Choosing the right size boat is one of the most important and exciting steps in becoming a boat owner. Whether you're planning to fish off the coast of Tampa Bay, cruise with family in St. Petersburg, or explore the sandbars around Clearwater, the size of your boat matters for comfort, safety, and overall fun. Here’s how to figure out what size boat is right for you.
Start With How You’ll Use Your Boat
Before thinking about length or beam width, start by asking: What do I want to do on the water?
Here are a few common use cases with boat size suggestions:
Inshore or bay fishing: 18–25 feet
Offshore fishing: 26–36 feet
Family cruising & sandbars: 22–30 feet
Overnights or longer trips: 30+ feet
Think About Passenger Capacity
How many people do you usually boat with?
Here’s a quick breakdown of recommended boat sizes based on group size:
2–4 people: 18–22 feet
5–8 people: 22–26 feet
8+ people: 26–36+ feet
Storage and Trailering Considerations
If you're trailering your boat, keep in mind:
Boats under 26 feet are easier to tow and store.
Anything over 28 feet may require a storage facility or marina slip.
Wider beam boats (like cruisers) often need special towing permits.
Know the Waters You’ll Navigate
Tampa Bay and Florida’s Gulf Coast include:
Shallow flats and bays: ideal for smaller bay boats and center consoles.
Deeper Gulf waters: Better suited for larger offshore boats with twin engines.
Busy bridges and passes: Smaller boats are easier to maneuver in high-traffic areas like the Gandy Bridge or John’s Pass.
Recommended Boats by Size Category
20-21 Feet – Compact & Easy to Tow
2025 Sportsman 212 Open- Starting price is $103,330*
A 21-foot center console boat that offers plenty of comfortable seating for up to 8 people. Its design includes premium dual chairs with flip-up bolsters and armrests at the helm, a forward seating area with cushions, and additional seating integrated into the transom, making it ideal for family outings or fishing trips.
23–26 Feet – Versatile and Spacious
2025 Sportsman 231 Heritage- Starting price is $96,975*
A 23-foot center console that offers plenty of comfortable seating for up to 12 people. Its family-focused design includes a comfortable bow layout that features wrap-around seating with all the cushions, removable backrests, and two large storage boxes at the bow, giving you plenty of places to stow away your items.
26–35 Feet – Comfort and Capability Combined
2025 Jeanneau NC 1095 Weekender- Starting price is $438,210*
A 35-foot cruiser built for family adventures and weekend getaways, the 2025 Jeanneau NC 1095 Weekender offers generous space for up to 8 people. It includes 3 cabins, a full galley, and multiple lounging areas—ideal for family trips and coastal cruising.
Still Not Sure? Visit us at Thunder Marine
We know it’s a big decision, and we’re here to help you make it confidently. At Thunder Marine, we’ve helped thousands of new boaters on Florida’s Gulf Coast choose the right size, layout, and features.
Choosing the right size boat isn’t just about numbers—it’s about matching your lifestyle with the right features and layout. Visit Thunder Marine to explore our inventory, or call 727-381-4444 for personalized assistance. It's not just a boat, it's a lifestyle!
*Prices can and may change at any time without notice.