Are you planning to buy a boat? Perhaps you want the freedom to cruise the open blue waters, or you love fishing.

Regardless of your motivation to look into the benefits of having a vessel, even if just for one day, there are different types of boats to choose from. Each type of boat will either fall into the fishing, cruising, or water sports boat category. Some of you might be looking for a boat rental company for your vacation, which is a perfect way to get some scenery you wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to see. Whereas others may well be looking to go sailing for a much longer period of time. Whatever your reasons, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from.

With the myriad of boat options out there, choosing the right vessel can be a catch-22. You’ll need to consider how you are going to use it, the time you’ll spend on the water and the number of people it will carry. And don’t forget your budget, boat condition, propulsion system, and boat accessories and equipment also matter.

However, this doesn’t mean that boat ownership is impossible. All you need is to be clear-headed and understand the process to make a worthy investment.

One of the steps to buying the right boat is knowing the different types of boats. Here are the types of boats that you can choose from today to get you started.

Dinghy Boats

Dinghies, also known as sailboats, inflatables, or rowboats, are powered by oars, sails, or outboard engines. They can be made of rubber and comprise rowlocks, and cross thwarts acting as oars and seats.

In most cases, these types of boats are used in narrow waters where the mothership cannot navigate. They are thus used as companion boats and carried during fishing or expeditions in shallow waters.

Deck Boats

These boat types have an open deck area providing ample seating space for a group of people. Also, the boat hull is V-shaped with a wide beam designed to allow for more passengers than a pontoon boat. Generally, deck boats measure about twenty-five to thirty-five feet in length and feature sterndrive propellers.

These boats are mainly used for recreational activities such as water sports, swimming, and more.

House Boats

Also known as flatboats, these boats offer the luxury of living on the water. Also, they provide exquisite holiday and recreational accommodation facilities.

Houseboats come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to meet the unique needs of their users. Houseboats feature a huge floor plan and modern amenities such as fine dining, top-notch entertainment.

You can have a great time in houseboats by engaging in water sports, cruising, family sailing, and more. While most houseboats are motorized, others are kept at a specific location and don’t sail.

Fishing Boats

As the name suggests, these boats are only for fishing, and they come in different sizes designed for both fresh and saltwater bodies. These boats are stable and durable to survive fishing adventures across different waterways.

A fishing boat can feature both manned and unmanned types. All-purpose fishing boats have rod lockers, a front bow, outboard power, trolling motor system, and live wells.

However, the boats designed to fish in the offshore environment are strong-built and taller in size. This is to hold out against harsher conditions and saltwater. On the contrary, boats meant for rivers and lakes are small in size, made of aluminum, and highly durable.

For an extended lifespan, it’s important to use a boat hull cleaner during your fishing boat maintenance.

Motor Yacht Boats

If you are looking for a modern, high-end vessel, a motor yacht, it is. These are of the latest design in boat evolution used primarily for leisure activities. They come with a standard length of twelve meters or more.

Motor yachts feature one or two diesel engines depending on ocean or inland waters navigation requirements. This vessel is ideal for expeditions and cruise adventures as it can sail on the water for a long period.

If looking for a motor yacht, you’ll have different options, including weekender yachts, sailing yachts, luxury yachts, and more. Your choice of the motor yacht will depend on your specific needs and how you intend to use the vessel.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boats

Also known as jet skis or water scooters, PWC boats are customized and designed for adventurous water activities. They are recreational vessels that allow individuals to take part in sports fishing and water-skiing. They come in two different types, stand-up and sit down. The sit-down PWC can accommodate two or more people, but the stand-up one is only usable by a single rider. If you would like to try out a jet ski, you could consider the option to hire a boat rental Lake Travis or elsewhere closer to you. Renting a boat offers a flexible and cost-effective way to enjoy time on the water without the long-term commitment and expenses associated with ownership. Additionally, jet skis can be a fun way to enhance your leisure and vacation experiences.

They come in two different types, stand-up and sit down. The sit-down PWC can accommodate two or more people, but the stand-up one is only usable by a single rider.

Runabout Boats

These types of boats are mainly used in fishing, racing, and water skiing and can accommodate four to eight people. Forward controls and steering wheels located behind the windscreen control runabout movement.

If you plan on going boating activities and casual sports, then a runabout boat is the ideal entry-level vessel for you.

Center Console Boats

Center console boats feature a hull without foredeck or cabin with the helm station in the boat center. Due to their design, these boats offer a great fishing platform. They are suitable for sports fishing and working in harsh offshore conditions with lots of fish.

This vital equipment found in these boats includes gunwale rod holders, bait wells, outriggers, fish lockers, and more. With a powerful insulation system on the deck for fish storage, the vessel can be used for longer fishing expeditions.

Catamaran Boats

Unlike other types of boats, a catamaran is a multi-hulled vessel featuring two parallel hulls of the same size. Also, these boat types have a shallower draft, less hull volume, and higher displacement than single-hulled vessels.

These boats are ideal for a wide range and are not limited to cruising and fishing.

These Are the Types of Boats That Exist Today

Buying the best boats is one of the smartest investments you can make.

However, to enjoy all the benefits of owning a boat, you must buy the perfect one to suit your needs. Know what to look for and how to go about buying a new boat to make the right choice.

Here are the different types of boats that exist today.