6 Best Party Boats To Have in Arizona

Party boats are an important part of the Arizona boating community. There’s nothing quite like basking in the sun on a party barge listening to music and sipping on an ice cold beer. But, what exactly qualifies a boat as a party boat?

A pontoon boat is commonly known as the quintessential “party boat” or “party barge” but there are 6 types of boats that work best for parties. Party boats should include ample seating, open spaces, sound system, dance floor, and a wet bar. 

There are 6 party boats that work best on Arizona’s smooth freshwater lakes, but there are a few things you need to think about before choosing the best one for you. 

What is the Best Party Boat?

The main thing to think about when choosing the best party boat is the size and type of party you and your friends want to have. Do you want to have a dance floor, great sound system, and invite loads of people or do you want a smaller party where everyone can do watersports and go fast? Or is this going to be a more intimate party where guests can sleep in a cozy cabin and have a nice shower in the morning? 

We all want our friends to be comfortable and not mingling shoulder-to-shoulder on a cramped little boat. Typically, the magic number is 10. Try to get a rough idea of whether your party is going to be greater than 10 or less than 10 guests.  

For large parties with more than 10 guests, stick with a pontoon boat, motor yacht, or a large deck boat. For smaller parties of less than 10 guests, a bowrider, cabin cruiser, or a center console are nice choices. 

Typically, the larger the boat, the more luxuries it will have. Extras like a head (toilet), galley (kitchen), wet bar, dance floor, grill, built-in blender, refrigerator, and sleeping quarters are options with motor yachts and large pontoons. 

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6 Best Party Boats for Arizona Lakes

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon & tritoon boats are now the best-selling recreational boat in Arizona. It is known as the original “party barge” for its ample seating to accommodate many guests, wide open layout, sturdy construction, and super fun extras.  

Pontoons range from 15 to 30+ feet and some are double-decker. Smaller models can accommodate 6-10 people and larger pontoon boats between 10 and dozens of guests.  

Pontoons are easy to drive, even for beginners, and are sturdy, stable, and safe. They’re not great in rough water, but since Arizona is well known for having smooth lakes and good weather, this is seldom a problem for pontoon owners. 

You might find a pontoon with an upper deck, which not only doubles the occupancy, but could also have a fun things like a waterslide. Modern pontoons come with party must-haves, like a great sound system, built-in grills, refrigerators, blenders, changing rooms, and sometimes a toilet. 

Because pontoons are generally slower than smaller boats they are not great for watersports. 

Motor Yachts

A motor yacht is the more luxurious option for large parties. They have all the fun extras of a pontoon plus luxuries you didn’t even know you wanted until you had them. Motor yachts typically have all the conveniences of home, including a full galley, showers, toilets, sleeping areas, private cabins, a TV, sound system, and the ability to stay on the water for days or weeks at a time. Depending on the size, a yacht can accommodate dozens and dozens of party guests. 

Center Consoles

Center consoles are better known as fishing boats than party boats, but with their spacious walkaround layouts they’re actually great for entertaining. They are built with the steering console in the middle of the boat which frees up a circular walkway around the console for passengers to walk, chat, and hang out with each other. They include spacious seating options and might come with extras like an ice maker and outdoor grill. Center consoles are a good option for smaller parties of up to 10 people 

Bowriders

Bowriders are great if you like to go fast. They get their name because passengers literally sit on top of the bow and “ride” over the water. They are comfortable, handle well in rough water, and are perfect for watersports. If your friends are more interested in kneeboarding than dancing, stick with a smaller, faster boat like this. Bowriders can accommodate 10 guests or less.  

Deck Boats

Deck boats are a lot like bow riders except they can fit an additional passenger or two. They are designed to be more flared on the top of the boat which creates more space on the deck. They can stow inner tubes, lots of gear, and give guests a nice space to lay out and soak up the sun. Deck boats can accommodate up to 12 people and are good for watersports. 

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin Cruisers are great if you want to spend a few nights on the water. They’re perfect for an intimate party with family or a few close friends. As the name implies, they have a cabin which has a bed, toilet, shower, galley, and provides protection from the elements. If anyone gets sunburned during he party they'll be so glad to have a cabin to get out of the sun. Depending on the size, cabin cruisers can accommodate 12 guests or less and have lots of seating. They do well in rough water and are a good choice for watersports.

Final Thoughts

Arizona lakes are one of the best places to have a boat party. All you need to do is find the right boat, invite your friends, pick some good music, grab a cooler, and head out for a great time on the water. Pontoon boats are the classic choice for larger parties, but for watersports, stick to smaller, faster options. No matter which boat you choose, where there’s a lake, warm Arizona sun, and good vibes, everyone will make some amazing memories.