May 19, 2020
WHAT BOAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you are thinking about buying a boat, you know that there are multiple factors that go into your final purchase decision. At least to find what boat is right for you. For example, price and availability are two of the most important elements in purchasing a boat. Some of the things that may not be so obvious are how many motors you need, what kind of water you plan on riding your boat in, and what exactly you will be doing on your boat so that you can get the most out of your buying decision.
We suggest finding out how many people will be riding in your boat, how much time you will spend on the water, and what you plan on using your boat for as some of the best guidelines. Here are some details about some of the most popular boats on the market!
Bowriders
Best for: Cruising and Entertaining
Capacity: Usually about 8 guests
Typical features: Open bow seating, typically 21 feet or less but can go up to 35 feet
Pros: Plenty of space, versatile (can be used for water-sports such as waterskiing, tubing, etc)
Our favorite brands: Chaparral, Sea Ray, Monterey, Cobalt
Cabin Cruisers
Best for: extended periods aboard
Capacity: can usually sleep up to 12 people in a cruiser under 40 feet
Typical features: Large swim platform, bathrooms, bedrooms, cooking accommodations
Pros: Plenty of space, versatile,
Our Favorite Brands: Chaparral, Sea Ray, Monterey
Sailboats
Best for: sailing, day cruising, boating offshore, overnight cruising
Capacity: 14 maximum
Typical Features: hull, tiller, rudder, mainsail, boom, jib and keel
Length: 7-70 ft
Pros: environmentally friendly, easy to transport
Our Favorite Brands: Beneteau, Catalina Yachts, Jeanneau
Center Consoles
Best for: freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, day cruising, boating offshore
Capacity: Depends on length of the CC
Typical features: swim platform, bathroom, bow seating. In longer models you will probably see a large berth, galley, and air conditioning
Length: 18-65 ft.
Pros: Versatile, great for a day out on the water, optimal seating for guests, ideal for pulling tow-toys and water skiers.
Our favorite brands: Nor-Tech, Cobia, Grady White
For More Pros and Cons of Center Consoles, click here.
Jet Boats
Best for: Day Cruising
Capacity: 10 Max
Length: 14-25 ft
Typical features: swim platform, great for water skier and tow-toys
Pros: slow speed maneuverability, good fuel consumption, fun to drive
Our favorite Brands: Chaparral, Scarab, Yamaha
Inflatable Boats
Best for: Day Cruising
Capacity: 6 Max
Typical features: Trailerable, stable, good tenders
Pros: Relative load-carrying capacity, safe,
Our Favorite Brands: AB Inflatables, Jet Williams
Pontoon boats
Best for: Watersports, swimming, lounging, fishing, day cruising, entertaining groups
Capacity: 15 Maximum, usually between 16 and 30 feet
Typical features: Safe and thrilling rides, plenty of seating
Pros: Safe and thrilling rides, extremely stable and comfortable
Our Favorites: Bennington, Crestliner, Avalon
Trawlers
Best for: day cruising, overnight cruising, offshore boating
Capacity: 2-8 people
Typical Features: full kitchens, private staterooms, designed to ride slowly and smoothly
Pros: typically fuel efficient, maximum cabin space
Our Favorites: Beneteau, Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats
Catamaran Boats
Best for: Freshwater fishing, Saltwater fishing, overnight cruising, day cruising, offshore boating
Capacity: 2-26 passengers
Length: 16-36 ft.
Typical Features: two hulls
Pros: offers more deck and cabin space than a monohull powerboat of the same length, fuel efficient, stable
Our Favorite Brands: World Cat, Invincible, Freeman
Walkaround
Best for: freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, day cruising, offshore boating
Capacity: 7 Max
Length: 18-30 ft.
Typical features: berth, portable toilet, in larger models you may see a galley, padded sun lounge in bow area
Pros: Can be used as a fishing boat and family cruiser
Our Favorites: Intrepid, Pursuit, Boston Whaler, EdgeWater, Scout, Grady-White
Cuddy
Best for: inshore fishing, day cruising
Capacity: 2- 10 people
Length: 18 – 28 feet
Typical features: small shelter cabin, small berth, small head, lots of storage
Pros: Recreational use with people who want a little shelter and storage space but do not want to upgrade to a full cabin boat
Our Favorites: Jupiter
