How to Select the Perfect Boat Type for your Lifestyle

If you’ve ever had boat envy while on a vacation at the lake, or heard your friend tell you about the awesomeness of being on the water, perhaps it’s time to turn that envy into action. If it’s time for you to become a new boat owner, but you aren’t sure which boat type you should buy, this article is for you!  Learn about the different boat models, motor speeds, and all the gadgets available, and then choose for yourself which boat is a perfect match for your lifestyle. 

What’s in a Boat 

First and foremost, knowing why you want a boat and knowing how you plan to use it is the optimum beginning step in choosing the correct boat for your lifestyle. Here is a brief breakdown of options for consideration:  

• Pontoon Boats: Great for leisurely cruises, family outings, and entertaining friends. They offer plenty of open floor space and comfort and are the perfect boat for a slow and relaxing trip on the water.   

• Fishing Boats: Perfect if you love fishing. These boats come equipped with features like rod holders, live wells, and fish finders. 

• Speedboats: Ideal for thrill-seekers who enjoy water sports like skiing and wakeboarding. They offer high speeds and agility. 

• Sailboats: If you enjoy the tranquility of sailing and the challenge of harnessing the wind, a sailboat might be the right choice for you. 

Now that you can narrow down the type of boat you want, consider the speed you want from a motor. There are three specific motors: Low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed motors. And here’s a breakdown of each one: 

Low-speed motors: The low-speed motors are commonly selected for laid back activities, such as cruising or fishing. With a quiet and smooth operation, this speed of motor provides an amazing day out on the water.  

Medium-Speed Motors: This size motor is a practical choice, as it can cover the same outings as a boat that uses a low-speed motor, and it is versatile enough to be used for skiing and other water sports that need a bit more power and speed. This speed of motor is also known for being able to provide a solid balance between control and speed.  

High-Speed Motors: This third classification of motors is absolutely for the thrill-seekers and the ones who want to bring The Fast and Furious to the water. Those looking for a standout motor that can be used in high-speed activities on the water, such as wakeboarding, racing and even water ski outings. If quick acceleration and a powerful performance is what you are seeking, you have found it with this motor’s level of speed. 

Other Factors to Help You Decide  

You’ve pinpointed the right boat for the planned activities you have in mind for a boat purchase as well as  the motor size your specific outings will require. You’re on the right track but there are still a few other key components to think about when trying to decide which boat is right for your lifestyle.  

So, some of the other factors to add into the equation are boat size and passenger headcounts, budget and maintenance costs, hull designs, and popular brands. Also, if you prefer to rely on a sailing power system as opposed to a power boat, knowing the benefits and limitations of that choice is also important. Will you need to go with a trailer option, or will you house your boat at the marina? If renting a marina slot is your plan of action, keep in mind the monthly expenses involved with that.  

To choose the right boat for your lifestyle, define your needs. Specifically, zone in on these points to further pinpoint the right boat for your lifestyle.  

Research and Compare Boat Types

To ensure you end up with the best boat for your lifestyle and activity plans, there will be some research on your part.  Whether its via Internet searches, time at a boat dealership, or chatting with friends who are boat owners, spending time researching all the various models to find your personal best option is crucial.  

 In addition to the ones outlined above, boat choices range from the Jonboat to runabouts, cruisers, and sailboats. When it comes to the design of the hull, options range from planning hulls, displacement hulls, and catamarans.  

Be sure to spend some time researching and comparing reputable boat brands to gain detailed glimpses into the brands and models that most closely match what you are looking for. Ensuring that certain brands align with your criteria is important, and taking the time to investigate and narrow down the best models and brands for your personal taste is quite important.  

Fine Details 

One substantial decision can really save some green in the wallet: New vs. Used. Does your monthly budget allow for a payment on a brand new boat, or would it make more financial sense to purchase a used one first? Similar to the automotive world, an option is to save money by buying a used model, using it for a bit, and then having a solid trade-in for when it is time to upgrade. Also, similar to the car purchasing world, boat purchases are subject to the same taxes and registration fees, so be sure to factor that in when setting a price budget for the purchase of your boat. Insurance will be higher on the sportier models, as well as those with a high-speed motor. Gas prices will also be a factor, as it stands to reason that the high-powered motors will burn more gasoline than a streaming pontoon boat, barely crawling faster than a sloth.  

Optional equipment can absolutely increase your time on the water, but it can also affect your monthly budget. Consider which items are essential equipment items, such as safety equipment, and which items are desirable such as electronics and storage options.  

Day Tripper? 

Understanding if you will be taking short, day-long excursions or cruises that last for many days is important because it will help dictate if you will need to have access to amenities such as cabins and galleys.  

To Marina or not Marina, that is the question 

Perhaps you have an extra bay in your garage, a stand-alone garage, or an extra covered carport where you can store your boat on a trailer at home. For those who don’t have the setup to store a boat at their home, checking with local marinas for the prices of boat slips and any associated fees is the next step. Knowing what size boat you can accommodate either at your house or a local marina is something to look into before reaching out to marinas.    

Summing it Up 

Using the key criteria listed throughout this article, you can start to pinpoint the style of boat you want. Whether a pontoon day for lazy floats, a high-speed racing boat, or anything in between, there is a boat available that will be a perfect match for you. Seeking advice from boat dealerships, either online or in person, can help you reach a decision, and there are plenty of online researchers who post their advice in blogs, print magazines, and on social media. Talk to other boat owners and see how they chose the correct style for their particular needs.  

Once you have decided on all the criteria, including which boat and motor speed you need for your watery plans, all that’s left is the shopping. National Vehicle makes it easy to sort through our large inventory and pinpoint the style, size, look, and feel of your perfect boat.   

The Bottom Line 

Choosing a boat as a first-time buyer can be tricky. Circling back to the prior comparison of buying a car for the first time, research is key. Knowing exactly what you want before you go to buy is key. Do your homework, know what it is you want in a boat, and while you can rely on what you know, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Putting a little bit of work in will always be worth it, especially when you end up with the boat that fully fits your lifestyle.