Whether you’re new to boat ownership or an experienced boater, choosing the right boat can be a daunting task. There are so many types of boats available on the market that it’s hard to know where to start, and it can be hard to choose the right one.

Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our Boat Finder will help you narrow down your choices depending on what type of activities you enjoy, the condition, the price range, and whether or not you want a boat that you can attach to a trailer, etc. This buying guide on boat types will help you select some popular options available today.

Boat Types

Aft Cabin – Aft cabin boats are generally cruiser yachts with sleeping spaces situated around the helm or cockpit area.

Bass Boats – A bass boat is a small boat that is designed and equipped primarily for bass fishing, usually in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Bay / Flats / Skiff – All are small boats primarily used for fishing in protected shallow waters as they have a shallow draft that allows them to cruise over waters. Skiffs are also a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square sterns.

Bowrider – Bowrider boats are so-called because there is an option to sit in the front, and are commonly used for fishing, water sports, and day cruising.

Center Console – A Center Console is a single-decked open-hull boat with the helm in the center and is a family-friendly boat ready for a day of fishing or recreation on the water.

Cruiser – A cabin cruiser is a type of boat that provides accommodation with the main living area normally in the hull of the boat. They are able to travel long distances, making them perfect for family-friendly adventures on the waters.

Cuddy Cabin – Similar to a cruiser or bowrider, a cuddy cabin is a family-friendly boat with a small cabin in the bow.

Deck Boat – Deck boats are the ultimate all-purpose boat, with plenty of deck space, ample seating, and a wide bow making them very popular for all water activities.

Express Cruiser – An Express Cruiser is a cruising boat, which falls in the motor yacht section. To distinguish it from a Cabin Cruiser, an Express has multiple cabins and a lot of outdoor space for living and entertaining.

Fish & Ski – Fish-and-ski boats are the perfect combination, offering a one-of-a-kind platform to support both fishing and watersports activities.

House Boat – A houseboat is a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a home, generally used on a river or a canal.

Inflatables – An inflatable boat is a lightweight vessel constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurized gas, that is both versatile and portable. Used for fishing, exploring, and recreation.

Motoryacht – MotorYachts / PowerCruisers / SuperYachts are anything from 26ft to 180ft long, feature below-deck accommodation in the high-end price range, and classed as luxury. These vessels can cruise for long periods of time.

Performance – Performance powerboats are designed to operate at high speeds. Normally built with triple and quad outboard engines providing the power, they are also known as go-fast boats, racing boats, and cigarette boats, and are generally used for racing.

Pontoon – A Pontoon or Tritoon boat is a flattish boat with at least two or three sealed metal or aluminum tubes for buoyancy and large decks on top.

PWC / Waverunner – A personal watercraft (PWC), also called a Waverunner, Water scooter, or Jet ski, is a recreational watercraft that a rider sits or stands on, and is easy to transport.

Runabout – This is a small motorboat holding between four and eight people, between 20′ to 35′ in length, and used for pleasure activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing.

Sailboat – A sailboat is a relatively small boat that uses wind as its source of power. There are many different sailboat types from a Dinghy to a Sloop.

Ski & Wakeboard – Ski boats and wakeboarding boats, create a large wake to tow the water riders behind and are manufactured with inboard engines.

Sportfish / Convertible – These boats are known as the gold standard for serious offshore anglers, similar in style and comfort, the Sportfish is designed primarily as a fishing boat. A Convertible is a Fishing Boat but has a luxurious interior, much like a luxury Cruiser. Usually, the Convertible will have the upper deck completely enclosed for more comfort.

Wakeboard – Wakeboats, surfboats, or towboats are designed to create a large, specially shaped wake, as they move forward. This allows the wakeboarder to jump the waves.

Walkaround – The walkaround is a cross between a cuddy cabin and a center console boat that has a passway to either side of the console. As the name implies, the walkaround has a narrow passway on both sides of the cabin.

Now that you have read through this definitive guide, it’s time to start the search for your perfect vessel! On Boatcrazy you can browse through the different makes and models, and search within your budget, location, and activity. No matter which type of boat fits best with your lifestyle, research is key in making sure that it meets all your requirements and has everything that you need for an enjoyable day out on the water.

Get inspired today by browsing our variety of boats and start boat shopping now on Boatcrazy.com so that you too can be sailing away in no time!

Aft Cabin
Aft cabin boats are generally cruiser yachts with sleeping spaces situated around the helm or cockpit area.
Bass Boats
A bass boat is a small boat that is designed and equipped primarily for bass fishing, usually in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Bay / Flats / Skiff
All are small boats primarily used for fishing in protected shallow waters as they have a shallow draft that allows them to cruise over waters. Skiffs are also a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square sterns.
Bowrider
Bowrider boats are so-called because there is an option to sit in the front, and are commonly used for fishing, water sports, and day cruising.