What Type of Boat Are You Looking For? Articles | Boating

By: Kathryn Ali

There are so many different kinds of boats to pick from, how do you decide which one you want?  You really need to figure out what you want to use the boat for.

There is a different type of boat required if you want to do deep sea fishing compared to a fun craft for river fishing or cruising.  What a boat needs, goes according to to your lifestyle, your experience and what you are interested in.  If your hobby is fishing, then you do not need to buy a speed boat.
 
Boat Types

Fishing Boats:
Is your main reason to buy a boat going to be for fishing?  It if is, than you need a fishing boat.  Fishing boats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.  It depends on where you plan to go fishing.  There are boats designed specifically towards where they are going to be used.  Air boats can take you to fishing spots that would not be able to normally get access to with other types of boats.  For example, low level water areas such as a swamp. Some fishing boats are more suitable for when you want to go fishing in bigger bodies of water and after the bigger fish. 

There are fishing boats that are built for both freshwater and salt-water fishing.  They function well for every type of fishing and water. 

Leisure Boats:
These boats are great for people who want to drive around the lakes and other waters with your friends and family.  Some of the leisure boats even have large bows that have more seats and spots for sunbathing.

It is fun to drive from one end of the lake to the other, in a leisure boat, looking at all the different types of cottages, to see what changes there are from the previous summer and to wave across to friends on shore stretched out lazily in their lawn chairs.  People are so friendly.  Complete strangers will give you a friendly wave from their cottage. 

Closed Bow Runabout boats are swift and smooth to drive.  You can use them for a variety of water sports.

Sailboats are for those that like to relax as they cruise around the lake and oceans. They are dependent on wind so it does take time to get to wherever you are going.  Larger sailboats also have a tiny motor for when there is next to no wind or to get off the lake/ocean faster if a storm is brewing in the distance.   

Kayaks are very suitable for most body of waters.  They only have seats for one or two people but they are great to get into areas other boats could not get into.  Kayaks are easy to maneuver in hard to get around places. 

Canoes are a cheap boat to buy. You can use them for fishing lakes, ponds, small rivers and streams.   My father and brother’s favorite past time was canoe-tripping.  Similar to camping but you go by canoe from lake to lake and stop at night to set up camp on land.  It is amazing how much camping gear you can get into a canoe. 

Rowboats are inexpensive and built sturdy.  They can be a lot of work to row back to shore if you have been fishing all day.  It is wise to decide, part way through the day, when you want to return so you can turn around and continue to fish.  At least you are heading home at the same time. 

Deck Boats are fun leisure boats.  They usually hold 8-12 people and the party crowd loves them. 

Houseboats and Yachts are great for entertaining and boat living.  They have lots of room.  Houseboats are expensive and but not suitable for anyone who is new to boating. 

A visit to a boat show will give you an even bigger selection of types of boats that are available. 

By: Kathryn Ali