Bowrider vs daycruiser (cabin cruiser boat)

Choosing between a bowrider and a daycruiser decides how you'll spend your time on the water. In this article, we place the Avant 705 bowrider and Noblesse 720 daycruiser side-by-side to help you decide which layout, performance and onboard feel suit your lifestyle best.

Performance comparison: Bowrider vs daycruiser boat

Avant 705 and Noblesse 720 suit boaters who appreciate performance with a refined edge. Though built on different V-hull designs, they share core principles—a conventional bow, non-stepped hull, and confident handling in following and oncoming seas. This design provides excellent performance in all speed ranges and makes it easy to hop in and out via the bow when you're close to shore.

The conventional hull design deflects water to the sides, ensuring a dry ride even in demanding conditions. The wider, cruise-oriented Noblesse 720 allows slightly less spray into the cockpit than the Avant 705, thanks to a windshield positioned further towards the bow, combined with a slightly different design of the upper hull section.

Smoothest ride - Noblesse 720 daycruiser

If you're looking for stability and calm, especially in shifting conditions, the Noblesse 720 delivers. This daycruiser blends its sporty nature with a composed ride that stands out when you meet chop. Thanks to its added width and weight, it stays more grounded than the Avant 705 bowrider—something you'll notice when slicing through coastal turbulence. The hull's chine keeps the ride smooth, giving you full confidence at the helm.

The 22,5-degree V-hull delivers reliable grip in high-speed turns and sharp control at slow speeds—ideal when docking or navigating tight spaces.

The softer hull angle, compared to the sharp 24-degree V of Avant 705 provides more deck space, enhancing the cruiser feel and delivers excellent stability. This also results in a slightly lower planing threshold (16-17 knots) versus the bowrider which planes at around 17-18 knots.

Sportiest performance - Avant 705 bowrider

If you want a boat that responds like an extension of yourself, the Avant 705 offers a direct and connected feel. It's lighter and more playful, especially in calm to moderate seas, where you'll enjoy the added agility. While it doesn't match the Noblesse 720's insulation from rough waters, it still confidently holds its own. The difference is more about feel than capability.

The 24-degree V combined with the slender design efficiently cut through choppy seas and challenging waves. Built on the same hull as the Enduro 705, the Avant balances excitement and comfort—more dynamic than a daycruiser but smoother ride than a centre console. And when you're pulling into a marina, the deep V provides responsiveness that makes it a breeze to handle.

The Avant 705 shares the same top-range engine option as the Noblesse 720—a 250 hp Mercury V8. Paired with its lighter weight and sharp hull, you get quicker acceleration, more responsive handling, and a higher top speed.

Bow comparison: Bowrider vs daycruiser (cabin cruiser boat)

This is where the character of each boat really shows. The bow defines how you'll use the boat—and how it will feel to live with.

Open bow - Avant 705 bowrider

The Avant 705 bowrider is all about openness and accessibility. Espen Thorup opened up the bow as an integrated social space by placing the cockpit further aft than many popular bowriders. With the helm placed all the way to the starboard side, you get a wide, safe walkway that connects the cockpit to the front of the boat, giving you a seamless flow from stern to bow.

It makes everyday tasks like mooring effortless. And if you're bringing along kids or someone with limited mobility, the high freeboards and level access offer peace of mind.

With the cockpit door open, the whole boat feels unified. Close it, and you suddenly have two distinct zones—and comfortable wind protection.

The bow seats three people comfortably and easily transforms into a spacious sunbed. Here, you'll find storage for bags, ropes and fenders—practical and easy to access.

Overnight options - Noblesse 720 daycruiser

The Noblesse 720, on the other hand, uses its bow differently. It features an enclosed bow to make space for a sleeping cabin below. The bow is raised above the cockpit and designed as a dedicated sunbathing and lounging area—it also doubles as a diving platform when anchored in a quiet bay. Its slightly elevated position gives you a great vantage point and a sense of privacy when others hang out in the cockpit.

Below this enclosed bow sits the sleeping cabin with a roomy bed and the option for an electric toilet. And when you're not planning to use the bed, the space doubles as a large storage compartment.

The larger sibling, Noblesse 830, further improves accessibility between the cockpit and bow.

Cockpit comparison: Bowrider vs daycruiser

The cockpit is where you'll spend most of your time on board—and both boats deliver a premium experience with their shielded layouts and well-considered details. You'll find ample room for socialising, seven-person capacity on both models, and a blend of comfort and signature Nordkapp practicality.

The same premium materials flow throughout both models, along with clever storage solutions, a movable passenger seat backrest and a bimini that folds out neatly from underneath the aft seating.

Simplicity - Avant 705 bowrider

The Avant 705 takes a clean, open approach. It's a simpler space than the Noblesse 720, with generous room to move and a layout that invites connection. The aft windwall adds passenger comfort at speed. At anchor, you'll spend time on the deployable sun lounger, enjoying the onboard sound system while grabbing refreshments from the refrigerator.

The helm console offers ample storage for your essentials, and you can install an electrical toilet here.

Extra comfort - Noblesse 720 daycruiser

Step aboard the Noblesse 720 and you'll immediately feel the difference the extra width makes. With a beam of 2.63 metres, it gives everyone that extra personal space—a subtle luxury. The added width also contributes to more stability at rest, which you'll appreciate when people move around the boat or when gentle swells roll in.

A highlight is the U-shaped sofa that transforms into a generous sunbed. With the canopy up, this aft area becomes a sheltered lounge—or even a second sleeping spot for the kids.

The daycruiser has a lowered cockpit, which gives you extra wind protection compared to the Avant 705, where you sit higher to the windscreen.

Aft section: Bowrider vs daycruiser

The aft section plays a key role in how the boat feels during those anchor-down moments. Both vessels ensure that getting in and out of the water is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. They have ample stowage space for ropes and the option for a remote-controlled Sleipner anchor windlass.

More space - Noblesse 720 daycruiser

The Noblesse 720 daycruiser features large, padded swimming platforms that add comfort and function at the waterline. And with the option for a pressurised water system, you can enjoy a freshwater shower to rinse off after a swim.

Essentials only - Avant 705

The Avant 705 takes a more minimal approach, but still covers the essentials well. The aft area gives you easy access to the water. While it doesn't offer the same scale or padding as the Noblesse 720, it's thoughtfully laid out and practical—especially when you value simplicity.

Equipment: Daycruiser or bowrider

Both models come with a generous list of standard equipment and a wide range of options. Still, some features separate these boats from each other:

Equipment for the Avant 705 (that's not available for the Noblesse 720)

• Waterski pole

Equipment for the Noblesse 720 (that's not available for the Avant 705)

• Bow anchor windlass
  
  
• Stern thruster
  
  
• Webasto heater
  
  
• Bow ladder

The Avant 705 bowrider is well-suited if you value sporty handling, simplicity, and an open, flexible layout that adapts to summer days on the water. The Noblesse 720 daycruiser, meanwhile, brings added comfort, overnight options, and a more refined onboard feel—without losing the sporty edge you expect from a Nordkapp.