What Are The Most Popular Types Of Boats?

If you're in the market to buy a new boat, and aren't a boat enthusiast, you may be wondering what your choices are. There's a myriad of options out there, and it's important to narrow down what you want before making a purchase. Since there are literally hundreds of actual boat types, we found out what the most popular types of boats are, according to the American Boating Association. Here are the most popular options:

 

Runabouts - A runabout is any small boat that will hold anywhere between six and eight people. They are one of the most popular boats among Americans because of their versatility in being able to go from one type of body of water to another. They are usually made form molded fiberglass and typically have an outboard engine or an inboard/outboard engine. They typically run anywhere from 18-26 feet in length. Lots of storage space allows for long outings on the water. 

Fishing Boats - If you've ever known anyone who is into fishing, that is all they will ever talk about, so fishing boats are unsurprisingly popular across the country. Fishing boats are designated as such because they are designed to make it easy to use in order to go fishing. These boats range from bass boats, which are high-speed, outboard-powered boats designed to use in inland waters, to center-console boats, which have self-draining floors that make it possible to go out into the ocean. Deep-sea fishing boats are the at the higher-end of the market, with features like fighting chairs, dual engines, and high-tech electronics to make your excursion a real deep sea adventure. 

Towboats - These types of boats are designed for water sports, like water skiing and wake-boarding. The design is similar to a runabout. They are usually equipped with towing 'towers' so that a wake-boarder or water-skier can attach their harness at a high point on the boat, making their flips and aerial tricks easier to perform, therefore impressing everyone who may be watching. While other boats may be used for these sports, this is the only boat designed with the athlete specifically in mind. 

Cabin Cruisers - These larger boats are designed for longer trips, and typically have sleeping accommodations for 4 or more people. They range in size from 24 feet and up, and will be at the higher price point of the market compared to the smaller fishing boats. The discerning characteristic of a cabin cruiser is that it provides accommodation for the crew and passengers inside the hull of the craft. You will probably hit your head if you stand up too quickly though. Most cabin cruisers have some sort of kitchen accommodation, and, unlike larger yachts, can be towed with a trailer and stored on land, which is a major money-saver. Another feature separating the cabin cruiser from larger yachts is the ability to operate, since they can be operated by the owner themselves, without requiring an entire crew.  

Sailboats - This is the type of boat you would normally find on a painting inside a New England restaurant bathroom. Sailboats are, quite simply, powered by wind, like the boats of centuries ago. Sailboats will vary in size, from the smaller 12'-15' boats all the way to massive 60 footers. Typically reserved for enthusiasts, using a motor on a sailboat is frowned upon, and technique and knowledge makes this an elite club of owners. Other famous sailboat owners include Christopher Columbus and Captain Ahab.

Pontoon Boats - These boats have been growing in popularity in America lately, and are designed using aluminum pontoons, which have the appearance of large logs. These boats are used in lakes, streams and anywhere where there is no chance of rough water. This is the type of boat you would typically see in a show about people getting intoxicated on spring break at a popular tourist boating destination. They can usually accommodate 10-20 people, and lots of cases of beer. While they are considered the choice for casual boating while hanging out, they can still be used to tow water-skiers and tubers.