Be it the beautiful Byron Bay, the gorgeous Gold Coast or the wonderful Whitsunday Islands, a sail through the Australian waters can offer some spectacular scenes. A long cruise on your personal vessel can be the ideal way to enjoy the vistas. Which watercrafts are ideal vessels for long cruises? You need to make the right choice.
Cabin Cruisers: Comprising a galley kitchen, sleeping berths and a toilet in the head, these recreational boats come equipped with air conditioning, heating, shore power systems and power generators.
You may choose a stern drive model fitted with a propeller drive mechanism. This is easier to drive but is mostly used in inland waterways. Inboard cruisers, steered with a rudder, are better suited to saltwater journeys. They are usually bigger too.
Cuddy Cabins: Easy to manoeuvre, these boats have a closed deck above the bow; this makes for a snug sleeping area inside for your family. It also accommodates a toilet and sink, and even a little place for some cooking.
A cuddy cabin can accommodate 4-8 individuals. And while you can enjoy a long cruise on it, you can also enjoy other activities such as skiing, wakeboarding or tubing. You can add a swim platform, sun-pad or towline hook with it.
Houseboats: Want to get away on a long cruise with your extended family or your group of friends to your favourite destination? Well, you need a big boat that offers an experience similar to a stay at a lake house.
The spacious interiors and the opportunities to dine, sleep and entertain make it an ideal watercraft if you wish to take many people on board. Unlimited fun guaranteed when you have such a luxurious choice as a houseboat.
Motor Yachts: Whether you are planning to go on an adventure around Australia or welcoming business associates on board, a cruiser can be your perfect pick. Inviting indoor saloons, cosy sleeping berths and plenty of deck space make it a great vessel.
Fitted with air conditioners, electrical generators, and so on, the motor yacht can ensure a pleasant experience for all on board. The swim platforms and dive options give you ample adventures too.
Multi-hull Power Boats: Catamaran cruisers offer you the best advantages, whether you plan to go on a long voyage or decide to make a stopover at your preferred islands. With its large, airy cabin, it can provide ample space for up to 8 passengers.
With powerful twin engines, deep v-hulls, and its overall design, it ensures high speed, easy manoeuvrability and excellent stability. If you enjoy water activities with your family, this is the right boat for you.
Sport-fishing Boats: When your long cruise is just to catch the big fish out on the open waters, this is the right choice for you. Find, hook and land the fish – the boat’s design makes all of it as easy as possible for an angler.
But don’t think that these vessels are only suited for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. With sleeping quarters, a galley kitchen and a toilet, it is great even if you have taken non-anglers with you on the boating trip.
Trawlers: Wish for a nice sail but don’t want to bother about the sails and halyards? Well, the simple solution to your trouble is to opt for a trawler. It’s also fitted with every amenity you need for a long cruise.
The specific hull design and configuration of the trawlers make them good to move easily through the waters. Also, these vessels use minimum horsepower and consume less fuel, and thus make them ideal for long journeys.
Sailboats: These watercrafts use the power of wind, partially or entirely, to propel forward. The sails transform the wind power into power that moves the boat. In this regard they differ from the other vessels on this list.
If you plan to buy a sailboat for an overnight cruise, make sure you find one that suits your purpose, and is equipped to accommodate the right number of passengers. Also, focus on the size, keel type, hull configuration, number of sails, and use.
Before you buy a boat, make sure you complete boat licence course NSW.
