia, this changed in the late 1990s with the release of the Freedom Sport bowriders from Quintrex.

Quintrex were the first local company to promote the concept of an aluminium bowrider as a family boat that could easily double as a fishing rig. With an interior layout that combined a seating area forward with a casting platform, the Quintrex Freedom Sport models could easily be rigged up for bay, harbour and impoundment fishing.

Today you'll find most alloy boat brands will have their own fishing/family cross-over bowriders including Formosa, Horizon, Stacer, Stessl, Savage, etc.

Modern examples can also be rigged with a whole lot more than just a casting deck. These days you can option your bowrider with fishing accessories such as a bow-mount electric trolling motor (with battery storage under the deck) pedestal lean seats, lift out pedestal chairs, tackle storage drawers, rod storage racks... the works!

In the US, family fishing bowriders are generally referred to as "Fish & Ski" models. Most fibreglass and alloy trailerboat manufacturers produce them. Chaparral for example has its H2O Ski & Fish models available in 5.8m and 6.4m hull sizes.

THE VERDICT
- Runabouts for shelter, bowriders for seating and storage space
Whether you opt for a runabout or a bowrider depends on a number of factors. If you want to use the boat offshore, then a runabout is the better choice in the trailerable sizes through to around 6.0m in length. The runabout has an enclosed foredeck, so any spray or water taken over the bow will wash back over the side.

Having made this comment, the runabout layout is likely to be harder riding than a similar-sized bowrider. In most bowriders, the helm position is located further aft in the boat, further back from the forefoot or what I call the 'banging zone' in a boat. In most sea conditions, the difference between boat types will be imperceptible, but if you run into a heavy chop, the bowrider is likely to feel more comfortable riding than a similar sized runabout fitted with the same hull - simply because of where you are standing to drive the boat.

If your choice comes down to seating, then the bowrider trailerboat wins hands down. If you have a large family the extra seating area up in the bow will be invaluable.

With regard to the alloy vs fibreglass debate, if high performance boating, tubing, wake boarding or water skiing is envisaged, then a fibreglass boat is unquestionably the best choice. But if you just want to poke around the harbour with the kids, do a bit of fishing, social water skiing, knee boarding, etc., then a pressed aluminium boat could be just the ticket.

There's a lot of information to share with the photos accompanying this "Runabouts and Bworiders" article. Here are some extended and informative captions as the photos fall with this story....

PIC 1: An original Haines Hunter V19R pictured launching at Narooma on the NSW South Coast. While lacking in weather protection due to the low-set position of the windscreen, trailerable runabouts like the V19R have traditionally been popular with anglers due to the sheer size of the rear cockpit.

PIC 2: To counter the lack of shelter issue, some runabout manufacturers are now fitting "wave breaker" modules in place of a regular windscreen — or mounting windscreens on a raised deck or platform to create what is best described as a shelter cuddy. As you can see from the attached photo of Horizon's brand new 485 SunRunner, the shelter cuddy runabout configuration gives the skipper and crew more protection from the weather.

PIC 3: In the smaller sizes, Horizon's traditional forward windscreen, forward control runabouts remain popular. Models like this 465 SunRunner are ideal for newcomers as they are inexpensive, versatile, lightweight and seaworthy.

PIC 4: A variation on the classic forward windscreen, forward control runabout is the modern bowrider. With this layout, the windscreen and helm is usually positioned a bit further aft in the boat so that it becomes possible to fit a V-shaped or semi-circular seating area up in the bow area, forward of the windscreen. Pictured is a deep vee, outboard-powered sports bowrider from renowned local builder, Haines Signature.

PIC 5: US manufacturer, Bayliner is a world leader in the production of affordable, yet well appointed fibreglass bowriders. Pictured is the best selling, MerCruiser sterndrive powered VR5. Note the almost square bow shape which has been introduced to increase the size of the bow seating area.

PIC 6: The view looking aft in the nicely appointed Bayliner VR5. The best family sports bowriders will have ample interior and storage space, along with seating that can be re-configured, or folded down to create a chaise style lounge and/or sun bed.

PIC 7: Quintrex aluminium bowriders popular in the early 2000s by promoting them as great family boats that could double as serious rigs. With an interior layout that combined a seating area forward with a casting platform, the Quintrex Freedom Sport bowriders could easily be rigged up for bay, harbour and impoundment fishing. The author is pictured here at the helm of the launch model back in 1999.

PIC 8: Quintrex now has two separate bowrider line-ups, the traditional Cruiseabout models and the new high performance orientated Freestylers. The latter are equipped with the ground-breaking Apex series hull, notable for its distinctive pickle-fork bow, fine, flared bow entry shape and wide chines. This is the 550 Freestyler.

PIC 9: The bow seating compartment in the 550 Freestyler is wider, more spacious than most comparable size models due to the squarer, pickle-fork bow shape of the Quintrex Apex hull. Note also the electric trolling motor perched up on the bow. Pull the seat cushions, insert an infill board and the bow area converts into a casting platform.

PIC 10: Most local alloy boat brands now produce bowrider trailerboats from 4.5m right through to 6.0m in length and beyond. Pictured is the great looking Stacer 619 Easy Rider.

PIC 11: The interior of the Stacer 619 Easy Rider may not be as luxurious as some comparable fibreglass models, but it is arguably more versatile, as the spacious cockpit, high freeboard and easy fold-down seating allows the boat to double as a bay and coastal fishing rig.

PIC 12: US manufacturer Cobalt has a large range of premium quality sports bowriders and towboats. You wouldn't know it by the stylish interior fit-out, but this CS22 is actually an entry level model within the range. It's a stunning looking boat with a wonderfully appointed interior and excellent performance from a Volvo 240hp V6 petrol sterndrive.

PIC 13: Formosa Marine's X series bowrider models have the windscreens mounted above a raised deck to achieve a high driving position for improved weather protection. Expect to see more of these SUV-like craft on the water soon - as they are relatively inexpensive and remarkably versatile.

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