Onboard: Top 3 Boat Types for the Family of Anglers
May 8, 2025
Three ways to keep your crew comfy, and your lines tight.
Published in Partnership with Legend Boats
When your family’s idea of quality time involves casting lines and catching memories, your boat isn’t just transportation, it’s your shared adventure base. Whether you’re trolling for walleye at dawn or anchoring for a swim and sandwich break mid-afternoon, choosing the right type of boat makes all the difference.
Here are three boat types every fishing-focused family should consider, with real-world examples from Legend Boats to help you picture the possibilities.
The Pontoon Boat – Laid-Back Fishing with All-Day Comfort
Pontoon boats might not be the first thing that comes to mind for serious fishing, but that’s changing fast. Take the Legend LE 19 RF and LE 19 RS EXT. Both offer cozy seating and a stable platform for casting or relaxing. The RF gives you rear-facing fishing seats, perfect for watching lines while enjoying the view, while the RS EXT has two fishing chairs on the front deck for those who like to keep things classic. Add in a bimini top, tons of space, and room for the kids (and their friends), and you’ve got an angler’s lounge that works from sunrise to supper.
Great for: Multi-generational trips, snack-heavy afternoons, and families who want comfort without sacrificing the fish.
The Riveted Fishing Boat – Reliable, Simple, and Purposeful
If your weekends are all about early mornings, shallow waters, and teaching the kids how to jig for panfish, a riveted tiller boat like the Legend 16 Prosport LS might be your best bet. It’s no-frills and fully focused on fishing, with wide-open floor space and easy maneuverability in tight spots. It’s ideal for smaller lakes, solo trips, or fishing with one or two family members who love the quiet simplicity of a well-balanced tin boat.
Great for: Backcountry trips, first-time anglers, or families that fish hard and travel light.
The Full Windshield Fishing Boat – Built for Big Days and Bigger Adventures
For families that take their fishing seriously, but still want the flexibility to cruise or tube when the bite slows down, a full windshield boat like the Legend XT Series is a game-changer. These boats offer elevated performance, high sides for safety, and tons of smart features designed with anglers in mind. One standout? The Legend Boats unique 50/50 Extenda-deck Converta-bench at the back. It folds flat to expand the casting deck or flips up to create comfortable rear seating for the whole crew. You also get plenty of storage, livewell space, and a walk-through windshield to block the wind when you’re zipping across bigger water.
Great for: Families who want a serious fishing setup with room to relax, cruise, or tow a tube when the rods are put away.
Whether your crew is all-in on fishing or just enjoys it between cannonballs and cruising, there’s a boat type built to match your rhythm. And with Canadian-designed boats from Legend, you can count on quality, thoughtful layouts, and support close to home.
Legend Boats – a Canadian company established in 1986
