Deciding what's important

Choosing the right boat is all about knowing what's

really important to you. You need to decide whether

you'll be using the boat for your own private use,

fishing, or cruising. You should also consider your

families feelings, as buying a boat for your own

personal needs without consulting your family will

probably lead to disappointing experiences or less

time spent on the water.

Types of boats

Typically, boats will fall into five categories -

fishing boats, power boats, sailboats, personal

watercraft, and self powered boats. To help you

find the perfect boat, we'll take a look at what

each one offers.

Fishing boats

The designs for fishing boats will vary quite a

bit, as are the places you can use them. The boats

that are meant for shallow waters of inland lakes

and rivers aren't the same boats meant for deep

seas and great lakes. There are many different

designs, even boats that serve no other purpose

besides fishing.

These types of boats normally have stowage and

holders for bait, fishing poles, tackle, and

even special tanks to hold live fish. Other types

of fishing only boats feature an open platform

where anglers can fight fish from all sides of

the boat.

Power boats

Power boats are the most popular boats sold. The

designs with power boats are as varied as their

uses. Boats with seating in the front are

called bowriders, which are mainly used for towing

skiers or rafts. Most boats can also be used for

fishing as well. If you want to do both,

there are ski and fish combinations available.

Sailboats

When you first learn to pilot a sailboat, it can

be very challenging, although very rewarding as

well. A sailboat requires more skill and

knowledge to operate than boats, although they

are considered more rewarding once mastered.

With all available sailboats, the single masted

sloop is the most popular design. For those who

only boat on occasion, catboats, daysailers, and

dinghys are small and easily trailerable.

When you finally decide on the perfect boat for

you, look at what each one offers and how you

plan to use it. The perfect boat for you is

out there, all you have do is find the one that

best matches your needs.