A Guide to the Main Types of Boats for Recreational Boaters

With hundreds of different boat models and types available, choosing the right boat for your needs can be an overwhelming experience for new and seasoned boaters alike. Whether you plan to use your boat primarily for fishing, watersports, day cruising or overnight adventures, selecting a boat type suited to your priorities is key to maximizing your time and enjoyment on the water. 

In this guide, we'll provide an overview of the most common categories of recreational power boats and sailboats available to help simplify the process. We'll break down the main uses, features, pros and cons of the most popular boat types so you can zero in on the best options for your boating activities, passenger needs, and budget. Let's get started!

I. Fishing Boats

For anglers looking for the ideal vessel to help land their next big catch, there are several specialized fishing boat options to consider.

All-Purpose Fishing Boats

As their name suggests, all-purpose fishing boats are designed for versatile fishing in a wide range of conditions. Most have an open layout with plenty of deck space for casting and landing fish. All-purpose fishing boats come in sizes ranging from small trailerable boats to larger cruising models. They can be used in freshwater or saltwater and most have rod holders, ample storage, and options to add electronics like fishfinders and GPS units. While they may not offer features tailored to a specific fish species like bass boats, their flexibility makes them popular for recreational anglers.

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Known for their durability, stability, and affordability, aluminum fishing boats are a top choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Ranging from small jon boats to larger offshore models, aluminum boats are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to maneuver. Shallow drafts make them ideal for navigating rivers or accessing shallow fishing spots. Simple bench seating and open layouts maximize fishing space. While the ride may be rougher than fiberglass, aluminum fishing boats offer ruggedness at a more budget-friendly price point.

Bass Boats

Specialized for anglers pursuing that lunker largemouth, bass boats are built with features to help land trophy fish. Equipped with livewells, rod lockers, swivel seats, and electric trolling motors, bass boats allow anglers to effectively work topwaters, crankbaits, and plastic worms. Most bass boats sit low in the water for stability while casting and use elevated consoles to allow sight fishing in shallow areas. High-performance hulls and engines provide the speed and maneuverability to zip from spot to spot. While bass boats excel on freshwater lakes and rivers, they lack offshore capabilities.

Bay Boats / Flats Boats

Perfect for light tackle fishing in shallow coastal waters and flats, bay boats and flats boats are ideal for stalking snook, redfish, bonefish, and tarpon inshore. Their shallow V-hulls combine stability with the ability to float over sand or grass flats where gamefish feed. Most flats boats sit lower with elevated platforms to spot fish in skinny water. Bay boats have more freeboard and can handle choppier water. Whether poling along mangroves or staking out over oyster beds, these specialized boats maximize success for inshore anglers.

II. Family/Leisure Boats

In addition to fishing vessels, many boat types are designed primarily for family recreation and leisure boating activities like watersports, cruising, and days on the water.

Bowriders

Bowriders are a popular choice as family-friendly runabout boats perfect for a day of fun on the water. Featuring a V-shaped bow seating area and an open layout with capacity between 6-10 people, bowriders maximize people-carrying abilities. Most are trailerable and easy to drive with a helm console controlling an inboard or outboard motor. Bowriders are ideal for watersports like tubing, wakeboarding, and skiing as well as cruising, beaching, and swimming from the rear swim platform. Models range from budget-friendly to luxury.

Pontoon Boats

Modern pontoon boats have evolved from simple platforms to become ideal family recreational boats with plush seating for up to 12 passengers. Two or three aluminum or fiberglass pontoons provide stability while onboard amenities cater to comfort and convenience. Many pontoon boats offer options like built-in coolers, sinks, waterslides, entertainment systems, and retractable canopies. Pontoon boats work well for cruising protected waters, beaching, picnicking, swimming, and casual fishing. Their shallow drafts also allow accessing shallow anchorages and coves off-limits to deeper draft boats.

Deck Boats

Deck boats incorporate design elements of pontoon boats and bowriders to create family-friendly boats with maximum seating and interior space. As their name suggests, deck boats utilize every inch of deck space with wraparound seating surrounding a helm console. Bench seats, loungers, and aft-facing rumble seats accommodate large groups up to 14. Deep V-hulls provide a smooth ride that handles both inland and coastal cruising. Most deck boats offer a range of amenities, from integrated coolers to watersports towers. Their versatility suits them to everything from cruising to wakesports.

Ski Boats / Wakeboard Boats

Purpose-built for watersports, ski boats and wakeboard boats provide the performance to pull wakeboarders, skiers, and tubers with ease. Most utilize an inboard motor and ballast tanks to optimize the size and shape of the wake for riding. Ski boats create minimum wake for slalom skiing while wakeboard boats make an ideal butter wake for tricks. Large rear platforms, mirrors, and tow points add utility for watersports. While specialized, ski and wakeboard boats still work for days on the water with family and friends as well as casual cruising.

III. Cruising Boats

For boaters looking to escape for more than just a day on the water, cruising boats offer accommodations for overnight, extended getaways or full-time liveaboard use.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers provide everything needed for comfortable onboard vacations including sleeping quarters, a galley, and head. Ranging from 25 to over 60 feet, cabin cruisers come in sail and power models and can be used inland or offshore depending on their specifications. Most cabin cruisers have an enclosed helm and salon with exterior lounging space as well. Luxury amenities may include climate control, entertainment systems, and high-end finishes. If you dream of taking off for a week or month of cruising, a cabin cruiser is likely the boat for you.

Motor Yachts

Also referred to as power cruisers, motor yachts take luxury, performance, and extended cruising capabilities to the next level. Ranging from 35 to over 100 feet, motor yachts make long-distance passage-making possible in supreme comfort. State-of-the-art navigation systems coupled with fuel efficiency and range allow motor yachts to cruise offshore or throughout extensive inland waterways. Spacious living quarters include multiple staterooms with private heads as well as expansive galleys and salons. Resort-style amenities provide the comforts of home while exploring far-flung destinations.

Trawlers

With their single diesel engine and seaworthy full-displacement hulls, trawlers are purpose-built for long-range cruising. Their efficient hulls and slower speeds maximize fuel economy to extend range. Large fuel and water tanks add to self-reliance. Spacious interiors favor livability underway with multiple staterooms and comfortable salons. Classic trawlers look like commercial fishing boats while newer models take on a more contemporary, yacht-like profile. Trawlers come in sizes generally ranging from 35 to over 60 feet. For boaters who believe getting there is half the fun, trawlers are ideal.

IV. Performance Boats

For boaters seeking speed, adrenaline and a thrilling ride, specialized performance boats deliver.

Center Consoles

Center console boats put the helm in the center, creating a versatile open layout focused on fishing. Primarily used offshore, center consoles range from small trailerable boats to 40+ foot models built for bluewater fishing. Powered by robust outboards, center consoles reach exhilarating speeds to get anglers to offshore grounds quickly. Freeboard height determines offshore capability. Stand-up center consoles add adventure while running.

High Performance Boats

This category encompasses offshore racers like cigarette boats, enclosed cabin performance boats, and other specialist models built purely for speed. Deep V hulls, stepped hulls, narrow beams, and lightweight construction coupled with 500+ horsepower engines allow these specialized go-fast boats to exceed speeds over 90 mph. While expensive to own and operate, performance boats provide the ultimate adrenaline rush on the water.

Jet Boats

Instead of an outboard or inboard propeller, jet boats utilize a jet pump to suck in and expel water to propel the boat. This allows operating in very shallow water. Jet pump intakes are usually aft, freeing space up front for fishing. Capable of quick maneuvers, jet boats are fast and fun. Most are made of aluminum and have sporty console or bowrider layouts.

Conclusion

With so many types of recreational boats available, it can be daunting to decide what will best suit your boating lifestyle. Whether you plan to fish, cruise, wakeboard, or just spend time on the water with family, there is a boat designed specifically for that purpose. Keeping your priorities in mind while evaluating the pros and cons of different boat types makes it easier to select the ideal vessel.

Factor in important considerations like intended use, passenger capacity, offshore capability, amenities, and budget. Be realistic about your needs - an expensive offshore sportfisher may look amazing, but make little sense if you only boat on calm inland lakes. Test driving different boats can provide valuable insights as well. At the end of the day, choosing a boat type aligned with how and where you will use it ensures maximum enjoyment and return on investment on the water.

Kayakish is an authorized retailer for Sea Eagle, Aqua Marina, Point 65 Sweden and many more top Boat & Kayak brands. We have an extensive collection of Boats, Kayak and Canoes. Check it out at https://kayakish.com/collections/boat-kayak-canoe, and reach out to us at support@kayakish.com for a great deal on your next purchase.