Our ultimate guide to choosing a day boat

*This article, originally published in November 2023, was updated in October 2026. 

Day boats are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. A day boat is one of the easiest ways to get out onto the water. You step aboard, start the engine, and can then spend a few hours, or a whole day, cruising with family and friends, before heading home in the evening.

It is this simplicity and convenience that make day boats one of our most popular options. From our marina in Wargrave on the River Thames, and our sales office in Chichester, we have helped thousands of first-time buyers and seasoned owners to find the perfect day boat.

At Val Wyatt, we have a comprehensive range of day boats available. At one end of the scale, you have compact outboard-powered boats for four or five people. At the other end, you have models that seat ten people or more, with a fridge, a toilet, and, in some cases, even room to stay aboard overnight.

In this article, our ultimate guide to choosing a day boat, we explain what a day boat is, the different types available, key considerations, and whether to choose a new or a used vessel – plus a host of additional information, tips and case studies. That way you can choose a boat that suits how you will actually use it.

Do you already know what you are after? At Val Wyatt, we have a whole range of day boats for sale, so you can find the perfect boat for unforgettable days on the water.

What is a day boat?

A day boat (sometimes called a day cruiser) is a motor boat designed for spending relaxing time on the water during the day rather than overnight trips. You might choose to take it out for a couple of hours after work on a long and hot summer evening, or spend a whole day on the river, before returning it to your mooring. The very essence of a day boat is built around comfort, space and sociable cruising.

The vessels we know so well at Val Wyatt, from brands such as Interboat (based in the Netherlands) and Corsiva (from Poland), are perfect examples of this. They are characterised by their timeless styling, comfort and spaciousness.

Most models will feature an open cockpit with cushioned seating that wraps around the boat, so everyone on board can sit together. Many follow the classic Dutch sloop design, with the helm at the back of the boat. As a result, whoever is steering the boat stays part of the conversation rather than being tucked away at the front.

It is common for day boats to include a number of convenient features, such as tables, under-seat storage and a fridge – perfect for keeping drinks cool and guests refreshed on a warm day. Some of our larger models also have a canopy for shelter from the sun and showers, a toilet, and sometimes a small cuddy cabin.

Day boats are also easy to handle. Compared to some boats, their controls are straightforward and the layouts are relatively simple, which makes a day boat a good first boat. Plenty of experienced boaters choose one too, including sailors making the switch to motor boats, because it gets them out on the water with the least fuss.

Day boats are at their best on rivers, lakes, harbours and estuaries. That makes them a natural fit for the Thames and for sheltered waters such as Chichester Harbour. In calm weather, many can manage short coastal trips too.

If you’re new to boating and about to make your first exciting boat purchase, you might also like to check out our blog on the most popular types of motor boats. Are you currently considering a rigid inflatable boat (RIB)? If so, you can also read our blog exploring RIBs v day boats, which compares the two honestly, so you can decide which is right for you.

Types of day boats

In its broadest sense, a day boat is any boat you spend a day, or part of a day, on before heading back to dry land. That covers a huge variety of vessels. A small fishing boat on a lake is a day boat. So is a sailing dinghy, a fast sports boat or a RIB heading out across the Solent.

There are traditional wooden day boats too, with varnished hulls and a real sense of craftsmanship about them. For example, we currently have a beautiful Landamores Mayfly 21 on brokerage, offering classic style and elegance in the form of a gentleman’s launch.

Each of these has its place, and the right one for you will depend on where you plan to go and what you want from your time on the water.

For the purposes of this guide, though, we’re focusing on the style of day boat we know best, and the one we specialise in. These are comfortable, high-quality boats based on the classic Dutch sloop, with room for family and friends and a look that never really dates. They’re ideally suited to the Thames and other rivers, as well as harbours and estuaries.

Within this style, there are three main types:

Dutch sloops

The sloop is a traditional Dutch design, and it is the style the majority of our day boats are based on. Dutch sloops are known for their graceful lines and timeless good looks. They’re also quiet and easy to handle, which makes them a fantastic option for a few hours cruising along the river.

When we think of Dutch sloops, we immediately think of Interboat. Every boat is handmade in the Netherlands to an exceptionally high standard, and we’ve been bringing them to the UK since 2007. The range splits into two: the classic sloops and the more modern Intenders.

Interboat 19 – a classically styled day boat, this vessel offers upholstered seating for up to nine people and ample under-seat storage. It is powered by a shaft-driven, diesel 16hp or 27hp Vetus engine, ensuring ultra quiet cruising. The Interboat 19 has stood the test of time and has been one of our bestsellers over many years. A new version of its larger sibling, the Interboat 22, is also due in 2027.

Interboat Intender 820 – for around a decade, the 820 was one of the most popular day boats on the river, and we’ve sold many of them over the years. It is still built today and remains a brilliant all-rounder, with an adaptable transom and room for a separate toilet compartment.

Interboat Intender 750 and 850 – these are the latest designs in the Intender range. The biggest difference from the 820 is that the engine sits beneath the cockpit floor. With no engine box in the middle of the boat, you get noticeably more space on deck. The 750 seats up to ten people and was named Open Motorboat of the Year 2025 at the HISWA Boat of the Year Awards. The 850 is its larger sibling and can be fitted with a bigger forward toilet compartment.

Interboat Intender 950 Cabrio – the largest of the open Intenders, at almost ten metres. It is rated for up to ten people and has a sociable cockpit with a forward dining area, a generous aft sun pad and a small cuddy cabin for changing and storage. With engine options ranging from 52hp to 320hp, the Intender 950 delivers impressive performance, reaching speeds of up to 23 knots.

Sloop style with outboard power

Corsiva day boats follow the same sloop style as Interboat, but with a few key differences. They’re built near Gdańsk in Poland and powered by outboard engines, which makes them a more affordable way to own this style of boat without losing that classic look.

Corsiva has an outstanding portfolio of day boat models, giving plenty of choice to seasoned boaters and new enthusiasts alike. They typically offer an excellent amount of under-seat storage, comfortable seating and options for sunbed conversions.

Corsiva 505 – at just under five metres, the 505 is a compact and affordable way into the Corsiva range. It seats five people and comes with a 15hp Mercury outboard, with electric propulsion available on request. It was one of the boats visitors asked about most at the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show, as it took its place on British Marine’s “Discovering Britain’s Inland Waterways” stand.

Corsiva 605 – one of the newer additions to the range, the 605 seats six and features a spacious aft sunbed, a central helm and a swimming platform with bathing ladder. It’s equally at home on the Henley stretch of the Thames and in Chichester Harbour, so it’s a great choice if you’d like to enjoy both. An open transom allows you to easily lift the outboard out of the water.

Corsiva 800 Tender – the largest boat in the range, at 7.4 metres, with room for eight to ten adults. It boasts a spacious cockpit and offers a variety of optional extras such as a shower, a marine toilet and a 42-litre fridge. The Corsiva 800 offers the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Day boats you can stay aboard overnight

Some of our customers love the day boat lifestyle but also appreciate the idea of spending the odd night on board, whether that’s a weekend cruising the Thames or an evening on the water that runs a little later than planned. For this, our larger models are ideal.

Interboat Intender 950 Cabin – the flagship of the Interboat fleet, offering a very spacious and social cockpit with the added flexibility of a fully enclosed V berth cabin for overnight stays. Facilities include a 65-litre fridge, a two-burner cooker, a sink and a toilet, with cabin heating available as an optional extra. With engines of up to 320hp, it can reach speeds of up to 22 knots.

Intercruiser – if you’d like more space still, Intercruiser is the larger sister brand to Interboat. The boats are built in the same Dutch yard, and only a handful are made each year. In essence, they’re day boats with proper cabins, offering double beds, a separate toilet and shower area, a galley and plenty of storage, with ample seating for up to ten people. Take a look at the award-winning Intercruiser 29, which features the traditional aft helm, reminiscent of a classic Dutch sloop, creating a very social cockpit with seating for up to 8 people.

Engines: Inboard, outboard or electric?

How your day boat is powered makes more difference than you might think. It affects how quiet the boat is, how much room you have on board, what it costs to run and where it’s best suited. There are three main options to choose from.

Diesel inboard

Most Interboats are powered by a diesel inboard engine, usually from Vetus. The engine sits inside the hull and drives the propeller through a shaft, so it’s out of sight and out of the way.

Diesel inboards are quiet, economical and very reliable, which is a big part of why they’re so popular on the Thames. On the classic Interboat 19, for example, you can choose an engine of between 16hp and 27hp. That’s plenty for the river, where the speed limit on the non-tidal Thames is 8km/h (around 5mph).

If you’d like more pace for harbours and estuaries, the Intender range takes larger engines. The Intender 750 can be specified with up to 110hp, and the Intender 820 goes up to 170hp.

Outboard

Corsiva day boats use outboard engines, which are mounted on the back of the boat rather than inside it. This frees up space on board. An outboard is also easier to access when it comes to servicing, or to replace further down the line.

Outboards offer plenty of performance, too. The Corsiva 800 Tender, for instance, can take up to 175hp, which makes it well suited to Chichester Harbour, or the Solent on a calm day. Most outboards run on petrol, so it’s worth reading the Boat Safety Scheme’s petrol safety advice before you head out.

Electric

Electric day boats are becoming a much more common sight on the river, and it’s easy to see why. They’re almost silent, there are no exhaust fumes and they’re usually cheaper to run. On the Thames, electric boats also pay 25% less for their Environment Agency registration.

Several of our Interboats now come with an electric option, including the Interboat 19, Intender 700, Intender 750 and Intender 820.

The main thing to think about is range. Electric is brilliant for gentle cruising and summer evenings on the river. If you’re planning long days covering a lot of distance, though, talk to us about battery options and the best areas to charge your boat.

Do you need a licence?

In most cases, a boat must be licensed, insured and have valid Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certification when being used across certain inland waterway systems. You’ll be penalised if you don’t have BSS certification and you aren’t exempt.

Several navigation authorities, such as the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust, manage different rivers and canals across the UK, each with its own licences and fees. A separate licence must be obtained from the navigation authority for the waters you plan to cruise.

Read more about licensing your boat here and learn more from our previous blog post: Do you need a licence to drive a boat in the UK?

Find out more about owning a boat on the UK’s inland waterways here.

Safety features on a day boat

Boating is a beautiful experience and is all about relaxing and having fun, but being on the waterways, even sheltered rivers, comes with many hidden dangers that are not always obvious.

Strong currents, deep or shallow water, and submerged objects are just some things that boaters need to be aware of. It is therefore essential to ensure that you are adequately equipped before going on the water. Safety features on day boats should include:

• Life jackets (when on coastal waters – and for children at all times)
• A fire extinguisher

Boaters should also read and adhere to the following advice from the BSS:

• Fire safety
• Petrol safety
• Electrical safety

Feel free to contact our team to better understand how to prepare a day boat for passengers with different physical abilities. Boarding poles can assist with entry to a vessel, while booster seats can help to heighten a helm position.

Do you need a toilet on board?

It might not be the most glamorous topic, but it is one of the first questions we ask – and it makes a big difference to which boats you’ll be looking at.

If you’re mostly heading out for a couple of hours at a time, you may be happy without one. However, for longer days on the river, or if you’re boating with children or older family members, having a toilet on board can be the difference between a relaxed day out and heading back early.

Not every day boat can be fitted with a toilet, and the size and type of compartment will vary a lot from model to model. As a rule, it’s an option on the larger boats in each range. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to talk you through the different options.

Should I buy a new or used day boat?

This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying a day boat, and both options have their advantages.

A new boat can often be built to your exact specification, from the hull colour to the upholstery, and comes with the reassurance of a manufacturer’s warranty. You can even design your own Interboat using our Interboat Configurator. A used boat, on the other hand, will usually cost less upfront and lose less value while you own it. It is often ready to be used straight away too.

Our team goes into much more detail in our new vs used boats buyer’s guide. If you’re leaning towards a used boat, our guide to what to look for when buying a used boat is also well worth a read.

Case studies from day boat owners

Our customers are the people best placed to tell you what day boat ownership is really like. Here are a few of their stories, from first-time buyers to owners who’ve upgraded over the years.

Our Interboat 19 transformed our lives – Charlie and his family use their Interboat 19 almost every day in summer, from the school run up the river to evenings at riverside pubs.

Upgrading from a classic to a tender – Ellie started with a second-hand Interboat 19 and later moved up to an Intender, with our team looking after the boat each winter.

Upgrading our boat with Val Wyatt – Mark and Caroline traded up to an Intercruiser 29 for more cabin space and a shower, so they could stay aboard for longer trips.

Our first year as owners of a Corsiva 650 Tender – Ole Petter and his partner originally planned to buy something smaller, but chose the 650 so they could bring more friends along.

Conclusion: Finding the right day boat for you

The best way to choose a day boat is to see a few for yourself. Step aboard, sit at the helm and picture a day out with the people you’ll be bringing along. We are confident that you will quickly get a feel for what matters to you most.

Our team is always happy to talk through your options, arrange a viewing or, where possible, take you out on the water. Visit us at our marina in Wargrave on the River Thames, or at Val Wyatt Chichester. You can also call us on 0118 940 3211 (Wargrave) or 01243 217485 (Chichester).

Feel free to browse our latest day boats for sale online.