Best Boats For Rivers: Choosing The Right Vessel

When it comes to choosing the best boat for rivers, there are several factors and features to consider. Firstly, rivers often have shallow spots, so a boat with a shallow draft is essential. Flat bottom boats are ideal as they can navigate shallow waters while providing enough space for activities like fishing. If you're looking for a smaller boat that's easy to manoeuvre through narrow channels and around obstacles, a bass boat or a bay boat could be a good option. For fishing enthusiasts, boats with features like rod holders and livewells can enhance your experience. Additionally, if you plan to run whitewater, a smaller and more flexible watercraft is recommended. When it comes to materials, aluminium boats are popular for their ability to handle very shallow waters, while fibreglass boats offer a softer ride. Lastly, if you're considering a motor, ensure it can be raised out of the water when navigating shallow waters.

Flat-bottomed boats for shallow waters

Flat-bottomed boats are ideal for shallow waters such as rivers, creeks, lakes, and shorelines. They are designed to traverse very shallow inland waterways, with a shallow draft that allows them to operate in water only a few inches deep. The flat hull also makes the boat more stable in calm waters, which is ideal for hunters and anglers. This type of boat is also simple to construct, making them popular with hobbyist boat builders.

Flat-bottomed boats are less likely to ground in shallow waters than classic v-hulled boats, and they are extremely stable on calm, shallow waters, making them ideal for recreational use. They are a great choice for hunting and angling on inland waterways. The flat hull offers great stability and a shallow draft for easy navigation in shallow waters.

The main consideration for boating on rivers is the potential for shallow water. Flat-bottomed boats are great for rivers as they allow for navigation in shallow water while still offering enough space for fishing and lounging on the deck. Bass boats and bay boats are also good options for rivers, as long as their outboard motors can be raised out of the water when navigating shallow waters.

The best flat-bottomed boat for you will depend on several considerations, such as the specific type of water body you will be using it in and the activities you plan to engage in. For example, if you are looking for a boat for solo shallow water boating, a flat-bottomed kayak is an ideal choice as it is versatile, stable, and easy to manoeuvre into tight spaces. If you are looking for a boat for shallow water angling, skiffs are a good option as they are lightweight, flat-bottomed vessels with a shallow draft, and they usually have comfortable seating and ample storage space.

Flat-bottomed boats have some disadvantages. In choppy water, the flat hull offers very little stability, and if the wind picks up, the boat can become unstable. They also require more power to achieve higher speeds compared to boats with other hull types.

Bass and bay boats for fishing

When it comes to fishing in rivers, you'll want a boat that can navigate shallow waters. With that in mind, bass boats and bay boats are good options for river fishing. If you're looking for a boat that can accommodate fishing and lounging on the deck, a bass boat could be the perfect choice. Bass boats are designed for top performance and shallow water fishability. They typically feature big decks, advanced livewells, and a fast, smooth hull design. The Stinger 8 Series Bass boat, for example, is a top performer in shallow waters and is equipped with a lightning-fast extended-pad Mod-V hull and fishing features to elevate your fishing game.

Another option is to go for a bay boat, which is designed for the serious angler. Bay boats are performance-driven and can be operated from a centre console or a side console. Lowe Boats' 20' Bay boat, for instance, features a pad hull design that delivers peak performance and allows operation in shallow waters. Their 18 Bay boat is another excellent choice for inshore fishing, with a top-performing all-welded pad hull.

If you're looking for a boat that offers a balance of fishing capabilities and comfort, the Carolina Skiff 18 JVX CC is worth considering. While it was designed with anglers on a budget in mind, it has become a popular choice for recreational boaters as well, offering speed, comfort, and fun. With a 70 HP motor, a 4" shallow draft, ample storage space, and a weight capacity of 1652 lbs, this boat checks a lot of boxes for river fishing.

Small, nimble boats for comfort

If you're looking for a small and nimble boat for comfort when navigating rivers, there are a few options to consider. Here are some recommendations:

Jon Boat:

Jon boats are excellent for shallow water river navigation. They are versatile, easily customizable, and affordable. Jon boats are stable, making it easy to walk on the deck without losing balance. They are also suitable for fishing and can be converted into bass boats.

Flat Bottom Boats:

Flat bottom boats are ideal for rivers as they allow navigation in shallow waters while providing enough space for fishing or lounging. They are a great option if you plan to spend your boating time on rivers and want to explore both shallow and deep areas.

Bass Boats and Bay Boats:

Bass boats and bay boats are good choices for river boating. They are designed for fishing and can handle shallow water, but make sure the outboard motor can be raised when navigating shallow waters.

Kayak:

If you're on a budget, consider a kayak. It is substantially cheaper than a motorboat and offers a unique boating experience. Kayaks are perfect for recreational river/creek use and provide an excellent way to explore nature up close.

Scout 175 Sportfish:

The Scout 175 Sportfish is a small and nimble boat designed for comfort and enhanced river boating experience. It offers ample seating, a large bow casting platform, and an aerated livewell. It also includes a 94-quart removable cooler seat and a variety of fishing features.

Outboard motors for shallow waters

When it comes to outboard motors for shallow waters, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a motor that can be raised out of the water when navigating shallow areas. This is because the riverbeds can often be rocky, and there may be other obstacles such as logs and sandbars. As such, a shallow draft is essential.

The Pro-Drive outboard motor is one option designed for such environments. It is constructed from durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium and is easily stored and transported. It features an electric clutch for instant forward or neutral, improving manoeuvrability, handling, and safety. The adjustable trim also provides additional control and eliminates tiller handle torque, reducing fatigue on longer trips.

Backwater Inc. also offers a range of long-tail shallow water motors, including the SWOMP series, which is designed to run faster and handle easier than other motors in its class. One standout feature is the Revo-Clean System, which prevents weeds, fishing lines, sand, mud, and other debris from damaging the seals and bearings. Backwater motors also feature a patented tubular frame design that is super tough, filled with marine-grade foam to keep moisture out and reduce vibration.

Another tip for boating in shallow waters is to watch for changes in water colour, as this can indicate changes in depth. Darker water is often deeper, while lighter water is usually shallower. However, this is not always the case, as underwater plant life, waste, or other conditions can make the water appear darker. It's also important to slow down in shallow waters to mitigate the risk of running aground, which could damage your boat and motor.

Additionally, you can use a hydraulic jack plate to elevate your motor above the transom, giving it more range and optimising its performance in shallow waters. This is a useful option if your motor has a shorter draft than your boat.

Jon boats for versatility

Jon boats are a versatile and durable option for those looking to enjoy a wide range of activities on the water. With a flat bottom or minimal deadrise hull design, jon boats offer exceptional stability, making them ideal for fishing and hunting enthusiasts. Their spacious open layouts provide ample room for gear, game, and multiple passengers, while their shallow draft allows easy access to remote spots in rivers, wetlands, and marshes.

Jon boats are constructed from durable materials such as aluminium, fiberglass, or wood, with aluminium being the most common due to its lightweight and sturdy nature. They are easy to transport and store, as they are lighter and smaller than other boat types. Additionally, jon boats are highly customisable and can be tailored to suit various activities and seasons. Their simple design and construction make them a cost-effective option, requiring less maintenance and fuel compared to other boats.

When choosing a jon boat, consider factors such as convenience, transport, and storage. Select a boat with a sturdy construction, like the heavy-gauge aluminium or welded seams found in the Tracker Grizzly 2072, which ensure a durable and long-lasting vessel. For added comfort and fishability, look for features such as a bow casting platform, comfortable seating, gear storage, and a livewell.

Jon boats are an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, stable, and affordable boat for river adventures. With their durable construction, spacious layouts, and customisability, jon boats provide a reliable platform for fishing, hunting, leisure activities, and transportation to remote locations.

Frequently asked questions