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Choose Your Own Boating Adventure: How to Choose a Boat

Legend Boats Staff

At Legend Boats, we’re obsessed with helping every boater choose a boat tailored to their specific needs. That’s why, with different configurations, we offer more than 100 different boat models to choose from.

Admittedly, it can be a little intimidating for a first-time boat buyer. So, let’s play a game and find out which boat is right for you!

1. What do you like to do most on the water?

When you think about what’s most important in your choice of a boat, the first question is: How are you going to use your boat?

a) Go really fast, maybe with a wakeboarder, waterskier, or tuber in tow. GO TO 2

b) Catch my daily fishing limit. GO TO 3

c) Hang out with friends and family. GO TO 4

d) Don’t make me choose! GO TO 5

2. So you like to go fast! How many people do you anticipate bringing with you?

The next biggest question in choosing a boat is figuring out how many people your boat needs to hold.

a) No one. I ride solo. GO TO 6

b) 2-4. My ride-or-die crew. GO TO 7

c) 5+. GO TO 8

3. Hail, oh terror of the seas! Who’s joining you on your quest?

As a dedicated angler, you’re probably not surprised that we would recommend a V-Hull as your choice of boat. But how many people will be joining you?

a) No one. I’m going rogue. GO TO 9

b) A couple buddies. GO TO 10

c) The whole family. GO TO 11

4. Sounds like you want to relax, most of all. How big of a group?

When choosing the boat for lounging and cruising, you need to consider whether your boat is big enough for everyone to comfortably stretch out. What’s the most you’re expecting to host at any one time?

a) Probably 4-6 people on average. GO TO 12

b) I might occasionally have up to 10 people. GO TO 13

c) What’s the most people I can host at a time? GO TO 14

5. So you want to have it all. We’ve got you covered.

For the boater who needs a little of everything, we’ve got fishing boats, deck boats, and pontoon boats that are made just for you.  The biggest question is how much you’re willing to invest.

a) I need it to be as affordable as humanly possible. GO TO 15

b) I’m willing to invest a little in creature comforts. GO TO 16

c) This purchase will be my pride and joy. What’s the best you got? GO TO 17

6. How to choose a boat for the solo speed demon in you

When you need power and performance, but don’t need a lot of room for passengers, we highly recommend choosing the R15 or R15 SC riveted V-Hull boats, with an upgraded Mercury 40 ELPT 4-Stroke outboard motor.

Sleek design, a .100 gauge riveted and seamless hull bottom, with lateral support ribs and lap-straked sidewalls. You’ll be gliding across the water like it’s not even there.

7. How to choose a boat for the speed-loving family

When you’ve got kids and there are few things they enjoy more than zipping across the lake with water splashing on their faces, the Vibe Series is the boat of choice for you.

With a retractable ski pole, two forward-facing lounging sofas, a rear bench, boarding ladders at both the back and stern, a built-in sink, bumping AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo and 4 speakers, it’s practically impossible to not have a memory-filled day on the water.

8. How to choose a boat for the gang that speeds together

When you’ve got a large gang who want to watch you wipe out in their wake, the obvious choice is a pontoon. But which one?

  • For the budget conscious, you can do no wrong with the E-Series 21 Lounge Sport Pro. With an additional tube for stability and performance, 4 sofas, matching captain and co-captain chairs, rear boarding ladder, and dinette table, and removable ski pole, this pontoon prioritizes seating room above all else. Upgrade to a Mercury 150L 4-Stroke for maximum speed.
  • Got a little extra to spare? Every boat in our 2023 V-Series lineup comes with triple tubes and built-in ski bars. But for those of you looking to party, look no further than the V-Series Entertainer Sport Pro. Seat up to 17 people on two front-facing and oversized lounging sofas, a rear L-shaped bench, and convertible dining area with a large table and built-in convenience accessories. Ride in style and comfort, and leave no one behind.

9. How to choose a boat for the solo angler.

It’s said that some people go to church and think about fishing, while others go fishing and think about God. Whatever you’re thinking about on the water, the R-Series was designed for you.

  • For the lightest and easiest utility boat to launch, the 12 Ultralite is guaranteed to get you into virtually any in-land body of water that you can find in Canada.
  • Give yourself a little more room to work with, plus a built-in livewell, with the 14 Widebody.
  • For the ultimate in solo fishing style and comfort, with in-floor storage, livewell, removable seats, dual casting decks, and a side-console, may we recommend the 16 ProSport SC? You’ll be happy we did.

10. How to choose a boat for fishing buddies.

There’s something magical about casting silently with your buddies. Nothing needs to be said. Just the sound of your reels casting into the distance.

  • For the purists who want the absolute bare-minimum to get out on the water, choose the 14 Ultralite. It sits 2-3 people.
  • Ideal for 2-3 people fishing in comfort, the 16 Prosport LS tiller model is a fantastic choice that comes with 5 different seat mount locations for maximum flexibility on the water.
  • For the hardcore angler, of course, there’s just no beating the F19 Pro Tiller. With an incredible amount of in-floor storage, dual livewells, integrated bait bucket, 17º deep-V hull with reverse chines, injected foam, slip-resistant casting and side decks, 3 moveable fishing seats with 4 potential mounting locations, in-floor fuel tank, and pre-wired for a 12/24V electric trolling motor.

11. How to choose a boat for the fishing family

When you’ve got a family, the truth is there’s never one activity to rule them all. It can be hard to choose a boat that matches all of your needs. If you’re the type of family that loves to fish, but would like to do a little of everything else too. We’ve got you covered.

  • At the entry level, we have the 16 XTE SC. With two fishing seats and room for two more, dual casting decks, and in-floor storage and livewell, this a great boat for a first-time boat buyer with a small family. Upgrade to the 16 XTE SC Sport to add a convertible sport bench and ski pole at the stern.
  • The 18 XTR is one of our absolute best sellers, and it’s easy to see why: Convertible sport bench, ski pole, full windshield, in-floor storage, dual casting decks, bimini top. Add some bow cushions and enjoy lounging, fishing, or skiing.
  • “But wait”, you say. “I want a fishing boat without compromise that can fit my whole family.” We’ve got you! The 20 XTR Troller is the ultimate multi-purpose fishing boat. The troller rear-end means you can tackle big water without worrying about splash back from the waves. Seat up to 7 people at a time, and enjoy the massive amount of storage found in the sides and in the floor, as well as the massive 140L aerated livewell. Pre-wired, of course, for a 12/24V electric trolling motor.

12. How to choose a boat when you just wanna cruise with a few people.

When you’ve got a small crew and your priority is comfort, may we recommend choosing:

  • The Vibe D20 deck boat? Comfortably seats 6, built-in cooler, sundeck, bimini top, bumping stereo system, and full-windshield. This fibreglass boat’s dihedral v-hull makes for one of the most stable rides you can find in a boat this size.
  • The entire Fun Series of pontoon boats were made just for you. No fuss. No muss. Just a beautiful motorized lounging platform. Like a miniature version of your living room, but on the water.

13. How to choose a boat when you just wanna party with your closest friends and family.

As soon as you’re talking double-digit numbers of riders, a pontoon boat is the way to go. Nothing offers the space and on-deck maneuverability like a pontoon.

  • For the budget conscious, choosing a 20 Fun Ultimate gets you everything you need on the water, including the boat, motor, and trailer, for under $40,000.
  • Move up the chain to the incredibly stylish E-Series 23 Lounge, with comfortable seating space for up to 12 people. Available in your choice of blue, white, or black editions. Or if you prefer the style and finish of the Q-Series, consider the Q-Series Lounge Plus Sport Pro for a similar layout with a tripe-tube and ski bar.

14. How to choose a boat when you like to host as many people as you can.

To pack-in as many guests as possible, you’re going to want to choose a V-Series pontoon boat:

  • The V-Series Lounge sits up to 10-14 people comfortably: 4-6 in the forward lounge, 4-6 in the rear lounge, plus the captain and co-captain.
  • The V-Series Entertainer sits up to 17 people between the dual lounging sofas, L-shaped sofa, and convertible dining area.
  • Of course, the ultimate party boat for kids and adults alike is the V-Series AquaTower. At 25′ long, this double-decker of a pontoon seats up to 14 people and features a waterslide with built-in water pump to send you flying above the water. A real crowd pleaser!

15. How to choose a boat when you need to have it all, for less.

As a rigorously frugal company ourselves, we appreciate a boater with an eye on the bottom line.

  • When it comes to welded V-Hull boats, choose the 18 XTE Sport . It gives you a little of everything: Room for up to 6 people comfortably; dual casting decks; ample storage; removable ski pole; livewell. There’s nothing you can’t do with this bad boy.
  • The 16 XTR is the ultimate choice in no-compromise affordable boating. It’s great for fishing, cruising, and water sports – on a budget.

16. How to choose a boat when you need it all, and have a little money to spend.

  • Arguably our most value-packed series, the X-Series was designed for families who want it all, and want it in style. This series is always an attention-grabber anywhere we go, and comes fully equipped with bow cushions, in-ground storage, aerated livewell, in-floor fuel tank, pre-wired for an electric trolling motor, dual casting decks, convertible sport bench, and removable ski pole.
  • Pontoons are an incredibly versatile boating choice, and great for any situation. For the most flexible configuration imaginable, we recommend the E-Series 23 Journey EXT. The front casting deck is great for fishing. The dual lounging sofas at the bow are incredible for lounging in. But the real kicker is the convertible dining area at the back: Aim your benches forwards, backwards, or face them towards each other and add the dining table. Get it in the triple-tube Sport Pro edition for added performance and a stainless steel ski tow bar.
  • If fibreglass is more your thing, check out the Vibe D20. Featuring a retractable ski pole, two forward-facing lounging sofas, a rear bench, boarding ladders at both the back and stern, a built-in sink, and a bumping AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with 4 speakers.

17. How to choose a boat when money is no object, and you refuse to compromise on anything, ever. You deserve the best!

The only question left is: Do you choose an aluminum hull, pontoon, or fibreglass?

  • For welded hulls, the X20 is your dream boat. Full windshield, tilting steering wheel, bow cushions with fully contoured boulsters, in-ground storage, aerated livewell, in-floor fuel tank, pre-wired for an electric trolling motor, dual casting decks, convertible sport bench, and .
  • For pontoons, the V-Series Entertainer, Dual Lounge, and AquaTower are your best bets.
  • For fibreglass, nothing beats the Vibe D23 FW with its deep, almost tub-like hull and interior. Leave a massive wake in your rear for amazing waterskiing and wakeboarding opportunities.

Are you still here? The article is over. Your adventure should be beginning. But if you still need help, you may want to try our boat builder.

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