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One of the greatest joys of boat ownership is to gather together your close friends and family and head out to sea to party the night away on the waves. What could be better than sitting drinking ice cold G&Ts under the light of some moody LEDs while the sun sets, and the soundtrack plays? As veteran crooner Dean Martin once sang, “Memories are made of this.”
Any boat with a large deck and reasonable carrying capacity can be pimped out for partying, but in reality it takes more than just a sun lounger and a disco ball to really make a true party boat (View our wide range of new and used boats for sale). When you’re considering what is the best party boat to buy there are several factors to think about.
First, a true party boat needs to have copious seating and deck space, a decent swim platform, a fridge, a head compartment, and a serious sound system. Extras such as LED deck lights and a degree of weather protection such as Bimini tops and extending sun shades all add to the party vibe. The best party boats to buy also offer a degree of layout versatility enabling you to customize and configure the craft to your specific party requirements. There are plenty of great party boats available and in this guide, we’ll look at a few of the very best on the market.
- Explosion X44
- SACS Strider 18
- Wider 42
- Bayliner Element XR7
- Alen 55
- Mastercraft X55
- Fjord 48 Open
- Riva 100 Corsaro
- Interboat Neo 7.0
Explosion X44
The best party boats to buy have lots of deck space and one of the best ways to free up space aft is to choose a craft that uses outboards and eliminates the need for a space-hogging engine box. The Explosion X44 utilizes this layout with a triple rig of 350 hp outboards, delivering an impressive top end of 43 knots. While the market may be saturated with RIB boats, the Italian-built Explosion X44 achieves maximum quality and innovation in a crowded market place. The customization options are phenomenal and even in standard form, the inboard space is pretty impressive. The cockpit features two independently movable, convertible, retractable tables that deliver enough space to sunbathe, dine with friends, watch TV, or even play table tennis. But it’s when you expand the aft deck by means of fold-out gunwale sections that the Explosion X44 really becomes a party boat. This increases the beam by several feet and provides a superyacht-style “beach club” environment, thus transforming the X44 into a bathing and lounging platform. This also increases the craft’s stability at anchor. The owner’s stateroom is beautifully fitted out with a berth, wardrobes and drawers, a dressing table, and TV. There’s also a two bed/double guest cabin and head and shower. To get the party really rolling, the X44 has an external hifi system and electric barbeque. With a maximum capacity of 20, the Explosion X44 is a great choice of party boat for those who seek both style and practicability.
Photo credit: Explosion Marine
SACS Strider 18
Another Italian-built RIB, the SACS Strider 18 is the flagship model from the Milan boatyard and is a cut above the average boat next door. Coming in at 56 feet in length with a 17 foot beam, the Strider 18 offers a vast platform area with seating for up to 22 people. The Strider 18 doesn’t fall short in the performance department, either, with the option of 2,400 hp of diesel power and Arneson surface drives, powering the craft to 50-plus knots. However, the main focus is to maximize the usability of its deck space. The lavish and leather-trimmed helm station is protected from the elements by a rigid hard top with two exits which lead to the side decks. These feature three generously proportioned primary living areas; one in the cockpit, one at the stern, and one in the bow. The stern section has a two-part sunpad above the engine bay. This leads to the swim platform via a teak-lined walkway. The deep cockpit has a large, twin-table dining area framed by lavish wraparound seating on all sides, delivering a safe and well-appointed gathering area for 10 people. The bow deck has seating for a further eight with a combination of forward and inward facing benches. Below deck there are three key areas—a master cabin in the V of the bow, a head compartment, and a three-person guest cabin. While all this doesn’t come cheap, the Strider 18 is well worth considering when looking at the best party boats to buy.
Photo credit: Sacs Marine
Wider 42
When it comes to ingenuity, the Wider 42 is pretty hard to top. By utilizing Wider’s trademark expanding cockpit, the 42 offers far more surface area than a conventional 42-foot craft. With a combination of performance and economy, the Wider 42 is capable of over 50 knots with its twin 480 hp Cummins engines. Much of this performance is due to the stepped hull designed by offshore racer Mark Wilson. However, the Wider’s true party trick comes at the push of a “magic” button. Once at anchor, the craft’s gunwales can be opened up and the deck expanded by simply pressing the button, and 12 seconds later the deck space is transformed into 60 square feet of party playground. This transformed area can fulfill a variety of functions. The carbon-fiber dinette can be swiftly turned into a comfortable sundeck or stylish chaise lounge, and benefits from a fitted outdoor galley with a teppanyaki griddle and an icebox for chilling drinks and snacks. The versatile stern can be configured as a sunpad or stowage area, or even fitted with a fighting chair for big game fishing. A lightweight central carbon-fiber stairway leads to the bow and additional large sunpads. With a galley consisting of a sink, a single ceramic burner, and a countertop, plus a head featuring a crystal shower unit, glass sink, and carbon toilet, the Wider is fully equipped for most essential party ingredients. If you’re after a craft that can be fully customized to your needs, then the Wider 42 is well worth your consideration.
Photo credit: Wider Yachts
Bayliner Element XR7
Proving the old adage that size isn’t everything, the Bayliner XR7 Boat is a modest, user-friendly deck boat that is deceptively spacious with a rated capacity of 16 people despite being just 25 feet long. This is achieved by Bayliner’s utilization of an expanded version of the cathedral-like “M-hull” hull design featured across the Element range. It uses a virtually taper-free beam of eight and a half feet which generates a remarkable amount of deck space. The spacious deck layout consists of plush upholstered lounges forward and aft, and deep freeboard to ensure partying guests’ safety and security. The XR7, which is no longer in production (but can be found on the used boat market) was offered with a choice of power options from the standard 150 hp Mercury FourStroke to the 200 hp Verado.
The XR7 offers the inboard space and versatility of a pontoon but with the performance and style of a deck boat. (To examine the differences between the two, see Deck Boat Vs. Pontoon Boat: Which is Better?) Fully specced up with the Bimini top, portside entertainment system including a waterproof 120-watt AM/FM stereo, ski-tow pole, onboard MSD, fridge, and wet bar, the XR7 is a great choice of party boat for both the novice and the more experienced boater.
Photo credit: Baylliner
Alen 55
The Alen 55 Boat is a real head-turner. Conceived to be sociable, safe and stylish with a capacity of 16 people, the Alen 55 is a traditional design with built-in practicality and stunning lines. The elevated flare enables the inclusion of a deepset 360-degree walkway wrapped in powerful bulwarks which surround the central deck furniture, creating the feel of being “in” rather than being “on” the boat. Whether your guests are at the helm, cooking or simply relaxing, the layout ensures that everyone can be together. Up to eight can be seated at the extending table which is situated near the open designed galley. The ethos of “intelligent inspiration” is continued by the design of the boat’s interior space, which can be fully customized to the owner’s requirements. These can include a crew cabin or extra stateroom, plus the settee converts into a double berth. This is complemented by a teak sole, leather wall panels, and lacquered surfaces. The Alen 55 has a variety of engine options with either twin 800 hp D13 Volvo or twin 800 Volvo IPS drives powering the boat to a cruising speed of 30 knots and topping out at 35 knots. All in all, the Alen 55 offers the demanding customer a degree of upmarket exclusivity and a high degree of customization potential.
Photo credit: Alen Yacht
Mastercraft X55
The Mastercraft X55 was the most luxurious and largest wakeboard boat in this company’s fleet prior to its replacement in the lineup by the X26, and if you’re looking at the best party boats to buy, is well worth consideration. Complete with a wet bar and a pumping sound system and with a class-leading capacity of 18 people, it’s one of the most comfortable wakeboard boats ever to hit the market. Coming in at 25 feet in length, the X55 is an instant status symbol. Powered by a single inboard the X55 delivers pillow-soft landings and gradual ramps as you power into the wake. The main cockpit area is a more than generous 73 square feet while the swim platform is 14 square feet of partying bliss. The X55 features contoured rear seat backs, and the starboard seat bench converts from forward to rear facing. There’s a wet bar and a top-quality sound system to ensure the party will go with a blast. To add to the party vibe, the X55 comes with an array of glittering LED lights guaranteed to keep the party swinging into the small hours.
Photo credit: Mastercraft
Fjord 48 Open
The Fjord 48 Open Boat is all about open deck entertainment and alfresco partying. Fitted out with the standard twin Volvo IPS 600 powerplants, the 48 has a maximum speed of 30 knots. This can be boosted to 40 knots if you choose the triple Volvo IPS option. Three words sum up the Fjord 48 Open—seductive, glamorous and extravagant. Designed by Patrick Banfield and featuring Fjord’s trademark characteristics such as the plumb bow, angular lines, clean surfaces, and T-shaped roof, the 48 boasts a frameless windshield which offers unobstructed panoramic views and leads to an unlimited and open feeling. The lavish and large stern sundeck has more than ample room for relaxing and simply chilling while the fully fitted galley includes a barbeque, wet bar, and fridge. The dining area has room for 10 and can be converted into a single, unbroken sunbathing platform via the adjusting of the tables and the flipping of the backrests. Below decks the craft boasts two elegant double cabins with maximum headroom. When the sun sets, switch on the LED mood lighting and the party will go on long into the night. Finished in high-end materials such as teak, leather, and stainless steel, the Fjord 48 Open is the epitome of style and practicality. If you want to stand out from the crowd, then the Fjord 48 Open may well be the boat for you.
Photo credit: Fjord
Riva 100 Corsaro
When it comes to picking the best party boats to buy, few can match a superyacht—and few of the superyachts in the world can match the Riva 100 Corsaro as a party platform. The Riva Corsaro comes in at 98 feet in length and essentially boasts two layouts in one, with a full-length open deck placed directly on top of a full-length covered deck. The design features five staterooms, all en-suite, ensuring there’s plenty of space for partygoers to stay the night. In addition to the guest cabins, the Corsaro also has three crew’s quarters. The sheltered aft dining space on the main deck is superbly integrated with the multi-tiered area of the bow and the magnificent dining spaces, lounging areas, and ranks of sunbeds. The Corsaro is rated for up to 20 on board and has a cruising speed of 23 knots. If you want to make a statement then the Corsaro is definitely one to look out for.
Photo credit: Riva
Interboat Neo 7.0
Originally available in three basic configurations, the Neo 7.0 utilizes a broad, weighty monohull with a generous bow flare and deep freeboard. With a philosophy of keeping things simple and a serious range of power options, it’s easy to make the case for the Neo 7.0, or the closest new Interboat model, the Intender 700, as a contender for one the best party boats to buy.
The modular deck layout options help with customizing the base platform to your party needs, and every inch of the eight foot, six inch beam is optimized. Option 1 is the Lounge Line which is designed for sociability and comes with the steering position right in the center of the aft space, meaning the helmsman can be seated on the stern bench and maintain conversation with all their guests at all times. Option 2 is the Comfort Line, with the steering position located to the starboard side amidships. Option 3, the Sports Line, is designed with a central steering position and an open transom for easy-access watersports. All three options allow massive bow space with a full complement of wraparound seating and elevated stainless-steel rails. There are plenty of further options to enable the owner to tweak the boat for their requirements. The Neo 7.0 has a huge variety of power options from a modest 27 hp inboard engine rising up to 200 hp. The standard 16 gallon fuel tank can be upgraded to a larger tank if more capacity is required. The Neo 7.0 is a great party boat for those on a budget who wish for a highly customizable platform and affordable running costs.
Photo credit: Interboat
Pontoon Boats for Party Boats
How could we have chosen nine of the best party boats to buy, without picking a single pontoon boat? Because when it comes to pontoons, they’re all among the best party boats. Even the models designed for family fishing have party boat DNA from stem to stern, and no matter what pontoon you look at you’ll find features like comfy couches, integrated coolers, and big swim platforms. Hey, that’s why they call them “party barges” in the first place. If they sound like a winning combination to you, check out the pontoon boats for sale on Rightboat.
Photo credit: Avalon
This article was most recently updated in September 2023 by Lenny Rudow
