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Runabout boats are the “Swiss Army knives” of the power‑boating world. Often compact (16‑30 ft), fast, easy to trailer, they’re built for pure day‑time fun on almost any calm body of water.
Why runabout boats matter
Recreational boating pours an estimated $57.7 billion into the U.S. economy every year – and a big share of those boats are runabouts. Lightweight and wallet‑friendly, they let new boaters sample cruising, fishing, and watersports without the cost or complexity of a larger cabin boat.
What exactly is a runabout boat?
- Size & capacity. Most models stretch 20‑24 ft and carry 4‑8 people – just right for a family or two couples.
- Open‑air design. Seating, storage and helm sit on a single deck with no separate living cabin, so every inch serves daytime fun.
- Versatile hull. Moderate V‑shapes give a dry ride on lakes and bays yet remain shallow enough for beaching or river sandbars.
Because the deck is wide open, you can swap tow ropes for fishing rods in minutes. There’s no wonder many larger yachts keep a runabout as a tender.
A quick trip through history
1920’s
Considered the “gentlemen’s racers” the first runabouts were sleek, varnished mahogany powered by early outboards. They turned heads at 30 mph, a time when few cars could match that speed.
1940–50’s
Post‑war surplus of aluminum found its way into riveted runabouts making them lighter, cheaper, and immune to rot.
1960’s–present
Fiberglass molds slashed costs and maintenance. Today, nearly every production runabout is glass‑reinforced plastic, though a handful of artisans still craft wooden classics for nostalgia’s sake.
Types of runabout boats
Bowrider
Open seating in the bow adds couches up front, great for sun‑seekers. Bowriders share hull designs with many deck boats, but their narrower bow and distinctive “V” hull help them slice through waves more smoothly.
Deck boat
A broader bow and square stern maximize walk‑around space, perfect for big crews or sandbar parties. Despite the name, deck boats are really just wide-beam runabouts; you’ll often see almost as much bow seating as in a bowrider, plus wrap-around aft lounges.
Cuddy cabin
A tiny lockable compartment in the bow offers dry storage or a shaded spot where kids can squeeze in for a nap. Typically, 4 – 7 ft long, it’s roomy enough for gear or little loungers, but not tall enough for standing.
Center console
The helm sits mid‑deck with 360° walk‑around fishing room, ideal for casting from any angle. While primarily designed as a fishing platform with rod holders, live-wells, and tackle storage, many models now add family features and watersports capabilities.
Jet boat
Inboard engines drive a jet pump instead of a propeller offering superb handling and excel in ultra‑shallow waters. However, these jet drives are thirstier on fuel depending on the hull size, engine tuning, make, model and year.
How runabouts are built today
| Component | Typical material | Benefits |
| Hull & deck | Fiberglass laminates over foam core | Strong, light, low‑maintenance |
| Frame & stringers | Fiberglass or treated marine plywood | Stiffens hull against pounding waves |
| Hardware | Marine‑grade aluminum or stainless steel | Resists corrosion in fresh or salt water |
| Upholstery | UV‑stable vinyl | Easy to hose off sand and sunscreen |
Electric runabouts are arriving fast. They swap gasoline engines for battery‑electric drivelines, offering near‑silent operation and zero tail‑pipe emissions – making them ideal for lakes with noise or fuel restrictions.
Power options
| System | Pros | Cons | Best for |
| Outboard | Easy maintenance, frees cockpit space | Weight on transom | Trailering, shallow water |
| Sterndrive (I/O) | Car‑like inboard engine, trim‑able drive | More parts to service | High‑speed watersports |
| Inboard shaft | Low center of gravity, clean transom | Fixed prop needs deeper water | Tow‑sport purists |
| Jet drive | No exposed prop, ultra‑shallow running | Higher fuel burn | Rivers, kids swimming off stern |
Runabout engines typically range 100‑300 hp, giving an easy cruising speed of 25‑40 mph – perfect for tubing or a 15‑mile evening hop to the waterfront tiki bar.
Advantages of runabout boats
- Affordability: New‑boat prices start well under the six‑figure mark, and the used market is huge.
- Easy launch & storage: Single‑axle trailers fit standard driveways and many marinas offer cheaper dry‑stack slots for boats under 26 ft.
- Low learning curve: With intuitive wheel‑and‑throttle controls, most first‑timers are comfortable after a single afternoon lesson.
- All‑in‑one fun: Cruise, tow a tube, cast in the evening, then beach for a swim – no other boat type covers that range as economically.
Where runabouts struggle
- Overnights: Lack of true cabin space limits trips to daylight hours or primitive camping ashore.
- Rough water: Their shorter waterline and moderate freeboard means heavy offshore chop is fatiguing and sometimes unsafe.
- Limited storage: Coolers, boards and fishing tackle fight for the same compartments; plan to pack light.
Safety and upkeep of runabouts
Check the weather before you leave
Summer squalls build fast. Postpone if gusts exceed what an 8‑ft‑beam hull can comfortably handle.
Wear (and carry) U.S.‑approved life jackets
In 2022, 85% of people who died in U.S. boating accident were not wearing a life jacket. So before you head out, make sure everyone on board has a properly sized PFD.
Give the engine five‑minutes of TLC after every outing
Flush with fresh water (a must after salt), check oil and coolant levels, and open the bilge to air‑dry.
Stick to the annual service schedule
Make sure to change the oil and filter every 100 hours, spark plugs and impeller every 200, plus a full electrical and fuel‑hose inspection at season’s end. Check the owner’s manual for the specifics.
Store it right
A breathable cover wards off UV damage. In freezing climates, you’ll have to winterize the block with non‑toxic antifreeze and fogging oil or hire a pro service.
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