Updated at: 05-09-2021 - By: micdot

Boat buying can be a real pain. There are so many different choices and so many different options that it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, if you know the types of boats available and what you should be looking for, the process of finding the boat you want will be much simpler. 

In this guide, we will briefly explain the most common types of boats and give you some tips on what you should be looking for when you are going out to look at boats.

Fishing Boats

types of boats

A fishing boat is any boat that is designed for use by one or more persons while fishing. Most often, fishing boats have two or four outboard engines, a small cockpit area with a retractable ladder for getting in and out of the boat, and a large amount of storage space below decks.

A fishing boat should have plenty of storage space below decks because you will inevitably accumulate lots of supplies and gear when you are out on the water. Fishing boats come in all sizes, from 22 feet to 105 feet long. Most often, fishing boats fall into the 36 to 55 foot range.

The longer the boat, the more room there is to stow gear. Also, the larger the boat, the more stable it is. A really big boat won’t tip over even if it runs into a severe storm. On the other hand, a really small boat will be unstable and difficult to control. You should only buy a fishing boat if you plan to actually use it for fishing.

Dinghy Boats

Dinghy Boats

A dinghy is a small boat that is usually used for fishing or just cruising around the lake or pond. Dinghies are perfect for people who enjoy boating but don’t want or need a large boat. A dinghy is usually between 15 and 22 feet long. It has a hull that’s made of a material called fiberglass which is much lighter than wood. Dinghies also have a very shallow draft which means they are easy to get in and out of the water.

They are perfect for people who like to fish from but not necessarily need or want to own a large boat. A dinghy is also a great choice if you just want to cruise around the lake or pond in style. You can take one out whenever you want, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Deck Boats

Deck Boats

A deck boat is a boat with a platform built over the stern which extends outward like a deck. The purpose of this is so you can walk around on dry land while using the boat for fishing or other water activities. This allows you to use the boat for activities where it would be impractical or impossible to use a conventional boat. You can use the platform to store gear, house supplies, or even to live aboard the boat if you so choose.

Deck boats have a few advantages over other types of boats. For one thing, they are very stable and do not rock side-to-side like a traditional boat. This makes them great for cruising and leisurely outings. Another advantage is that they dry out very quickly, so if you get caught in even a light rain shower, your deck boat will be ready to go in a flash.

A disadvantage of a deck boat is that it is limited in how far it can travel on land because the area directly under the platform cannot be used. However, if you are only planning to use the boat on water, then this may not be an issue for you. 

Bowrider Boats

Bowrider Boats

A bowrider boat is one which has a platform or “bow” extending out from the stern of the boat. This area is where the two occupants of the boat sit when they are riding in the boat. The platform provides extra stability for the passengers and makes it much more comfortable to ride in the boat. It also allows the occupants of the boat to enjoy a better view of the water and the scenery.

These boats are particularly useful for fishing and sightseeing. They are stable and easy to control, even for inexperienced boaters. They are also inexpensive and very easy to operate. The only real drawback is that they are not as fast as other types of boats. They are most often used for leisurely, day trips on the water.

Catamaran Boats

Catamaran Boats

A catamaran is a boat with two hulls connected by a rigid frame. The advantage of a catamaran over a monohull (single-hulled) boat is that it has a much higher stability and is less likely to capsize. This makes a catamaran boat great for day sailing and also for rough water travel. Catamarans are also very stable when beached, which makes them a good choice for both leisure and sportfishing.

Catamarans were first invented in the early 1900’s and they’ve been used ever since. In fact, they’re so popular now, that there are many different types of catamarans, including racing boats, touring boats, cruising boats, fishing boats, and even yachts!  There are also different kinds of catamarans, such as center console, pontoon, semi-dispenser, and even bar stools.  Whatever type you choose, it will be designed with comfort and convenience in mind.

Cuddy Cabins Boats

Cuddy Cabins Boats

A cuddy cabin is a small boat with a single berth for sleeping quarters. They are sometimes called “pigs” because they look like a pig’s back with a flat bottom. The name “cuddy” comes from the Scottish Gaelic word for “back”.

A cuddy cabin has a small enclosed head with a small porthole for ventilation. It also has a small enclosed area for cooking. These boats are ideal for exploring shallow waters and rivers. They are usually under 30 feet long and can be paddled by one or two people.

Centre Console Boats

Centre Console Boats

A centre console boat is one where the bench seat is set well back into the boat so that you have a large open area in front of you. This makes it easy to access things like a tackle box, fishing gear, etc. 

The console itself is located in the middle of the boat and extends across the width of the boat. This style of boat was originally designed for use with outboard motors. These days, centre console boats are used with inboard engines too. They’re just plain handy for a lot of reasons.

Houseboats

Houseboats

A houseboat is a boat with a house attached to it. They can be as simple as a pontoon boat with a folding canvas top or as elaborate as a semi-custom home built onto a custom-built houseboat. Houseboats are popular for several reasons. 

One of the main reasons is the cost of owning a houseboat is less than the cost of owning a regular house or condo. Secondly, many people like the idea of having a boat, but don’t want to own the maintenance and storage required for a regular boat.

Houseboats are also a great solution for people who live in areas where the water is too dangerous for a person to go swimming. A lot of people choose houseboats because they are safer than other boats. Plus, they can be used for fishing, cruising around the lake or even just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Trawler Boats

Trawler Boats

A trawler is a boat with a large, square sail that is rigged fore and aft. It is usually rigged with a single boom and a single jib. The word “trawler” comes from the fact that these types of boats were used by fishermen who would drag nets behind the boat. Nowadays, a trawler is any type of boat with a large square sail. Trawlers are used for everything from cruising to racing.

Cabin Cruiser Boats

Cabin Cruiser Boats

A cabin cruiser is a type of boat that was originally designed for use by wealthy individuals who had a need for a boat that was both luxurious and also had a place to live aboard. These boats are very similar to houseboats in that they both have a cabin (living quarters) and a deck (the area where you enjoy the boat). Houseboats, however, are generally much larger than cabin cruisers.

A cabin cruiser is a luxurious and spacious boat that sleeps up to six people and has plenty of room for all of your boating needs. It is usually equipped with every conceivable luxury, including a Jacuzzi, a telephone, a TV, and even a full-sized computer. Some models come with a CD or DVD stereo system. You can find cabin cruisers with two or three staterooms. They vary widely in price. A nice, used model will cost less than half of what a new one would.

Game Boats

Game Boats

A game boat is a type of bass boat that is designed to be driven and maneuvered like a true bass boat. However, these boats are also equipped with many of the amenities of a high-performance touring boat. They are designed to be driven to fishing spots, not just cruised to them.

They have a very wide beam, so they are stable in the water. Game boats are also equipped with a large amount of storage space. This makes it easy to transport all of your fishing gear and supplies. They also have a large, covered cockpit area. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect.

Motor Yacht Boats

A motor yacht is a large, luxurious boat with a powerful engine that allows it to get up to speeds of 70 mph or more. These boats are not really designed for fishing or pleasure boating. They are very high-end, extremely fast luxury boats. They are used by rich people for entertainment and to travel to and from different ports of call.

These boats can sleep 6 to 10 people and are usually equipped with every conceivable amenity you could want or need. Some of them come complete with a fully-stocked bar! Motor yachts can be as small as 26 feet or as large as 150 feet. The smallest ones are called “keel boats” and the largest are called “superyachts”. Most of the larger ones have two or three decks and can sleep up to 14 or more people.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boats

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boats

Personal watercraft are the fastest, most powerful boats on the water. They are also the most expensive. They range in price from $6,000 to well over a hundred thousand. They are extremely fast, with top speeds reaching 45 mph or more. They can go anywhere other boats can go, but they are truly designed for fun on the water. You can use them for touring, fishing, waterskiing, and just plain speed racing. They are perfect for fun on the water!

Runabout Boats

Runabout Boats

A runabout boat is any boat with a flat deck. This includes rafts, inner tubes, inflatable boats and even houseboats. If you have a boat trailer, you can tow this type of boat behind your vehicle. Runabouts are great for fishing, sightseeing, and just plain fun. 

They are ideal for people who love to go boating but don’t need or want a large, stable boat. They are also a good choice if you like to go jet skiing because they are easy to maneuver and fast enough to outrun most of the waves created by the jet skis.

Banana Boats

banana boats

A banana boat is a small boat with a flat bottom, high sides, and a large open deck area. The name comes from the fact that many of these boats were used to carry bananas from one place to another when the boats had a shallow draft and a flat bottom. 

Nowadays, banana boats are used for various other purposes. They are especially useful for fishing and diving. These small boats are perfect for exploring small, inland waterways such as creeks and rivers.

Lifeboats

Lifeboats

A lifeboat is a small boat with an outboard motor that is designed to be towed behind a larger boat. The lifeboat has a small engine and storage area so it can be operated by one or two people. If you are in an accident at sea and your boat sinks, then the lifeboat will help you stay afloat until rescue boats arrive. 

It will also keep you from being washed overboard. Lifeboats are designed to be light and easy to handle. They have a relatively shallow draft, so they can be launched quickly. This makes them useful for evacuations from large ships.

Lifeboats come in many different sizes and shapes. Some are round, some are square, and others are of an unusual shape. A common type of lifeboat is the “D-boat”. This is a long, narrow boat with a high freeboard. It is designed for swiftness rather than seaworthiness. The D-boat has a tall, skinny hull and a low, wide beam. It is propelled by two outboard motors mounted side-by-side.

FAQS

What makes a good cruising boat?

Cruising boats come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one perfect boat for every cruising couple. It is best to start with the basics. A good cruising boat should be seaworthy, comfortable, have lots of storage space and, of course, be able to accommodate your passengers and your crew.

You should consider what you will use the boat for, where you will live, how much space you need for your gear and personal belongings, how much money you have to spend, and what type of construction you are willing to live with.

Should I Buy New or Pre-owned?

If you’re not as concerned about the design as you are the cheapest price tag possible, then buying a used or refurbished model will often be the best choice.

Where Should I Buy a Boat?

There are a few different places that are great for buying an inflatable boat. You can buy one at a local sporting goods store, at an online retailer, or directly from a manufacturer. Buying direct from the manufacturer is by far the best option. It is truly the only way to go.

Conclusion

A boat is a very useful tool for those who live near the water. You should know all about boats and their uses. It is very important to own a boat because it can be used for fishing, pleasure, or just to travel around the country. Whatever the reason is, we hope that this information will be useful to you.