Sailing catamaran with twin hulls underway

Catamaran

StableFamilyOvernightSailing
  • Two hulls = wide deck space and low heel angle; great for kids and comfort.
  • Shallow draft for beaches/sandbars; big saloon on larger cats.
  • Downside: more beam (slips & haul-outs cost more).

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Center console fishing boat with T-top

Center Console

FishingAll-aroundSaltwater
  • Walk-around fishability with high freeboard and self-bailing deck.
  • Single or twin outboards for speed and range; easy wash-down.
  • Families like the open deck; add cushions and shade to boost comfort.

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Offshore sportfisher with tower running through chop

Sportfisher (Offshore)

OffshoreFishingDieselCabin
  • Deep-V hulls, long range, towers, outriggers—built to chase pelagics.
  • Comfortable cabins for overnights; higher fuel/maintenance costs.

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Bowrider runabout with open seating in the bow

Bowrider

FamilyLakesDay boating
  • Open bow seating = social layout; easy trailer & storage sizes.
  • Good for tubing and coves; not ideal for big offshore days.

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Pontoon boat with bimini and lounge seating

Pontoon

EntertainingCalm waterHuge seating
  • Massive deck space; simple operation and low draft.
  • Tri-toons add speed and rough-water capability.

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Cabin cruiser at anchor with hardtop

Cabin Cruiser

OvernightComfortFamily
  • V-berth, galley, enclosed head; perfect for weekend trips.
  • Heavier and thirstier—budget for dockage and upkeep.

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Displacement trawler cruising with flybridge

Trawler

Long rangeFuel-efficientLiveaboard
  • Slow and steady diesel cruiser; huge range and comfort.
  • Great for the ICW and extended trips; not a speed boat.

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Rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with console and tubes

RIB / Inflatable

TenderRescueBeachable
  • Light, stable, beach-friendly; common as tenders and safety boats.
  • Tubes can puncture—check fabric and seams when buying used.

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Wake boat with tower and surf wave

Wake / Ski Boat

WatersportsBallastFreshwater
  • Inboard power with ballast to shape wakes/waves.
  • Lake fun champ; not ideal for salt or long runs.

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Bass boat with trolling motor and casting decks

Bass Boat

FreshwaterFishingFast
  • Low profile, big casting decks, livewells, and trolling motor.
  • Best on lakes/rivers; low freeboard in chop.

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Light aluminum jon boat on a quiet river

Jon Boat

ShallowBudgetUtility
  • Flat bottom = super shallow draft for creeks and marshes.
  • Simple, tough, easy to trailer; not for rough water.

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Deck boat with wide bow seating underway

Deck Boat

FamilySpaceAll-around
  • Hybrid of bowrider + pontoon: wide bow, lots of seating.
  • Handles chop better than pontoons of similar size.

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