Life on the water. It’s a unique paradise that many yearn for but never achieve because they don’t know where to start. What if we said you could start by buying a boat?

You can buy a small, nice boat or even a remote-controlled boat. The first step toward your new, fulfilled life is to learn about the different types of boats so that you can start planning to buy one someday. Even if you can’t afford one right now, you’ll at least know what’s out there to fit your taste.

In this article, we’re discussing ten different types of boats and what they’re used for so you can become familiar with some of the terminology, too. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Different Types of Boats?

If you’re in the market for a new boat, then you should start at Westshore Marine and Leisure. But, let’s talk about which boat types interest you most, first.

Bowriders

A Bowrider is a pretty common boat type used for everything from water skiing to hanging out on the water. They are average in size although you can find them with full cabins.

You’ll likely find that most Bowriders are powered by stern drives, but there are outboard options as well. Stern drives are a bit pricier than their outboard counterparts due to new emissions but you can find competitive options.

Cruisers

There are actually a few different styles and sizes of Cruisers. Aft Cabin Cruisers, Convertibles, Express Cruisers, Motor Yachts, and Pocket Cruisers.

Cruisers are perfect for cruising, but also for overnight accommodations. They range in size from 30′ pocket cruisers to 100′ motor yachts. Inboards or stern driver power most of them.

Trawlers

Similar in style to a commercial fishing trawler, this style of boat is for slow cruising. You can find them in various sizes up to and including those with cabins for overnight use. Trawlers are often single-engine boats so you’ll be sacrificing speed for comfort.

Sailboats

Sailing is a special style of boating that requires some skill. It is best performed on a breezy or windy body of water. You may appreciate that sailing is an environmentally friendly form of boating.

There are a few different styles of sailboats including Daysailers, Cruisers, and Performance/Racers.

Daysailers are only 13-30 feet and are for short day trips. Cruisers range from 20-30 feet and can accommodate overnight trips. Performance/Racers offer more speed. They are lightweight and intended for short use.

Saltwater Fishing Boats

From Alaska to the Gulf Coast in Florida, there are vast spaces of salt water in the United States alone. Saltwater fishing boats offer that mere piece of paradise to the adorning fisherman to take on all of them.

When shopping for saltwater boats, there are a few different styles.

Bay Boats are for inshore waters. Center Consoles are the most popular style ranging in size to allow for cabin accommodations while Convertibles are designed as offshore anglers. Expresses lose a little bit of cabin space for a better wheel to rod experience. Walkarounds are smaller boats with cabins that have side decks that allow you to ‘walkaround’ the boat.

Freshwater Fishing Boats

If you’re thinking about investing in a small fishing boat, then you’ll probably spend most of your time on lakes and wide rivers. Freshwater fishing boats range in type from Bass Boats to Multi-Species Boats, and Aluminum fishing boats.

Bass boats are for bass fishing while multi-species boats allow for a wider range of game options. Aluminum fishing boats are one of the most popular options for those beginning with boating to advanced fishing pros.

Speed Boats

If you want fast boats then you’ll be shopping for a Speed Boat. These boats are generally designed for racing and have little cabin space or accessories.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are popular among families because they’re sturdy with a lot of deck space. They are not design nor intended to move fast but more for slow cruising and floating. This is not the best boat for large bodies of water with regular or large waves.

A pontoon is a versatile and modular boat for which you can choose a variety of seating arrangements. Get funky and add a wet bar or towing arches to jazz it up a little bit.

Deck Boats

Deck boats are average in size at approximately 25-35 feet long with a V-shaped hull. They accommodate more passengers than a pontoon boat and provide plenty of seating for entertaining and leisure activity.

House Boats

If you can’t get enough of life on the water, then you’ll want to consider buying a houseboat. As the name suggests, this boat can accommodate an entire family with a live-in kitchen and dining and living area, as well as sleeping quarters. There are many different styles and floor plans available for various brands of houseboats.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re thinking about a boat for your future dream job, or you’re interested in the different types of boats you can get your hands on, now you know what to look for. Keep this list in mind when you start shopping for boats and feel confident that you know a little something about each of them.

If you have a particular boat in mind that you think fits your style and personality, do your research before hitting the dealers. The more you know before you’re ready to buy, the less likely you’ll experience problems once you get your new boat out on the water.

If you have questions or comments about these or other different types of boats that we may have missed, feel free to contact us. We are your small dose of interesting.