Technically speaking, there is a slew of different types of boats available on the market, and it is not really possible to list down each one of them. That being said, you can classify boats into three primary categories:

• Manpowered or unpowered boats (such as gondolas, rafts, kayaks, and so forth)
• Sail propelled sailboats
• Engine-powered motorboats

Read on to learn about the nine main types of boats in the watercrafts categories mentioned above.

1.     Catamaran Boats

Unlike any other type of boat, a catamaran boat is a unique watercraft (multi-hulled) that boasts two parallel hulls of the same size. A catamaran boat has lower hull volume, higher displacement, and shallower draft than any other vessel that has just a single hull. Boat manufacturers build Catamarans for several purposes, and these boasts are particularly great for leisurely cruising and fishing as well.

2.     Deck Boats

Deck Boats, as you can guess by their name, come equipped with an open deck spot that offers ample seating arrangement for a small-sized group of individuals. Compared to a pontoon boat, Deck boats have a V-shaped hull with a broad beam that can easily house more number of people. These boats, measuring around 30 feet in length, also have a stern power drive. Folks commonly use these vessels for several recreational activities such as water sports, swimming, and so forth.

3.     Center Console Boats

A center console boat is a vessel that has a hull without any foredeck or cabin and also a helm station positioned in the boat’s center. Center console boats are popular and perfect for sports fishing and function in waterways (harsh offshore) where you can find many ocean fish. The primary equipment present in such a boat comprises (but is not limited to) gunwale rod holders, bait wells, outriggers, and fish lockers. Furthermore, the deck on a center console boat offers a very effective insulation system for properly icing the storage of fish.

4.     Pontoon Boats

People popularly use pontoon boats for small-sized water bodies such as inland waters. These vessels have a flattish shape that is reliant on pontoons (tubes) to float on the surface of the water. Generally, a Pontoon boat’s length ranges roughly from 18-30 feet with a shallow draft. It comprises several tubes made of aluminum that support the wide platform offering terrific stability.

People make use of pontoon boats for a range of recreational activities such as fishing and cruising. A pontoon boat’s shape helps the designers plan all the seating arrangements in the boat according to the needs.

5.     Jet Boats

A water jet that ejects from behind the boat vessel powers these types of boats. Jet Boats are quite popular for their high level of maneuverability. Apart from a swimming platform, jet boats provide ample seating area as well. The cutting edge and innovative propulsion system of the vessel is securely enwrapped in the hull. It safeguards the vessel from any kind of external harm, such as inclement weather conditions.

6.     Sailboats

Sailboats depend on the wind’s power for propulsion and utilize synthetic sails or a big cloth for this particular purpose. This type of boat usually has three or fewer total sails: the jib, mainsail, and spinnaker.

Sailboats can differ in occupancy from recreational water vessels that span several hundred meters (these can accommodate up to 30 people) to single-seater watercrafts that people use in international boating competitions. Sailboats also require little maintenance and are very easy to operate.

7.     Tug Boats

A tug boat has a very strong propulsion system and assists in berthing or mooring operation of a ship vessel by pushing or towing a watercraft towards the dock or port. By tugging or forcing them towards the port, tug boats considerably ease water vessels’ maneuvering process. In addition, tug boats can also function as icebreakers and salvage boats. They are also equipped with fire fighting amenities and can offer fire fighting help in barges or ports.

8.     Flat Boats

Flat boats are small types of powerboats that have a central piloting console and little freeboard. In addition, a flat boat also features a fishing platform (open) on deck within the boat’s hull.

Flat boats are perfect for fishing purposes in the fresh and shallow waters of rivers and lakes. They also provide a high degree of flexibility, and you can use them for short outings and water sports as well. That said, it is important to keep in mind that their open configuration and low freeboard render them inappropriate for very rough waters.

9.     Bowrider Boat

Bowrider is, without a doubt, the perfect and ideal family boat! It provides more than sufficient room for eight or more people across its helm, bow cockpit, cockpit. Boat manufacturers have constructed the bowrider boat’s bow area in a particular way to create a very roomy seating arrangement.

In addition, bowrider boats feature a swim platform where you can put on wake-boards or partake in various swimming activities. Courtesy of its stylish bottom (shaped like a V), a bowrider boat is able to provide a great ride experience across various water conditions.

Apart from these abovementioned common boat types, there are other kinds of boats as well that include (among many others):

• Cigarette boats
• Hydrofoil boats
• House Boats
• Well boats
• Personal Watercraft Boats (PWC)
• Catboats
• Narrowboats
• Surfboats
• Log Boats
• High performance speed boats
• Fire Boat
• Bumper Boats
• Life Boats
• Cuddy Boats

Sources

• https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/choosing-the-right-boat-buying-guide-for-recreational-boating
• https://www.wikiwand.com/en/List_of_boat_types