Exploring Boats For Rivers And Oceans: Finding The Right Vessel

There are many types of boats, and their hull types include single and multi-hull, power, and sailboats. The type of boat you need depends on the purpose of your voyage. If you're looking for a boat that can navigate both rivers and oceans, you should consider factors like comfort, stability, safety, and the boat's size, design, material, power, and safety features. Here are some of the best boats for both lakes and oceans:

- Catamarans: Their twin-hull structure provides excellent stability and ample space, making them suitable for both peaceful lakes and variable ocean conditions.

- Cabin cruisers: These boats blend comfort, style, and power, making them versatile for extended trips on both lakes and oceans. They offer home-like amenities and can handle a range of water conditions.

- Sailboats: Sailboats provide an environmentally friendly and serene navigation experience, harnessing the wind's power. They require sailing skills and are suitable for large lakes with consistent winds and ocean voyages when equipped with a sturdy hull design.

- Yachts: Synonymous with luxury and spaciousness, yachts offer a sophisticated voyage, be it on tranquil lakes or vast oceans.

- Center consoles: With open hulls and ample deck space, center consoles are versatile for a range of activities. Their robust engines make them capable of angling for lake trout or navigating ocean waves.

- Pontoons: Pontoons provide a stable and spacious platform with their flat deck and buoyant tubes. They can be adapted for both smooth lake operations and more rugged ocean usage.

- Canoes: Canoes offer simple, quiet, and nature-close adventures. Their design allows for easy steering and steady movement, making them suitable for lake shores and coastal ocean journeys in calm seas.

- Kayaks: Small and lightweight, kayaks are popular for both lake and ocean environments. They are portable, affordable, and ideal for day trips or travelling to different locations.

Catamarans

When it comes to size, a good minimum size for living aboard and extended ocean cruising is around 40 feet (12 metres). This offers a good balance between cost, comfort, speed, and ease of handling. Bigger boats provide more comfort, stability, speed, and room, but they also come with higher initial and maintenance costs.

Cabin cruisers

Some of the best cabin cruiser brands on the market include:

• Sea Ray
• Axopar
• Tiara
• Grand Banks
• Jeanneau
• Rinker
• Regal
• Back Cove
• Azimut
• Intrepid

The initial cost of a cabin cruiser can vary depending on size and amenities, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, with some models costing over $1 million.

When considering a cabin cruiser, it is important to think about the amount of space needed, the duration of cruising trips, and the level of comfort desired when navigating and docking.

Sailboats

For ocean sailing, sailboats are often deep-keeled, allowing them to cut through waves and reduce the feeling of being tossed around by the swell. The bigger the boat, the better it can handle the ocean. However, a larger boat also requires a bigger crew, so this is an important consideration.

When it comes to rivers, sailboats can be an excellent choice as well. Rivers often have calm waters, making them perfect for sailing. However, it is important to consider the width and depth of the river, as well as the height of any bridges that need to be passed under. Sailboats with retractable or removable keels can be advantageous in such situations.

Some popular types of sailboats include:

• Daysailers
• Cruisers
• Racing sailboats
• Catamarans
• Trimerans

So, if you're looking for a boat that can take you on both ocean and river adventures, a sailboat is definitely worth considering!

Yachts

Categories of Yachts

• Category A yachts, also known as Explorer or Expedition Yachts, are designed for open ocean travel. They feature a large hull capable of handling waves up to 23 feet high and can withstand strong winds of up to 47 knots.
• Category B yachts are suitable for wider seas but are not built for crossing oceans. They can manage waves up to 13 feet high.
• Category C yachts are intended for inshore use in larger bays and lakes. They can handle waves up to about 7 feet high.
• Category D yachts are ideal for sheltered waters like lakes, protected harbours, and rivers. They are typically used for day trips and can navigate in areas with waves under 4 feet high.

Factors Affecting Yacht Travel Distance

The distance a yacht can travel depends on several factors, including its type (sailing or motor), size, fuel tank capacity, and auxiliary power sources.

A sailing yacht, for example, can circumnavigate the globe with the right skipper, proper maintenance, and favourable sailing conditions. A 30-foot sailing yacht in good condition can sail about 100 nautical miles per day and continue for up to 90 days without stopping.

Motorized yachts, on the other hand, rely on fuel, and their range depends on the size of the boat and the fuel tank. A larger vessel, such as a 75-foot boat with an 11,000-litre fuel capacity, can travel approximately 1500 nautical miles. In contrast, a smaller 35-45 foot yacht with a 100-litre tank has a range of about 400 nautical miles.

Auxiliary Power Sources

In addition to fuel, yachts can utilise alternative power sources to extend their range and power on-board amenities:

• Solar generators: Solar panels charge the yacht's batteries and can be incorporated into the sails.
• Wind generators: These harness wind power to charge the batteries.
• Hydro generators: Similar to wind generators but fixed to the transom, using water power to run systems on board.
• Outboard motors: Smaller vessels can use these as a backup in case of technical problems.

Planning a Yacht Voyage

When planning a yacht voyage, it is essential to consider the yacht's category, range, and size to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Proper maintenance, provisioning, and crew training are also critical aspects of preparing for a long-distance trip.

For ocean crossings, meticulous route planning, safety equipment, and reliable communication tools are of utmost importance. It is recommended to have emergency procedures in place and conduct drills to familiarise the crew with safety protocols.

Center consoles

Center console boats are versatile vessels with a center-mounted helm station. They are popular for fishing, water sports, and cruising. These boats are medium-sized and trailerable, with an average length of 24 feet, and can be used in freshwater and saltwater. The deep V-hull design of center consoles makes them ideal for offshore waters, providing a smooth ride even in rough waters. They typically have a moderate draft and average beam, with plenty of seating and storage space.

Center console boats offer a blend of serious fishing features and family-friendly amenities. They usually have a spacious cockpit, ample livewells, and ample storage for fishing gear. Some models even include a portable toilet, washdowns, and a swim platform. The maximum passenger load for these boats typically ranges from 5 to 8 people.

These boats are produced by various manufacturers, including Robalo, Key West, Sea Hunt, Boston Whaler, and Sportsman. The price range for center console boats can start from a reasonable $12,000 and go up to $1,301,304 for more expensive models.

Frequently asked questions