![]() ![]() ![]() 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. 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. Fibreglass hulls are more attractive, softer riding, and they handle much better than aluminium models. 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.Ĭonversely, fibreglass runabouts and bowriders will appeal to the sports boater. Aluminium models are less glitzy and more utilitarian. Of course, there is still quite a difference between alloy and fibreglass runabouts and bowriders. 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. Modern trailerable runabouts and bowriders are pretty well outfitted. Fibreglass for the glamour, alloy for the practicality 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.Īnother 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. 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. I much prefer an elevated cuddy cabin structure with bimini and clears - even if this means the cockpit has to be shorter. I can’t stand running an hour or more offshore and arriving at the fishing grounds wet and miserable. Anglers who opt for this style of boat are obviously prepared to deal with the lack of helm shelter in exchange for cockpit size. The appeal for fishos in this and other big runabouts is the size of the fishing cockpit. This boat has a standard runabout layout with a low windscreen and a huge rear deck area. The classic Haines Hunter V19R is a perfect example. Having noted the above, plenty of fishermen choose a runabout to fish offshore waters. 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. Trailerable runabouts and bowriders are ideal for boating and fishing in bays harbours, lakes, impoundments and other semi-enclosed waterways. In recent years, trailerable bowriders have become increasingly popular, and are set to replace the traditional runabout as the preferred configuration for family boating. With a bowrider, the full length of the boat is usable - not just the area aft of the windscreen. The result is a layout with loads of seating and open deck space. 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. ![]() 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.Ī variation on the classic forward windscreen, forward control runabout is the modern bowrider. 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. Throughout the world the runabout configuration has traditionally been the most popular of all trailerboat configurations. Bowriders set to surpass traditional runabouts in popularity 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. Nothing beats a good trailerable runabout or bowrider for family boating on Australia's big bays, harbours and impoundments. ![]()
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