Choosing The Right Boat: Types And Considerations

Boats have been used for transportation since prehistoric times, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From small, man-powered boats to large, luxurious motor yachts, there are hundreds of different types of boats in the world. The type of boat you choose depends on your needs and preferences. Are you an angler who needs a versatile fishing boat? Or do you want a spacious cabin cruiser for family vacations? Do you enjoy the thrill of high-performance boats, or do you prefer the timeless connection of sailing? With so many options available, it can be challenging to select the perfect vessel. Let's explore the different types of boats and find the ideal one for your adventures.

Motorboats

The two main types of motorboats are classified by the manner in which the engine is installed. An inboard motorboat has the engine permanently mounted within the hull, with the drive shaft passing through the hull. An outboard motorboat has a portable, detachable motor, incorporating the drive shaft and propeller, that is clamped or bolted to the stern or in a well within the hull. There is also a hybrid option called an inboard-outboard, where the engine is installed inside the boat, and the gearbox and propeller are outside.

• Outboard runabout, or motor launch: a small open boat with seats across the width of the craft and occasionally with decking over the bow area.
• Inboard runabouts: usually larger than outboard runabouts and are either open or have a removable shelter top.
• Cruisers, or cabin cruisers: equipped with sleeping and cooking facilities in an enclosed cabin for people to live aboard.
• Motor yachts: an inboard cruiser longer than 50 feet, usually designed for operation in less protected waters and frequently navigates coastal oceanic routes.
• Bay boats: designed for use in shallow waters of large shallow bays, estuaries, or near the shore. They are usually made of fiberglass and are 18-24 feet in length.
• Bowriders: with an open seating area in the bow ahead of the helm, bowriders are powered by outboard engines or sterndrives. They are considered family boats and can be used for fishing and water sports.
• Center console boats: these boats have an open "walk around" concept to help anglers move about easily. They have planing hulls and are powered by one or multiple outboard engines.
• Cuddy cabin boats: with a small cabin forward, cuddy boats can accommodate a bed and/or a toilet and are good for fishing, family fun, or limited overnighting.
• Deck boats: deck boats have a flat, open deck with plenty of seating space and can be used for family fun or fishing.
• Jet boats: powered by jet drives rather than propellers, jet boats are highly maneuverable and are usually used for water sports.
• High-performance boats: built for speed and racing, with narrow beams, steep deadrise, and high power-to-weight ratios. They range from 25-60+ feet in length.

Sailboats

Traditionally, sailboats were built out of marine wood or other wood materials. However, modern construction allows for the use of premium marine lumber products, and some subclasses, such as catamarans, are made with premium fiberglass materials for a more durable and low-maintenance design.

Sloops, the most common type of sailboat, have one mast and generally two sails: a mainsail and a headsail called a jib or genoa. If a sloop has two headsails, it is usually called a cutter rig. Ketches have two masts, with the aft mast shorter than the main mast, and yawls also have a shorter aft mast but it is farther back on the deck than a ketch. A schooner can have two or three masts, with the forward-most one being shorter.

With so many subclasses of sailboats available, the selection of optional equipment and accessories is extensive. Upgrades can include premium sails and rigs, sail covers, premium navigation and communication systems, and living essentials like marine appliances for overnight cruisers. Racing, fishing, and other specialised equipment is also available for sailboat models.

Fishing boats

There are many types of fishing boats, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

• Jon boats are flat-bottomed vessels, usually made of aluminium, that are used on calm inland waters. They are generally between 10 and 20 feet long, and can be manually powered by oars or fitted with an outboard trolling motor.
• Center console boats have a steering station on a central console, with open deck space or seating at the front and back. They are versatile and can be adapted to all fishing situations and waters, depending on their size and rigging.
• Dual-console boats have a helm on the right side and another seat on the left, with a passage between them to the bow. They are suitable for fishing in all waters, depending on their size.
• Walkaround boats can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as day cruising. They are between 18 and 30 feet in length, and have a small cabin at the front with access all around the perimeter for fishing or rigging dock lines.
• Power catamaran boats have two hulls, making them stable, manoeuvrable, and smooth-riding. They are ideal for fishing offshore in rough or choppy conditions, and tend to be more fuel-efficient than monohull boats.
• Convertible sportfishing boats are designed for deep-sea fishing and chasing large pelagic species. They are built for comfort and safety in big seas, and often have inboard diesel engines and large cockpits.
• Bay boats are designed for coastal saltwater fishing and have raised casting decks at the bow and stern. They are trailerable and usually between 19 and 26 feet in length.
• Flats skiffs are shallow-draft boats that can navigate through waters as shallow as 12 inches, providing access to spots that other boats cannot reach. They are generally between 15 and 25 feet in length, with an outboard motor, and can seat two to three people.
• Runabout boats are small powerboats used for general purposes, including day cruising, beaching, fishing, and beginner watersports. They usually include an open bow, ample seating, and a swim platform.

Unpowered boats

Canoes

Long and narrow, canoes are watercraft with pointed ends and curved sides. They are designed to be propelled by someone using a paddle and are perfect for those who want a simple and affordable way to get out on the water.

Kayaks

Similar to canoes, kayaks are narrow boats that are propelled with a double-ended paddle. They usually have closed decks and are popular for recreational purposes, as well as racing and fishing.

Rowboats

Rowboats are small vessels that are propelled by oars. They are often used as tenders to larger vessels and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fibreglass, aluminium, and inflatable fabrics.

Rafts

Rafts are simple, flat-bottomed boats that are typically used for recreational purposes. They can be made from various materials, including wood, inflatable fabrics, and even plastic.

Gondolas

Gondolas are traditional, flat-bottomed boats that are often associated with the city of Venice, Italy. They are propelled by a person standing at the back of the boat and pushing against the water with a long pole.

Pedalos

Also known as paddle boats, pedalos are small boats propelled by pedals that turn a water wheel or propeller. They are often used for recreation and are commonly found at parks and resorts.

In addition to these types of unpowered boats, it is worth noting that some boats can be converted to unpowered use by simply removing their engines or sails. This gives users the flexibility to switch between power sources depending on their needs and preferences.

Yachts

The term "yacht" comes from the Dutch word "jacht" or "jaght", meaning "hunter", originally referring to light, fast sailing vessels used by the Dutch Republic Navy to pursue pirates and other criminals in the shallow waters of the Low Countries.

Size

Size is the primary factor in determining whether a boat can be considered a yacht. While there is no official cutoff, vessels over 40 feet in length can be considered yachts. As size increases, terms like "mega-yacht" or "superyacht" may be used.

However, the lower end of the yacht size spectrum is more ambiguous. Some may argue that a 40-foot boat is not a yacht, while others may say 35 feet is the minimum, or that it must be 50 feet or more.

Luxury

In addition to size, luxury is a defining feature of yachts. The term "yacht" is associated with royalty and nobility, and implies a level of comfort, relaxation, and recreation. Yachts often feature multiple comfortable interior areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, saloons, and bedrooms.

Propulsion

Crew

Navigation and Technology

Types of Yachts

There are two main types of yachts: sailing yachts and motor-powered yachts.

While the term "yacht" may evoke images of luxury and opulence, it is important to note that not all yachts are equal. The features and amenities of a yacht can vary widely, and the definition of a yacht is somewhat flexible, depending on context and personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions