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What Kind of Boat Should You Buy?
If you’re an avid fisherman, you’ve probably had consistent access to one boat or another during your tenure out in the water. But if it’s come time to upgrade – or buy a new boat entirely – you’ll have to ask yourself what kind of boat is right for you. In this article, we’ll explain the different types of boats and why they might or might not fit your specific needs.
Boat Type #1: Aluminum fishing boats.
Many fishing boats are made from lightweight aluminum and include a simple steering motor in the back. These boats are typically built with no-frills: they’re simply about the fishing. If you are buying a boat simply for yourself, or are on a tight budget, this might be the boat for you. You can use it to fish or to take relaxing cruises around the lake.
Boat Type #2: Bowriders.Bowriders are some of the most common boats you’ll see on the lake, a sort of all-purpose boat that is targeted to the whole family. They work well for fishing, cruising, and typically will have more seating as well as accommodations for swimming. This is the type of boat to get if you have a family with different needs. You can use it in the morning for a fishing trip and in the afternoon for water skiing.
Boat Type #3: Pontoon boats.
Pontoon boats are the slower boats built as “floating docks” that you won’t really be using for water skiing. These are also a good boat for the family, and the amount of space will be great for fishing. If you have an adventurous streak, this might not be the boat for you, but it is frequently the type of boat that lakeside families really enjoy.
Boat Type #4: Walkaround boats.
Called the “ultimate family fishing boats,” walkaround boats are popular on the Great Lakes as they typically are capable of hauling in larger fish like salmon and other anglers. These boats will often be equipped with rod holders, making them great for deep-sea fishing, as well, and leading to many walkarounds being used in coastal areas.
Boat Type #5: Houseboats.
For the true boat and fishing enthusiasts, what could be better than living where you fish? Houseboats can be parked along coasts and rivers and some people even choose to make them their way of life. They can also be fantastic to rent and experience for a brief period of time before returning back to land, or as a “trial period” to see how you really enjoy the houseboats.
Photo Credits: Jiths
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Are You A Pontoon Person?
One of the most important questions you should ask yourself when considering a boat purchase is how much you will use the boat. Will it be the chief source of recreation for your family? Will it be used enough to justify the expenses? Is it the type of boat that you can actually see using throughout a summer, or are you interested in a boat you’ll only occasionally use?
These are really important questions, and the more you ask them, the more you’ll notice they lead to bigger questions, like: will I need a fishing boat or a speed boat? You also might notice yourself more interested in pontoon boats. Now, it’s time for you to ask: are you a pontoon person? Here’s how you find out.
First, remember that a pontoon boat is dramatically different from speed boats or skiing boats. If you have visions of yourself flying around a lake or river with a water skier whizzing directly behind you, the pontoon won’t exactly satisfy your needs. But if you think more about the summer sun, quiet mornings on the lake, and some good quality fishing, the pontoon boat might be exactly what you need.
Some people figure that a pontoon boat is flexible enough to at least include some other types of activities other than fishing, and this is true to an extent. You can still carry around tubers behind you at maximum speed or take the pontoon boat out to swim. But you’ll still get an entirely different experience with a pontoon boat than you would with a speed boat. Make sure that you are clear about what you want to use your boat for; the last thing you need is a boat on your hands you never use.Next, try to ask some owners of pontoon boats and speed boats about their experiences. How much have they enjoyed their boat? If they could change something about their boat, what would it be? If you find yourself siding with one person’s point of view over the other, you might notice that you’re figuring out whether you really are a pontoon person. You definitely don’t want to make a boat purchase halfheartedly. You’ll end up with an expensive hunk of metal that you don’t want to use.
On the other hand, if your enthusiasm grows for the pontoon, then maybe it is what you’ll want to get. Ask yourself what type of person you are, how much you can use the boat, and whether or not you can handle the expenses – then you’ll have an idea of whether or not you really are a pontoon person.
Photo Credits: phil_g
