The types of boats for sale vary greatly

Along with any ‘boats for sale’ listing would come not only a significant number of options, but also a wide range of types of each choice. Before deciding on size, shape or color, the question is, what kind of boat do you want?

One website listed 63 types of floats to choose from, not including rafts and canoes. The various types of each would make a new buyer’s head spin. The best way to choose one is to understand what exactly you want to do with your potential new purchase. To begin with, it is necessary to know that there are generally three categories of boats: those for cruising, those for fishing and those for sports use.

Cruise ships

Cruise ships are for spending free time on the water. Depending on size and cost, these may allow for day cruises or have staterooms and overnight accommodations.

Cabin cruisers have a galley or kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. The engine configuration can be internal, installed inside the boat, or external, mounted externally at the stern or rear of the boat. The larger variety requires experienced skill to control and can better withstand choppy water.

A bowrider is a vehicle with seats in the front to enjoy the breeze. It can be 35 feet long and can also tow skiers. A pontoon is a multihull boat that relies on large tubes for buoyancy. This popular variety is designed for leisure and comfort, offering spacious terraces and sofa-like seating. A trawler can be for commercial or pleasure fishing, and quickly resells as one of the most popular boats for sale.

fishermen

Fishing boats often have control panels at the rear to facilitate fishing at the front or bow of the floating vehicle. The smaller ones can be cramped and offer limited seating; larger models could have cabins. While fishing can be done from any boat, some are specifically designed to allow for easy fishing. A basin vessel is usually short and flat, intended to traverse shallow waterways and allow easy angling for bass. Touring and center console vehicles tend to be larger fishermen to allow room for more people while managing strong ocean currents. These often offer rod holders and stowaway seats for large parties.

Sport types

These boats are made to accommodate skiing, wakeboarding, and even competitive boating. Both ski and wakeboard types have towing capabilities and improved power for a faster ride. Personal watercraft are small, powerful vehicles with handlebar controls intended for one or two people. Jet and speed boats are built for speed on the water. Sailboats can be cruising or racing, and can be fully or partially dependent on wind power. Like all boats, these boats come in a wide range of options when it comes to size, length, and amenities.

For a buyer thinking of selling boats, the possibilities are almost endless.