So, you’re thinking about buying a boat? Brace yourself—because the sheer number of options out there is enough to make your head spin. It’s almost as if boat manufacturers got together and decided to overwhelm you on purpose. Every boat serves a different purpose, from lazy Sunday fishing trips to high-speed, James Bond-style escapes (hey, we can dream). But before you start picturing yourself as the captain of your own destiny, let’s talk about what actually matters: finding a boat that fits your needs (and, let’s be honest, your budget).
This guide breaks down eight key factors to consider when choosing a boat—because no one wants to end up with a floating money pit.
Affordability: Jon Boat
Got big dreams but a small budget? If you’re looking for a motorboat that won’t require selling a kidney, a Jon boat might just be your best bet. Priced under $2,000, it’s as basic as they come—no frills, no luxury, just you, the water, and a hull that (hopefully) floats. A jon boat might be your best option. These small flat-bottomed boats are ideal for those on a tight budget who are eager to just have some type of vessel. They’re easy to maintain, and they’re light and compact enough to take them with you around the country on a trailer and explore different waters.
Luxury: Yacht
At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the yacht. These boats are built for luxury with sleeping quarters, a kitchen, bathroom and roomy deck – and typically cost over $100,000. Superyachts and catamarans can be even more luxurious, but you’ll need to be earning big bucks to afford to buy/maintain one of these.
Fishing: Pontoon
Looking for a boat for fishing expeditions? The likes of these affordable Sylvan pontoon boats for sale could be an excellent option. Pontoons are actually incredibly versatile boats that are excellent for everything from relaxing to exploring, but their incredible stability (thanks to their tube-bottomed design) makes them particularly well-suited to fishing.
Sailing: Sailboat
Sailing is a chance to experience boating the old-fashioned way. A sailboat is really the only option in this instance. Most sailboats have motors nowadays, so you don’t have to rely solely on the wind, but you still have the option to try it.
Watersports: Bowrider
When it comes to trying watersports like water-skiing and tubing, you need a boat that is fast and can cut through waves. Bowriders are like large speedboats – they’re excellent for watersports because they cut easily through waves and have a lot of space for equipment and people to sit.
Relaxation: Cabin cruiser
Cabin cruisers are ideal for relaxing days out on the water with family and friends. They have large decks and cabins underneath for sleeping if someone wants to take a nap. They’re not as luxurious as a yacht, but they can capture the essence of a yacht on a budget and are easier to maintain.
Exploration: Trawler
Based on traditional commercial fishing vessels, trawlers are some of the most popular recreational boats for long-distance cruising. When it comes to multi-day voyages, they can be ideal due to their fuel-efficiency and liveaboard facilities. They are also built to be very stable so that they can handle choppy water. They typically don’t have large decks and are more rugged than a yacht.
Full-time living: Houseboat
When it comes to a boat that you can live in, a houseboat is the most suitable option. These boats are designed for cozy permanent living and have a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room. This Zoopla guide to buying a houseboat offers some tips on things to consider when choosing this boat. Houseboats are usually for rivers, canals and lakes only – if you want a live-in vessel that is suitable for the sea, a large trawler or yacht may be better suited.
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