Whether it is island hopping, coastal cruising, fishing, or exploring the reef, offshore boats are designed to take you well beyond the basic perimeters of the shore. However, if you travel constantly by boat with more than just one passenger, not every offshore boat is the ideal water vessel to be on. Traveling with your family by boat means a lot of thought must be put into finding a water vessel that fits the bill. If you want to make the best out of your family waterway excursions, there are certain features you should be looking for in an offshore boat.  

Larger Floor Storage Compartments - Many offshore boats have a small storage compartment in the floor of the boat, but if you will be traveling with several passengers consistently, you need a much more ample storage space. Extra passengers will always mean extra gear, life jackets, and even waterway equipment like snorkels and fishing tackle. If you don't have adequate storage space, you will just end up with a cluttered deck that will make any boating trip less enjoyable. Before you invest in a boat, take some time to think about everything you will need to take along for your passengers so you have a good idea of how much storage you need.

Bow Seating - Bow seating is an incredibly useful feature to have if you will be traveling with more than just one or two passengers on board your boat. Even if you have ample seating space along the sides of the boat or in a center console, having extra seating along the starboard bow will just help ensure you have enough space for everyone on the vessel to be comfortable. While bow seats are usually bench type, some boats have rear facing pedestal seats positioned, but either way, you will value the extra seating area. 

Implemented Grab Rails Along the Sides - Grab rails are an especially important feature to have on an offshore boat that will be carrying younger children. Grab rails run along the sides of the boat, usually offering hinged sections or the capability to be removed as needed for climbing over and into the water. These metal rails give little hands something to hold onto when the water is rough or choppy to keep them from shifting or getting bounced around. Even though offshore boats usually have higher sides, the rails will add even more height for safety.    

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