What are the Different Types of Boats?
There are over 20 different types of boats from kayaks, canoes and small dingys to working boats like tugs, trawlers, ferries & life boats to yachts, catamarans, houseboats and of course our specialty – trailer boats, boats for water sports, fishing and cruising.
Whether you’re looking for your first boat, or considering buying a new or used boat for Summer, this simple guide to the different types of boats will help narrow your search.
Trailer Boats
With limited (and often expensive) mooring spots in Sydney, having your boat on a trailer gives you the flexibility to start from any boat ramp, saves on mooring fees and of course you can take your boat with you when you head off for a weekend away or to explore Australia.
Our trailer boats range in size from dingys to the largest boat in our Hunts Marine showroom, the Cruise Craft Explorer 720 which has ample room for overnight sleeping accommodation and at 7.2m long is considered the benchmark for offshore fishing trailer boats.
When choosing a trailer boat consider your car, ute or truck’s towing capacity, and where you will store it when it’s not in use including the height & length of your garage or carport. Most boating packages have the option of a swing around draw bar which saves 70 or 80cms in length so you’re just left with the hull length and engine.
Fishing Boats
There is a wide range of quality fishing boats on the market, and it helps to start by considering what you’ll be using your boat for so you can make sure you choose the right boat for you! If you’re planning overnight trips then a boat with a cabin with sleeping quarters will be a must-have, for fishing offshore or in open waters you’ll need a top that can shelter you from the harsh Aussie sun, or for river fishing with mates consider the hull shape and space for storage, rod holders, and include an electronic fish finder.
Consider whether you have (or will need) a boat licence, how many people you’re planning to have on-board and what sort of engine you’ll need. If you’re not sure where to start then pop into one of our show rooms and our team can talk you through different boats, features and benefits.
Boats for Water Sports
Boats for water sports have features which are designed with safety, fun and practicality in mind! Look for a hull shape which creates the right wake for water-skiing or wakeboarding, appropriate attachment points for tow ropes, and of course boat capacity.
If your boat will mainly be used for skiing or wakeboarding, you can afford to be a little more specialised with your boat choice, looking for boats with large swim platforms to provide access to multiple boarding ladders and a walk-across design. If you’ll also be doing some fishing or recreational cruising, then consider a more versatile runabout.
Need some help finding the right boat for you? Drop into one of our showrooms in Sydney, Wollongong or Batemans Bay. With 75 years of experience, Hunts Marine is a third generation, family-owned business with extensive experience in recreational boating. Find out more at HuntsMarine.com.au, give us a call on (02) 9546-1324 or get in touch with our team.
