Determining The Best Boat for Your Needs

With so many different types of boats to choose from, how can you ever decide which one is best? That depends on what you want to do with it. If you plan on taking your boat deep sea fishing, than you’ll need a very different style of watercraft than if you were to use it for river fishing or cruising the riverfront. As you can see, what you intend to do with the boat you choose will determine which one is right for your interest and lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most common boat styles in which to choose:

Fishing Boats:
If the main purpose of buying a boat is for long days of fishing, then you’ll need a fishing boat. But, even under this single category are lots of choices. Fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, and styles too! First you’ll need to decide where you’ll be doing the bulk of your fishing: lakes, rivers, or the ocean This is important because different styles of fishing boats are designed for specific areas. For example, Bass boats are great for searching low profile areas from several different angles, compared to a sports fishing boats, which are best for fishermen who tend to go after very large fish.

All-purpose Fishing boats are great for both freshwater and salt-water fishing, and work well for all types of fishing and water.

Air boats are great for getting you to places that you couldn’t normally reach with other kinds of boats, especially in swampy water areas.

Leisure Boats:
If cruising around the waters with friends or family is your idea of a great boating day, then a leisure boat is what you’re after. Bow riders offer plenty of seating area, and nooks for sunbathing.

Closed Bow Runabout boats are great for indulging in a variety of water sports. They are fast and smooth.

Sailboats offer a relaxing way to cruise lakes and oceans. Just be sure you aren’t the kind of person who’s in a big hurry, because sailboats aren’t meant to get you there fast; they’re meant to get you there eventually.

Kayaks too, are great for enjoying all the waterways have to offer. They allow you the freedom to skirt in and out of tight places. Their major disadvantage: they only seat one or two people.

Canoes are in inexpensive option for family fare. They are great for fishing lakes and ponds and can be even used on small rivers and streams.

Rowboats are cheap and strong. Their major disadvantage: it can be strenuous work to get a rowboat back to shore after a long day of fishing.

Deck Boats make great leisure boats. They can usually carry 8-12 people and are popular amongst the party crowd.

Houseboats or Yachts are wonderful for entertaining and boat living. They offer plenty of room and luxury. However, they can be quite expensive, and aren’t for newbies on the boat scene.

Pontoons are often used for family outings.
With so many options in today’s boating market, it’s important to carefully consider what style and size is right for you before heading to your local dealer. Depending on the style you choose, boats can be relatively cheap, or ghastly expensive. Be a smart shopper and get exactly what you want… the first time around the showroom floor.

Buying a boat can be a bewildering experience, especially if you don’t know much about boats. Given the wide range of new and used boats available, all with different functions and suitability, and you can quickly find yourself involved in a purchase you don’t need if you’re not careful. This is particularly true if you want a boat for different activities. For example, ski boats are quite specific in design, and not much use if you have a lot of people wanting to cruise around, or go fishing. Also, the type of boat you’ll choose if you want to go offshore will be different to a boat that is better for inshore waters.

Probably the biggest consideration for those wanting a boat will be getting one the right size – and within your budget. Getting a boat that’s too big for your needs can result not only in an increased cost at the time of sale, but increased running costs. Running costs should always be taken into consideration when deciding on the type of boat to buy. Fuel is not cheap! Other running costs include insurance, the cost of the trailer to tow it, and also storage costs. Do you have a big enough storage area, or will you need to build a new one?

The cost of the trailer is a potential issue if you decide on a bigger boat than you had originally planned. For example, whilst a 5 meter boat only needs a single axle trailer, a 6 meter boat requires a tandem axle trailer, which is more expensive. Also, bigger boats need a 4WD to tow them, whereas smaller boats can be towed with regular vehicles.

In terms of boat type, the best family boats are the cuddy and half cabin. Cuddy boats have a high cabin, or an enclosed deck with berth. The cockpit is of a medium size, and there is usually a bench seat in front of the outboard motor. The larger boats have a chemical toilet, which may be an important feature if you have children, or for female family and friends.

Both cuddy boats and half cabins have good weather protection – so you won’t be exposed too much to wind and sea spray. The main difference between them is the lower cabin – it is bigger on half cabin boats. Half cabins will have more space in the area where the boat is steered, and can come with a galley or sink. In the smaller half cabins (below 6m), the back area of the cockpit is smaller, though this is not an issue in the larger variety.

In addition to weather protection, these boats provide some protection against incoming waves because of their cabins. You can also fit a canopy overhead to provide some sun protection, which is important if you have small children who will be boating with you.

Finally, the bow rider is another good choice for families or those who bring groups of friends along for recreational boating. Bow riders have a lot more seating than most other boats, and they also ride well in choppy waters because their steering is closer to the back of the boat. These are inshore boats however – if you are boating offshore, the cuddy or half cabin will be a better alternative.

Overall, there are many choices out there. The market for used boats has a great deal of cuddies and half cabins, as these two are very popular choices. One thing to keep in mind, whatever type of boat you choose, is the importance of boat safety. Completing a boat safety course is the best way to prevent an accident whilst you’re on the water.