Buying yourself a boat could give you free reign to travel the water, while being able to customize your boat to fit your needs. But just what type of boat should you buy? Just as there are many different types of road vehicles, there are an array of different boats that you can choose from. Some of these are better suited to different purposes and budgets. This guide explores 10 different examples.
Sailboat
Sailboats are a traditional and rustic option for those that want to learn to sail the old-fashioned way. While many modern sailboats do have engines, these boats are primarily built for tacking and riding the wind. They can be an affordable option due to their reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Yacht
Those who want luxury should opt for a yacht. These boats typically exceed 40 ft and contain multiple cabins, kitchens and bathrooms. They are not cheap – expect to pay over $150k (a 75 ft + superyacht could cost you over $1 million).
Catamaran
Catamarans are known for their speed and stability. They’re as equally suited to thrillseekers as they are sunbathers, offering two aerodynamic hulls separated by a large flat deck. Expect many of the luxuries of a yacht below deck – and a similarly high price tag!
Pontoon
Pontoons consist of a flat deck supported by two hollow tubes. They are great day trip boats, offering a large flat deck and similar stability to a catamaran, making them popular for fishing and relaxation. Unlike a catamaran, they do not typically have sleeping quarters and are not as fast, but are a lot more affordable.
Tritoon
Similar in design to pontoons, tritoons instead have three tubes below them for enhanced speed and improved stability on choppy water. Some of the best tritoon boats for sale are over 25 ft long and are typically very affordable.
Houseboat
Looking for a boat you can live in? A houseboat could be the answer. These boats have generous living quarters including a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom cabin and living room. They are typically built for rivers and canals – not the sea. Check out this guide for more information on how to buy a houseboat.
Speedboat
Speedboats are small and nimble vessels that are built exclusively for speed. They’re excellent for watersports like water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. They’re also good for local exploration – getting you to where you need to be at a faster pace than other boats.
Cabin cruiser
A cabin cruiser is like a more compact and basic yacht. These boats are excellent for trips with family and friends, offering deck space for socialising and living quarters underneath for sleeping, cooking and washing. They’re an ideal overnight option for those who can’t afford a yacht or catamaran.
Bowrider
Offering the thrills of a speedboat and the roomy deck space of a cabin cruiser, a bowrider could be an excellent option for those that want to go on leisurely family day outings, while also being able to engage in watersports. They typically don’t have the same amenities below deck as a cabin cruiser.
Jet ski
Jet skis are the motorcycles of the water. Typically only built for two people at most, jet skis are some of the fastest and nimblest forms of water transport. They’re great for watersports and are very affordable – with most new jet skis costing between $5k and $20k.
