Power cruisers have the size, accommodations, and amenities to make travelling by water a reality – and an adventure. There’s a wide range of boats that fall into this category, some of which (like weekenders or cuddy cabins) are small enough that they’re appropriate for short jaunts or long weekends on the water. But some others are large enough to make extended cruising to distant ports a reality. Either way, power cruisers give you the ability to venture beyond your home port and its usual waterways.

Setting day cruisers (which are only used for day-long trips) aside, all other forms of power cruisers need to have a few basic requirements. A propulsion system, obviously, paired with a fuel capacity extensive enough to provide the range you desire for the type of cruises you’d like to make. A cabin with a berth and a head including a shower is a must. Cooking facilities and some sort of food storage, whether in the form of a refrigerator or a cooler or ice box, is also in order. Most cruisers will need a protected helm station, so poor weather doesn’t cut a voyage short. And they also have lots of seating, so the crew and guests have a place to rest.

Beyond these basic requirements, power cruisers run the gamut. You’ll see tiny “pocket trawlers” barely large enough for a couple to spend a weekend on, and huge power cruisers with multiple cabins, air conditioning, entertainment centers, and powerful diesel inboards – which could accurately be termed yachts. Some power cruisers are designed to run from port to port as quickly as possible, while others are intended to travel slowly but far more efficiently. And there are even long-distance power cruisers which have ocean-crossing capabilities. One thing is for sure: whatever type of power cruiser gets your imagination going, you’ll be able to find it on boats.com.