20 Different Types Of Boats & Ships Explained For 2023

Which type of boat is suited for you?

You need to determine your need, want and requirement in order to buy the best-suited boat for you. There are many different types of boats available in the market. From fishing boats to duck hunting boats, from touring boats to recreational boats and everything in between. So, you need to need to clear with your requirement, need and want. 

Suppose, you want to go out fishing on saltwater or blackwater. In this case, a duck hunting boat or inflatable fishing boat is the best-suited option for you. In case, you want to throw a biz size parry or want to host a family dinner or get-together, then you can think of renting a big-size pontoon boat or luxury boat. 

Which type of boat is most stable?

A boat with a sit-in design and an open cockpit is more stable as compared to other types of boats. In an open boat, you are seated down and lower in the boat and your centre of gravity is near the level of water. This ensures a maximum stable and effortless gliding experience.

Apart from this, boats with multiple hulls are also known for their impeccable stability and effortless ride. 

Is boating suited for beginners?

Yes, there are specifically designed boats for beginners which are safer, more stable and easy to paddle around flatwater types. These boats are generally inflatable in nature and easy to carry and transport anywhere. They also feature enclosed  

How to buy the best boat?

1. Check the budget

When it comes to buying the best boat, you should first consider your budget and capacity. There are different types of boats, ships and vessels available in the market in various pricing categories. So, make sure you check your budget twice and then decide to buy a boat. Never run before the hype. Buy a boat which you personally like. 

2. Decide which type of boat you want to buy

As I mentioned there are lots of different types of ships and boats available. you have to clarify which type of ship you want to buy. For example, a fishing boat might differ from a normal touring boat, a recreational boat might have different features as compared to an inflatable boat. So, you have to be clear in your mind when it comes to buying a boat. 

3. Check hull type

Also, don’t forget to check the hull of your pontoon boat as it will have an impact on the stability. Pontoon boats with wide hulls or multiple hulls are very stable as compared to other boats. 

4. Check the weight capacity

If you are going for a solo ride, a single boat with an open cockpit is more than sufficient to carry your load. In case, you are going for a tandem ride or with 3-4 members of your family or friends, then you need a large pontoon boat. 

If you want to take 30-40 members for a ride, you need to buy a luxury pontoon boat or rent it. 

20 Different Types Of Boat Explained For 2023

1. Inflatable Boats

Topping on my list of different types of boats is inflatable boats, which are the most selling and widely used boat for various water sports activities. These are one of the most lightweight boats in the market construction drop stitching materials, or PVC material with rigid plywood construction, or with a combination of all these materials.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of boat is that they are extremely lightweight and easy to carry. Also, you can deflate them easily and store them anywhere in your home, garage, store or cupboard. You also don’t need a kayak rack or cart to carry these boats from one spot to another. 

The majority of the inflatable boats in the market come along with backpacks and a full range of accessories you need to set them up. 

Affordability is yet another good reason to opt for this type of ship, which makes them hot selling in the market. 

Features: Air Chambers | Drain Plug | Safety Assured | Beginner Friendly | Suited for All | Fully Accessorized 

Best suited for:  Inflatable boats are suited for a wide range of activities including recreational rides, hunting and fishing, touring, camping, learning paddling and lot more. 

Why should you buy it?

If you are looking for something on cheap boats, then these are the best option available in the market. Plus, they are lightweight to carry and you don’t need to worry about their storage. 

Best Brands: Intex | Sea Eagle | Classic Accessories | Advance Elements | Zodiac 

2. Pontoon Boats

This type of boat generally features big-size floating tubes on the side which are called pontoons. You can need to fill the air in those pontoons in order to make the boat ready for your next adventure. They are generally flat in structure and large in size, making them heavy to carry from one place to another. 

You absolutely need a big size kayak trailer in order to carry such types of boat to your destination. 

They excel in offering humongous passenger carrying capacity, excellent level of stability, unmatched buoyancy and ample storage space. Modern-day pontoon boats also feature a variety of accommodation options for cooler, lounge seats, TV, air conditioner, stand-up bars and sun pads as well. 

Since pontoon boat offers so many accessories and accommodation options, they are one of the most expensive types of boat in the market.

[The cost of a pontoon boat is anywhere between $5000 to $200,000 or more depending on what type of boat you buying. ] of course, there are cheaper options as well, but they come with limited features and upgrades. 

Features: Wide Space | Motor included | Wide Storage Area | Deck Lounge | Captains Seat For Boat | Side Rod Holders | Lounge Seat And Lot More. 

Best suited for:  Pontoon boats are mostly suited for luxury rides on water, party and recreational purpose only. 

Why should you buy it?

If you have big pockets and looking to throw a part for your friends and family, then you can consider renting a pontoon boat. I don’t think buying a full-fledged pontoon is a good idea. 

Best Brands:  Bennington | Godfrey | Fort Wayne | Manitou |  Sun Tracker | Sylvan & SunChaser

3. Pontoon Fishing Boats

The next type of boat is a fishing pontoon boat, which is built to take your fishing next level. These boats are specifically crafted for fishing adventures and come with loads of rod holders, live wells, storage space, fishing accessory mount, gear track, and many other accessories and gears. 

Such types of boats are also large in size but smaller than regular pontoon boats. The average carrying capacity of the pontoon boat is around 1000 lbs, which makes them suited for 2-3 fully grown adults. 

Besides, pontoon boats for fishing are extremely stable and durable for long-term usage.  

They not only enrich the stability but also give a comfortable riding experience. You can also take them for a ride along with your kids and enjoy fishing or other recreational activities

[The cost of a pontoon boat starts from $800 and might go upto $10,000.]

Features:  Rod Holders | Adjustable Seats | Fish Ruler | Motor Mount | Accessory Mounting Option 

Best suited for:  These boats are only suited for fishing and hunting purposes on water. 

Why should you buy it?

If you want to take your fishing adventure next level, this pontoon boat for fishing should be on your list. 

Best Brands:  Sea Eagle & Classic Accessories 

4. Mini Pontoon Boats

Buying a large size pontoon boat is not everyone’s cup of tea. Also, the cost of such type of boats is extremely high. So, if you are searching for something on the affordable side, a mini pontoon boat should be on your list.  

A mini or small pontoon boat is a compact and subtle version of a regular size pontoon boat. Mini pontoons give limited carrying capacity and are ideally suited for 1-2 people only. They are fully inflatable in nature and also easy to carry, transport and store anywhere. 

They are not only stable but also very economical and anyone can opt for them for recreational rides, camping and touring adventures on the lakeside, surfing the ocean bays and lot many reasons. 

With many advantages, a mini pontoon boat does have certain drawbacks. For example, the weight-carrying capacity of these types of ships is very limited. Also, they are less stable as compared the general pontoon boats. 

Features: Small In Size | Lightweight | Easy To Carry | Multi-purpose | Good Pay Load Capacity 

Best suited for: They are multi-purpose in nature. From fishing to touring, you can use them for a wide range of watersports. 

Why should you buy it?

Mini pontoon boats are cheap and affordable. You can also don’t need to stress much about carrying, transporting and storing such boats as they are compact in size. 

Best Brands: Sea Eagle | FRM Boards | Classic Accessories 

5. Stand Up Fishing Boats

This type of boat comes loaded with all the bells and whistles that anglers look for fishing. From stability to allowing the paddler to comfortably sit or stand while they are fishing – a stand-up fishing boat is the ultimate watercraft when it comes to fishing and duck hunting on water. 

Boats were generally designed to give immense about of stability and room for sitting to paddlers. But since boat fishing has been explored, there are many different types of ships and boats available in the market including the top-selling model, stand-up fishing boats. 

The stand-up fishing boats are available in multiple options which includes: hardshell stand-up fishing boat, inflatable stand-up fishing boats, bass stand-up fishing boats and a lot more. 

The cost of a stand-up fishing boat starts from $500 and goes up to $5000 or more. Their average cost is $2000

Features: Fishing accessory mount | Carry Bags | Safety Ropes | Carry Handles | Rod Holders | Wide Deck | Storage Space

Best suited for: Stand-up fishing boats are best suited for fishing and duck-hunting adventures. 

Why should you buy it?

These types of boats are made very durable and rugged with top-level construction material, making them suited for black and rough water usage as well. 

Best Brands: Sea Eagle | Classic Accessories | Intex

6. Bass Fishing Boats

Bass boats are a great combination of ultimate fishing features with recreational upgrades. Such types of boats generally come with trolling motors, allowing you to take the speed to next level and reach your fishing spot as soon as possible.

With bass fishing boats, you can do fishing activities, duck hunting adventures, camping and recreational rides with friends and family enjoy tackling whitewater and do so much more. 

Some of the bass fishing boats come along with advanced steering and handling system with upgraded dashboards, breaks, deck systems and loads of additional accessories that you need for the ultimate ride.

Features: Advanced Dashboard | Steering System | Motor | Mounting Points | Deck Paddling Material | Safety Features And More

Best suited for: They are suited for both fishing and recreational adventures on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

Speed is the game-changing feature of bass boats, all thanks to their superpower motor mount system, allowing you to glide at a lightning-fast speed. 

Best Brands: Tracker Boats | Crestliner |  Ranger Boats | Bass Cat

7. Duck Hunting Boats

As the name says, this type of ship is mostly suited for duck hunting purposes on water. From top to bottom and front to back, these ships are purposely built to take hunting activities next level. 

Such boats and ships are also designed to tackle the rough water, tough water and black water types and are built with safety at the forefront. Most of the duck hunting boats are made with fibreglass with a wave-cutting hull, which makes them highly stable and built to last.

Such boats are also made compatible with the duck or hunting blind at the back, allowing you to hind and get the best hunting position. Plus, you can also attach a motor at the back and glide at full speed to reach your favorite hunting spot quickly. 

Features: Wide Deck | Advanced Dashboard | Wide Cockpit | Fully Furnish Deck | Stable Hull

Best suited for: Suited only for duck hunting

Why should you buy it?

Duck hunting boats are made with durable construction material. You can also use such boats for rescue operations and advance warfare in case of emergency. 

Best Brands: Layout Addictions | War Eagle | Gator-Tail | Lowe | Excel Boats | Sea Eagle 

8. Small Fishing Boats

This is my personal favourite boat type which is small, compact, easy to carry, lighweight and easy to transport as well. A small fishing boat comes in many different forms and varieties. It can either be inflatable or made with rigid construction materials. 

The idea behind making small fishing boats was to allow anglers with hassle-free transportation and storage. Nowadays most of the small fishing boats are inflatable in nature, which makes them even more easy to carry and lift without breaking the back. They come fully accessorized with the best fishing gear, backpack, inflatable pump and repair kit to give you the best experience. 

Small fishing boats are not only suited for fishing and angling activities but also for recreational rides on lakes and rivers, camping on beaches, gliding with towable tube and do lot more. 

Features: Fully Inflatable | Lightweight | Repair Kit | Inflatable Pump | Carry Backpack 

Best suited for:  They are multi-purpose in nature, you can use them for any purpose on water. 

Why should you buy it?

Small fishing boats are affordable and you can easily carry and store them anywhere. You also don’t need a kayak rack or trailer, or kayak cart to carry them from one place to another. 

Best Brands: Intex | Sea Eagle | Classic Accessories

9. Inflatable Fishing Boats

Inflatable fishing boats are one of the top-selling fishing boats and you know why? Because they are lightweight, they can be carried anywhere without any hassle. You can also don’t need to worry about the maintenance of the such type of boats as they are made with the drop-stitching core material, which is easy to clean and maintain. 

Inflatable fishing boats can be tandem, solo, or multi-person boat as well. If you are planning to take your friends and family along with you for adventure, you can opt for a multi-person boat or a tandem boat. 

Features: Fully accessorized | Built to last | Lightweight | Easy to carry | Carry bag | Inflatable Pump | Rod Holders | Bungee ropes 

Best suited for: Inflatable fishing boats are suited for hunting, fishing and recreational rides on any type of water. They are also made seaworthy so you can take them on a variety of water types. 

Why should you buy it?

If you don’t have a proper kayak or boat storage idea, you can buy inflatable fishing boats. Simply deflate them, fold them, roll them up, stuff them inside the carry bag and take them anywhere along with you.  

Best Brands: Intex | Classic Accessories | Aqua Marina | Aquaglide 

10. Rescue Boats

Lifeboats or rescue boats are especially types of boats designed for rescue operations and during emergency situations condition as extreme rain, high tides, flooding and tsunami. Such types of ships or boats are not meant for recreational purposes or for the usage of the common man. Most life-saving boats are begin used only by police departments or rescue operations personnel. 

The most common type of rescue boat is a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIBs). These types of ships and boats are preferred by police and emergency operations grounds for search, rescue, diving and marine time professional teams. They love this boat because it is seaworthy, movies at lightning-fast speed and comes attached 

Features: Safety Ropes | Bright Color | Huge In Size | Amazing Payload | Motor Mount 

Best suited for: They are only suited for rescue operations and emergency purposes. 

Why should you buy it?

Rescue boats are not suited for the normal individual, boaters or anglers. They can only be purchased by government agencies or rescue operation departments by having relevant licenses and documents. 

Best Brands: Sea Eagle | Classic Accessories | Intex

11. Catamaran Style Boat

Catamaran style boat is a type of boat featuring two parallel hulls of equal size for better stability and easy maneuverability. This type of boat also features a wide beam which makes gliding easy peasy. With the help of two hulls, a catamaran-style boat ensures less propulsive power is required to row or paddle them. Generally, such boats are used for sailing and racing purpose on water. 

This boat was invented by Austronesian peoples which helped them with their expansion to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Modern-day catamaran-style boat comes in a wide range of size from small sailing or rowing vessels to large ships. 

Features: Two Hulls | Sail Mount | Bimini Mount | Wide Range Of Size

Best suited for: Catamaran-style boats are suited for recreational rides, touring and racing purposes on water. 

Why should you buy it?

If you are looking for a boat that requires less propulsion for paddling along with greater stability, then Catamaran-style boats are best suited for you.

Best Brands: Nichols | Life Tyme Boats | Arms Strong Boat | Lee Shore Boat

12. Dinhniyy Boats

The next type of boat is my personal favorite because of the small size, compact nature and ease to carry and transport it anywhere. The Dinghy boats can be used for a wide range of activities on water including camping, touring, recreational rides, fishing or hunting purpose as well. 

They are large in size and usually, a paddle is required to row such boats. Modern Dinghy boats are 100% compatible with the motor mounting system. Dinghy boat also comes in different types which include whaleboats, Whitehall row boats, Dories, Prams and more.

Features: Oars | Repair Kit | Bucket | Paddle | Safety Kit | Safety Ropes | Motor Mount 

Best suited for :Dinghy boats are suited for recreational rides as well as adventure rides and fishing on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

The biggest benefit of a dinghy boat is that you don’t have to worry about transportation and storage of such boats, because of their small and compact size design which makes them easy to carry and store anywhere. 

Best Brands: Sea Eagle | Sevylor | Creek Company Colorado | Intex | Classic Accessories

13. Canoe Boats

One of the most common types of boat is a canoe boat which is often compared with a kayak. A canoe is a narrower vessel with sharp points at both ends. It is propelled either by a paddle system or motor which is found it a modern canoe. The sit-in design and open cockpit allow the paddler with hassle-free entry and exit.

Today, there are many different types of canoe available in the market, which includes: fishing canoe, canoe for 2 people, inflatable canoe, rigid canoe, wooden canoe and so on. 

The intended use of a canoe depends on the hull shape, length and construction material of the canoe. For example, an inflatable canoe can be used for camping, touring, racing, fishing and many other purposes on water. 

Features: Narrow | Sleek Body | Shrap Design | Good Speed | Seating Space For 4 | Built To Last 

Best suited for: Camping, touring, fishing, recreational rides and lot more. 

Why should you buy it?

Canoes are expensive but when it comes to performance they are better than kayaks and many other types of boats. They are more stable, better at manoeuvrability and good at speed. 

Best Brands: Old Town | Sea Eagle | My Canoe | Oru 

14. Ice Boat

As the name says it all, an ice boat is a special type of boat that is only used for travelling over ice. Traditionally it was called as ice yacht and was used for recreational purposes on ice. They perform similarly to sailboats on water but have a wooden plank attached to the front and a runner at the back which is used for steering.

Such boats are not at all suited for the beginner and amateur-level paddler or rider. Experts with years of boating and ice skating experience should only use it. 

Features: Sail Mount | Wooden Plank at Bottom | Wheels Attached

Best suited for:  Sailing or travelling on ice. 

Why should you buy it?

If you have a knack for ice fishing or someone with a deep love of winter sports activities, then ice boats are the perfect option for you. 

Best Brands: Nites | DN’s | Renegade | Skeeters | Stern Steers

15. Float Boat

Float boats are similar to inflatable boats with the only difference of being small and compact in size. Such boats are also called belly boats and are suited for fishing, river floating, tubing and recreational rides on flatwater, choppy water and more. 

The majority of floating boat features U shape hull design which makes them highly stable and capable of gliding into tight spots that other boats and kayaks can’t reach. Another great benefit of float boats is that they are compact, lightweight and easy to lift. You can store them anywhere in your home, garage or car truck without wasting much floor space. 

Features: Rod Holders | Adjustable Seat | Lightweight | Cup Holders | Storage Pockets 

Best suited for: Float tubes are best suited for fishing and tubing on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

Comes with a limited budget and you can also take them for fishing, duck hunting and a variety of other water sports activities only on flat water. 

Best Brands: FRM Boats | Class Accessories 

16. Luxury Boat

Luxury boats, ships and yachts are not made for normal day touring or recreational rides. They are very very expensive and only suited for the rich and famous for partying, long-day cruising, and out with friends and family on a variety of water types. They are jam-packed and loaded with the best features in the world. 

You need a professional boat captain to ride the luxury boat because they are backed by an advanced navigation system, cruise steering, motor and acceleration which can be only looked at by a professional naval captain. 

Luxury boats have a carrying capacity of 20-30 people or even more depending on the size of the boat. 

Features: Bathroom | Audio System | Slides | Door | Double Deck | Good Speed | Lounge Seat And More 

Best suited for: Luxury rides and party 

Why should you buy it?

It is next to impossible for a normal individual to buy a luxury boat. However, you can rent it for a family get-together, throwing a party for friends and family or for cursing with a group of people. 

Best Brands: Suntech |  Barletta | Manitou | Bennington | Harris | Premier| Crest 

17. Wakeboard boat

A wakeboard boat is a type of boat that comes attached with a powerful motor which helps the boat to glide a lightning-fast speed. With this, you can enjoy wakeboarding on any type of water, provided that you can the right safety gear and accessories. 

Features: Motor Included | Safety Ropes | Mounting Point For Wakeboard | Good Speed

Best suited for: This type of boat is suited for wakeboarding, surfing, gliding, water skiing, tubing and fast-forward gliding. 

Why should you buy it?

If you are obsessed with speed, you should buy a wakeboard boat with a motor. 

Best Brands: Boat World UK | Sea Eagle | Intex

18. Motor Boat

A motor boat is a type of boat that comes along with a motor attached to the backside to take the speed of the boat next level. Such boats are a powerhouse of speed, energy and power-packed ride at a lightning-fast speed. No other boat can catch up with the speed of motorboats. 

Features: Motor Attached | Deck Space | Good Speed | Adjustable and Comfortable Seats | Built To Last

Best suited for: Motor boats are best suited for racing, tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing activities on water. 

Why should you buy it?

If you want to enjoy a speedy ride on the water or you want to get on any spot on the water quickly and hurry, then you should opt for motor boats. 

Best Brands: American Skier | Andrée & Rosenqvist | Bayliner | Beneteau

19. Bowriders Boat

Bowrider boats have their seating in the bow (the front).  They make great ski boats or pleasure crafts as they can accommodate more people than other types of boats.

Features: Very Fast | Comfortable Seats | Slide Doors | Sundeck and Roofing 

Best suited for:  This boat is best suited for advanced watersport adventures and bit of crusing on water. 

Why should you buy it?

Buy it if you want to carrying out fishing, snorkelling, suba diving and other watersport adventures on daily basis. 

Best Brands: Scarab 195 HO | Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk WT |  Scout 210 Dorado | Grady-White 375 Freedom

20. Cabin Cruisers

A cabin cruiser is a type of small yacht that has sleeping quarters, sometimes a small bathroom and kitchen (galley), and other amenities one might find in a house or apartment.

Features: Fast | Seats | Slide Doors | Sundeck and Roofing | Platform | Deck Space

Best suited for: Fishing and Crusing 

Why should you buy it?

Buy it if you want to carrying out fishing, snorkelling, suba diving and other watersport adventures on daily basis. 

Best Brands: Scarab 195 HO | Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk WT |  Scout 210 Dorado | Grady-White 375 Freedom

FAQs About Different Types Of Boats