You want to buy a fishing boat, but do you know what type? There are several kinds that vary in terms of length, features, and where they are designed for use. Before you set out to make a purchase, it makes sense to know a little about the more common types of fishing boats. Doing so will help you zero in on the one that’s best for you.
Keeping It Simple
Your plans are to head out to a lake or river for some freshwater fishing. You may have another person along for the trip or you may go alone. One of the basic angler boats will work fine for that purpose.
Canoes, kayaks, and Jon boats will work fine for what you have in mind. A canoe is traditionally made of wood, but you can buy aluminum, plastic, or fiberglass designs. The length can be up to 16 feet and the entire boat weight little in comparison to other choices. Canoes are also easier to store than many other fishing boats. Be prepared to build some muscle, since canoes are propelled using a couple of oars.
Kayaks are similar to canoes, but may come with a covered deck. The length and materials used for construction are like canoes, but you will typically need two people to propel the boat. The oars are also a little different; most kayaks require double-bladed rather than single-bladed oars if you want maximum control over movement and direction.
Jon boats are typically made of aluminum and include flat bottoms as part of the basic design. At least two bench seats are commonly included. You could use a set of oars to propel a Jon boat, but they also work well with trolling motors or small outboard motors. Generally several feet longer than canoes or kayaks, these are great for spending a morning fishing on a lake with a friend or two.
Larger and More Feature-Rich Options
If you want more room and power, there are several fishing boats worth considering. Start with a basic runabout. This design is usually up to 25 feet long and is made of lightweight materials like aluminum or fiberglass. Passengers have room to sit comfortably while you steer the boat. There’s often a platform that’s suitable for sunning and provides a great place to jump off for a swim. Designed for freshwater fishing, the power comes from a stern-drive or an outboard motor.
A convertible cruiser is great if you normally have several people along. This boat features and enclosed cabin that’s great for supplies, plus a cockpit for the driver to operate the boat in relative peace. With up to 60 feet in length, there’s room below for sleeping berths and even a small galley. This design is ideal for overnight fishing trips.
If you like the idea of something you can use for fresh or salt water fishing, think about investing in a Cuddy Cabin. While not as long as a convertible cruiser, this design does offer a full cabin below the deck. The tough fiberglass hull holds up well in choppy waters and has the benefit of speed. Should the weather take a turn for the worse, the dual outboard motors or stern drives will help you get back to shore quickly.
These are just a few of the fishing boat designs you can consider (for more you can check BoatBuys.com or a similar website). Take your time and explore different types based on the kind of fishing you enjoy most, where you will be taking the boat, and whether you usually go for a morning or an entire weekend. It won’t take long to find the boat that’s right for you.
