14 Chapter One
Figure 1-32. Runabouts (above middle) and bowriders (above)
range from small, open, outboard-powered boats to mid-sized
inboard/outboard powered boats. Runabouts are open boats
with seating for passengers. Many boats in this class today have
seating in the bow area and a walk-though windshield. These are
called bowriders. Some of these boats are designed specifically
for waterskiing and wakeboarding and have suitable attachments
designed for this purpose. A few designs today even use
inboard engines so that the propeller is under the boat to protect
the skiers.
Figure 1-33. Walkaround or center console boats (above and top
left) are designed for fishing in coastal and near offshore waters.
The helm is located centrally with good all around visibility. The
key element of the design is the open walkway on both sides of
the helm to facilitate fishing from all sides of the boat and to give
ready access from bow to stern. Some versions also include a
cuddy cabin often with bunks, head, and galley.
Figure 1-34. Deckboats typically are single-hull boats providing
extensive interior deck space for seating and recreation. Usually,
they will have a modified-V monohull (single hull) or a version
of a cathedral hull. These boats have relatively broad beams
and a flattened bow, that allows bow access when the boat is
beached. Other access points can be found at the stern and at
both sides. The helm is typically a pod with a small windshield
to one side located about midships. Some deck boats have an
enclosed head. While many of these boats can handle open seas,
they are most popular in more sheltered waters.