30 Foot Boat Guide: Finding the Best Boat for You and Your Family

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30 foot boat

A 30-foot boat can provide you with a wide variety of fun and activities on the water for you and your family. Choosing the right option will likely depend on the type of boating you intend to do, the type of activities you plan to do on the water and, of course, your overall budget.

Open deck boats or “bowriders” are very versatile boats that are quite popular. Despite the size, because of the configuration of open seating in the front of the boat, a bowrider can accommodate a nice sized group on the water. These boats allow boaters to participate in water sport activities and cruise with family and friends at a price point typically lower than other boat types.

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Bowrider boats won’t handle rougher conditions as well as other boat types, so if you aim to spend loads of time offshore, you might consider a different option. Additionally, because open deck boats typically don’t have any sort of overnighting accommodations, your activities are typically limited to single day options.

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Center console boats in the 30 foot range are popular options for boaters seeking to do offshore fishing and require a larger vessel than the options in the 22 – 26 foot range. Saltwater anglers will find this size boat to be trailered and launched easily while also providing enough functionality to meet their needs offshore. Center console boats in this size range are typically powered by twin outboard engines, while some boats, such as the larger EdgeWater 370CC, come with triple engines for even more power.

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If your goal is cruising on the seas and having the ability to stay comfortably on your boat for longer periods of time, express cruisers are a great 30 foot boat option to consider. These vessels often come with higher end finishings and features to make your stay on your boat more comfortable and enjoyable. Accommodating guests is easy, and the right cabin configuration for you will largely depend on how you typically plan to use the boat. The Carver C34 Coupe, for instance, can accommodate up to six people, but one configuration option enables the entire lower level to be used as a single owner’s suite positioning the boat as a premiere “couple’s boat.”

Choosing between a new and used boat is a major consideration of your 30 foot boat purchase. While a new vessel comes with a higher price tag, the included features and configuration can often be chosen based on your particular desires and needs. Moreover, newer boats will have the latest technology and available features.

Tom George Yacht Group can provide a number of new and used 30 foot boat options for both new and experienced boaters. Below are some of the featured boats we offer in this size range:

Cobalt R30

Ask any of the numerous Cobalt R30 owners, and they’d tell you that the Cobalt R30 is the perfect day boat for cruising around the Tampa Bay area from Ft. DeSoto, past Salt Rock Grill to 3 Rooker. With a standard hydraulic swim platform, and the perfect blend of luxury and sport handling, the Cobalt R30 leaves nothing to imagination. Powered by twin, Volvo-Penta 300hp engines, complete with joystick docking controls and closed cooling Ocean-X package, she will top 55mph with ease, and cruise comfortably around 35mph. Add in the Vaccuflush head, windlass and endless seating configurations, the Cobalt R30 is equipped with the right tools for your Tampa Bay boating. Click here to read more about the Cobalt R30.

Cobalt 30SC

The Cobalt 30SC is the perfect example of a boat built to cater to boaters and families who are looking for more than a traditional bow rider. This vessel is great for anyone who wants to island hop, enjoy watersports, or just cruise the intercoastal with friends. She comes loaded with features that are certain to please including standard twin 7” Garmin screens, large ski storage, and a filler cushion for additional cockpit seating. Bow hand rails on either side along with drink holders give passengers a safe and cozy seating area. Click here to read more about the Cobalt 30SC.

EdgeWater 280CX

Boasting the same hull as her sister 280cc, the EdgeWater 280cx dual console can venture to any destination of your choice. Whether you’re looking to fish Blackthorn Reef or Veterans Reef, the EdgeWater 280cx wiill be a comfortable and dry ride for all aboard. With the option of adding the 12V inverter cruise package, you can have A/C & TV in the overnight berth behind the helm. Add in the optional cockpit grill and you’re all set for grilling at the beach, or searing fresh fish. Click here to read more about the EdgeWater 280CX.

EdgeWater 320CC

The EdgeWater 320CC center console is one of the most impressive performing center consoles available. With twin, 300hp Yamaha engines, the EdgeWater 320cc will do 55+mph, and cruise at 40mph while getting nearly 1.5mpg. Boasting a large cockpit, and plenty of livewell and fishbox storage, the EdgeWater 320cc can get you to any fishing ground you’d like. At the same time, the plush, luxurious bow & transom seating allow the EdgeWater 320cc to be great for a sunset cruise, or trip to Shephards in Clearwater Beach. Click here to read more about the EdgeWater 320CC.

EdgeWater 370CC

The new EdgeWater 370CC is the next evolution from EdgeWater’s very successful 368CC model. The boat is powered by triple Yamaha 300hp engines which enables the boat to top 60mph easily. The boat comes with fantastic features such as two cavernous fishboxes and two live wells. With the performance and features, the EdgeWater 370CC is a great option for someone looking in the 30-40 foot boat range, but focused on getting to excellent fishing grounds quickly. Click here to read more about the EdgeWater 370CC.

Everglades 335CC

The 335cc’s layout allows for impressive seating throughout. Anglers and their families will find enhanced luxurious bow seating – including removable forward-facing bow backrests. The new model also features larger, more lavish fold down transom seating – providing a comfortable ride from virtually any seat. In addition to its abundant amenities, the 335cc continues Everglades Boats’ commitment to fishability. It’s larger console and hardtop, plus the bigger built-in coolers and fishbox storage allow for any fisherman to drop a line with ease. The 325cc’s bait prep area and tackle storage were reconfigured on the 335 to provide a more intuitive experience on the new 335cc. Click here to read more about the Everglades 335CC.

Carver C34 Coupe

Carver wanted to make sure the C34 was a great couples’ boat. So, while you can sleep up to six people on it, there’s a configuration where the entire lower level is one big owner’s suite. No bulkheads, just wide-open space giving the feeling you’re in the stateroom on a much larger yacht. It’s high freeboard along with the plumb bow extends the 11’6” beam well forward & provides an incredible 6’5” of headroom. Click here to learn more about the Carver C34 Coupe.