Bow Rider vs. Closed Bow

mswlogo · 07-24-2021, 10:36 PM

If it was for traveling to an island I would want the closed bow.

But I stand by, bow riders are easier to dock. So easy to have someone sitting up front with a line you pull in and the lace up, and someone in back. Versus crawling on the deck.

Same for mooring, much easier and safer with a bow rider, no crawling on possibly wet slippery deck. I would just coast into the mooring and just walk up and tie up. I'd rather be in the boat than on the boat. Especially if it was rough.

Never had water issues since 1986. Always a full mooring cover with a tent poll in the bow section.

My experience is with smaller boats, under 20ft. I might think different with 25ft and up. You don't get a head in a 20ft closed bow

I also like full mooring covers. You don't typically see those with closed bow and would not be easy to install. With a bow rider, full mooring cover is fairly easy. All from within the boat.

07-24-2021, 10:36 PM	#23
mswlogo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 660 Thanks: 196 Thanked 224 Times in 143 Posts	If it was for traveling to an island I would want the closed bow. But I stand by, bow riders are easier to dock. So easy to have someone sitting up front with a line you pull in and the lace up, and someone in back. Versus crawling on the deck. Same for mooring, much easier and safer with a bow rider, no crawling on possibly wet slippery deck. I would just coast into the mooring and just walk up and tie up. I'd rather be in the boat than on the boat. Especially if it was rough. Never had water issues since 1986. Always a full mooring cover with a tent poll in the bow section. My experience is with smaller boats, under 20ft. I might think different with 25ft and up. You don't get a head in a 20ft closed bow I also like full mooring covers. You don't typically see those with closed bow and would not be easy to install. With a bow rider, full mooring cover is fairly easy. All from within the boat.