Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge into the thrilling world of boat ownership, and now the real adventure begins – choosing the perfect vessel for you and your family. So now you’ve decided to buy a boat, how do you narrow down the options when there are countless boat classes, sizes, brands and models to choose from? Well, that’s where this nifty guide comes to the rescue. Different kinds of boats can be broken down into dozens of classes, but we have simplified the most popular choices below. So let the boat hunting commence!
In this article we will cover the following boat classes:
- Deck boats
- Cruisers
- Freshwater fishing boats
- Pontoon boats
- Sailing boats
- Saltwater fishing boats
- Speedboats
- Water-sports boats
- Electric boats
Deck boats
Deck boats are perfect for family days out on the water, like this Jeanneau CAP CAMARAT 7.5 WA SERIE 3, available for sale at boats.com
Deck boats feature an open bow area with seating and often have a versatile layout suitable for various recreational activities on the water. Deck boats in Europe typically range in size from 18 to 26 feet, offering a balance between affordability and functionality. They are designed to accommodate families and are great for a range of activities on the water, such as daytripping and water-skiing. These boats often feature stern drives or outboard engines, with both options each offering their own advantages.
Browse a wide selection of deck boats for sale in the United Kingdom and Europe at boats.com.
Cruisers
A Fairline Targa cruiser moored in the marina, currently listed for sale on boats.com
This class encompasses a wide range of different styles and sizes. In its most basic form, a cruiser is any powerboat with overnight accommodations, a galley and the range to take you to new and distant ports. They generally have relatively fast cruising speeds and they can range anywhere from 30 feet or so on up into the 100-feet-mega-yacht sizes. Most are powered with inboards, stern drives or pod drives, although there are also a few outboard-powered cruisers out there. (Read Marine engines and power systems to learn more about each of these power systems).
Cruisers can be separated further into these types:
Cabin cruisers and aft cabin cruisers
This Sessa Marine Oyster 35 has a large aft cabin with double birth, available for sale at boats.com
A cabin cruiser is a type of powerboat that has an enclosed cabin or living space. These boats typically have amenities such as sleeping quarters, a galley, a head (bathroom), and sometimes a small salon or seating area. Cabin cruisers are designed for comfortable cruising and overnight stays on the water. Aft cabin cruisers have a cabin located all the way aft in the boat for space and privacy. The downside to this design is that it restricts outdoor space quite a bit, and on some cabin cruisers, the flybridge steering station may be the only spot in which you can enjoy some sunshine.
Convertibles
A Silverton 34 convertible cruiser from the American group Lursh, available for sale at boats.com
These are cruisers with a flybridge. Although many convertibles are designed for saltwater fishing (more on these later) a good number are also designed for simple pleasure cruising. They almost always have a steering station up on the bridge, and many have a second one down below in the cabin. That makes them a good choice for people who expect to be out in all kinds of weather. If you regularly pass under low bridges, however, owning a convertible can be problematic to say the least. Many people also prefer the sleeker looks of other types of cruisers.
Take a look at convertible cruisers available for sale on boats.com.
Sports cruisers
This Azimut Atlantis Series yacht combines refined Italian design with exceptional marine performance, available for sale at boats.com
This category of cruiser is low-slung and fast, with a cockpit aft and staterooms forward. They are designed for speed and performance while providing comfortable amenities for cruising. Some popular European sports cruisers include the Fairline Targa series, the Princess V-class models, and the Azimut Atlantis range. These boats often feature sleek designs, spacious cockpits and luxurious interiors. Like express cruisers, they may also have opening roofs or sunroofs to enjoy the open air and sunlight.
Check out sports cruisers available for sale on boats.com.
Motor yachts
The Pardo 60 Endurance motor yacht offers both luxury and performance, available for sale at boats.com
Just where does one draw the line between a motor yacht and other types of cruisers? It’s debatable, but most people would agree that once you go beyond the 50-foot mark, the term most certainly applies. And while the price tag for a true motor yacht can be rather extreme, when it comes to luxury, this type of cruiser can’t be beat.
Visit our broad selection of motor yachts for sale.
Freshwater fishing boats
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 comes with full fishing kit included and livewell with seawater circulation pump and deck wash, available for sale at boats.com
Whether you want to go casting for bass or trolling for trout, a freshwater fishing boat is a must-have. And while there are numerous sub-categories and specialised, species-specific boats out there, we’re going to break this category down into three main choices that encompass the range: sports fishing boats, allrounder fishing boats and aluminium fishing boats.
Take a look at our wide selection of freshwater fishing boats for sale.
Sports fishing boats
These fishing boats are designed to cater to the needs of anglers pursuing various freshwater game fish. Anglers in search of European sport fishing boats may consider options such as the Quicksilver Activ series, the Jeanneau Merry Fisher range or Beneteau Barracuda models. These boats offer features and functionalities suitable for a wide range of freshwater-fishing activities.
See the sports fishing boats for sale on boats.com.
Allrounder fishing boats
The Karnic series is a perfect allrounder fishing boat, available for sale at boats.com
These boats offer a variety of configurations, ranging from open side-consoles to protective windshields or centre consoles. Examples of European fishing boats suitable for multi-species angling include the Warrior 165, Ocqueteau Ostrea range and Karnic SL series.
Aluminium fishing boats
The Buster S series is purpose-built boat for summer outings, fishing and commuting, available for sale on boats.com
One of the most popular boats on the face of the planet is the simple aluminium jon boat. And while there are certainly lots of more developed aluminium fishing boats out there, including multi-species boats made of aluminium, one thing all aluminium fishing boats have in common is a significant price advantage. Consider the Buster L and Magnum models, the Terhi BR series or the Silver Hawk BR boats – you’ll be blown away by how affordable they really are. No, most don’t look quite as nice as fiberglass boats, and it’s true that some ride rather rough, but aluminium has several other advantages, too.
There are plenty of aluminium fishing boats for sale for you to check out.
To get the full scoop on fishing boats, take a look at our guide about How to pick the perfect boat for fishing.
Pontoon boats
Pontoon boats are gaining popularity in Europe, such as this Starcraft MX 25available for sale at boats.com
Very popular in the US, pontoon boats are gaining popularity in Europe as versatile and comfortable vessels for leisurely cruising on lakes and rivers. With their spacious decks, ample seating and various amenities such as built-in tables and sun loungers, pontoon boats provide a delightful platform for relaxing, socialising and enjoying the scenic beauty of the local waterways. These types of boats used to be slow and poky, rather ugly and not very seaworthy – but modern pontoon boats can be fast, slick-looking and comfortable to boat. While it’s true that pontoon boats may not be the ideal choice for choppier waters, they offer exceptional stability and boast generous deck space. Their modular design allows for endless seating arrangements and additional features like wet-bars and towing arches can be incorporated to enhance the overall experience.
Browse the available pontoon boats for sale at boats.com.
Sailing boats
One of the most recognised sailing brands, this Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is available for sale on boats.com
Sailing requires developing serious skills. But if you’re the type who thinks the journey is at least as rewarding as the destination, and an environmentally friendly ride is important, too, sailing will be just the thing for you.
For a deep dive into different types of sailing boats and terminology, read our article on Sailing boats: sailboat types, rigs, uses and definitions. Check out all available sailing boats for sale at boats.com.
Daysailers
Usually 13 to 30 feet in overall length, daysailers are open-cockpit boats with one or two sails that can set you and a small crew free quickly to listen to nothing but the sound of your own bow wave and the wind in your sails.
Take a look at available daysailers for sale at boats.com.
Sail cruisers
At its most complex, a fully fitted sail cruiser can be your transportation and your home on an adventure that takes you away for the weekend to a nearby island, or a few years around the world. Boats range from pocket cruisers of 20 to 30 feet up to luxurious 60-footers with several cabins.
Check out our sail cruisers for sale at boats.com.
Racing yachts
Sailboat racing is another world – an intellectual as well as athletic competition in which you can race in a variety of formats and boats, from modern carbon-fibre racing yachts and wooden classics to foiling dinghies and ultralight catamarans, and even heavy cruising sailboats headed to distant shores.
Browse our selection of racing yachts for sale.
Saltwater fishing boats
This QUICKSILVER CAPTUR 625 saltwater fishing boat is available for sale on boats.com
If you enjoy exploring the coastal areas of Europe or venturing offshore for bass, red mullet or tuna, there are saltwater fishing boats that cater to your needs. Let’s break down this broad category into specific types:
Centre consoles
These are the most popular saltwater fishing boats of all, and you’ll find them ranging from dinghy-sized all the way up to the biggest centre consoles. A lack of creature comforts is a common complaint on centre consoles. But these days many manufacturers make versions of their fishing boats that are quite cushy.
Convertibles
Offshore anglers who want the comfort of a big cabin often opt for a convertible. These boats are usually inboards or they run on pod drives, but their most significant defining features are large aft cockpits and tall flybridges.
Expresses
Some offshore captains prefer express-style fishing boats, since they keep the helm closer to the action. On an express, you can dart from the wheel to the rod in a matter of seconds. But they do lose a lot of cabin space as compared to a convertible, since there’s a bridgedeck where the saloon would otherwise be. The convertible-versus-express debate has raged among offshore anglers for years.
Read Choosing the perfect express cruiser before you go shopping.
Walkarounds
Smaller fishing boats with cabins that have side-decks around the topsides are called walkarounds. They’re a good compromise for those who need to have a cabin but also want to reclaim some of the bow area to use for fishing space.
Browse the saltwater fishing boats for sale.
Speedboats
Attention speed enthusiasts, prepare for an adrenaline rush. Experiencing high speeds on a boat can be incredibly exhilarating. While it’s true that speed boats make certain sacrifices to maximise every possible mile per hour (cabins are compact and devoid of accessories to minimise weight, noise levels can be quite high and seating space is limited), there’s simply no substitute when it comes to an ultimate thrill ride. However, it’s important to note that not all speed boats are created equal.
Take a look at some high-performance speedboats for sale.
Trawlers
The Absolute Navetta 48, a trawler yacht where tradition meets technology, available for sale at boats.com
Trawlers enjoy a small but dedicated following. They are slow-and-steady cruisers, modelled after commercial fishing trawlers but these days built with comfort and range in mind. They’re often single-engine boats that perform most efficiently at relatively slow speeds of seven or eight knots, yet many also have the power to get on plane and run at or close to 20 knots – albeit at the sacrifice of efficiency – when a quick return to port is necessary.
Take a look at the trawler boats for sale.
Water-sports boats
The MasterCraft X22 is designed for a unique water sports experience, available for sale at boats.com
There are a range of boats suitable for water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing and wake surfing. Wakeboarding and wakesurfing boats are specifically designed to create large wakes or waves. Waterski boats are designed with a flat hull and specialised tow towers or pylons for water skiing. These boats often feature powerful engines and precise handling characteristics. Multi-purpose boats are versatile boats that can be used for both recreational cruising and water sports. These boats may have features such as tow towers or pylons for towing, and they provide a balance between water sports functionality and general boating capabilities. European boat manufacturers such as MasterCraft, Nautique and Malibu provide a variety of boats tailored for water sports, ensuring there are suitable options available for different preferences and water-based adventures.
See the available water ski and wakeboard boats for sale.
Electric boats
Electric boats, like this Alfastreet 23 Cabin Evolution available for sale on boats.com, are gaining in popularity for their eco-friendly engines
Electric boats have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for boaters looking to minimise their impact on the water. These boats are powered by electric motors and batteries, providing a quiet and emission-free boating experience.
One of the key advantages of electric boats is their eco-friendliness. With zero emissions during operation, they contribute to cleaner and healthier waterways. Electric boats also offer a smoother and quieter ride compared to traditional motor boats with internal combustion engines, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the serenity of the water.
In terms of maintenance and operating costs, electric boats can be more economical. Electric motors have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced wear and tear and lower maintenance requirements. Additionally, the cost of electricity for charging batteries is often more affordable than the cost of fuel, offering potential long-term savings for boat owners.
While the range and charging infrastructure for electric boats continue to improve, it’s important to consider your boating needs and the available charging options in your area. Electric boats are particularly well-suited for leisurely cruising, fishing and other activities where a peaceful and eco-friendly experience is desired.
As the technology advances, more options for electric boats are becoming available in the market. From small daysailers to larger cruising yachts, boaters have a range of electric boat models to choose from, each with their own features and capabilities.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of electric boating, it’s recommended to research and consult with knowledgeable boat dealers who specialise in electric boats. They can provide guidance on the available models, range limitations, charging infrastructure and any specific considerations related to electric boat ownership.
Take a look at the electric boats for sale.
Well, have you made up your mind? Have you gone through all these choices and landed on a winner? If so, congratulations – now get busy, and start boat shopping. If you haven’t yet decided, the only way to really know which boat’s best for you is to get out on the water and try ’em out. And that calls for congratulations again – your indecision means that now you get to go out on as many different boats as possible, as often as possible, until you make up your mind. Good luck, and have fun.
For further reading:
- How to buy a boat
- 12 budget sailing boats in 2024
- Boat finance options: how to pay for your next boat
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by Charles Plueddeman, boats.com journalist, and published in June 2015 on boats.com. It was last updated July 2024.
