The NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) reported that in the year 2020, there was a 12 percent increase in boat owners. That’s 310,000 more people owning boats in the year 2020 compared to the year 2019.
You may be thinking of buying a boat, but it can be challenging to choose with so many different types of boats available.
Today, we will help you answer the question – “Which boat should I buy?”. We will take into account the price range and how easy each type is to maintain. Let’s get started!
Man-Powered Boats
Unpowered or man-powered boats are one of the easiest types of boats you can own. The main reason is that you don’t have to worry about maintaining the boat’s engine or other mechanical parts. The only downside is that you’ll need to “power” the boat with either pedals or oars.
Here are a few types of man-powered boats:
- Dinghies (Most use pedals or oars, but newer models may use engines)
- Kayaks
- Paddle boats
The price range for these types of boats is on the lower side. For example, a kayak can cost around $300 to $600, while a paddle boat can cost up to $4,000. Owning a boat like the ones previously mentioned is perfect for the casual seafarer.
Motorboats
If you enjoy speeding through the lake or deep-sea fishing, buying a boat with a motor is your best bet. However, you will need to perform regular and extensive boat maintenance.
Different kinds of motorboats perform better in specific areas. For example, an aluminum fishing boat will not have the speed of a cabin cruiser. It’s important to know what you want to do with the motorboat before you buy it.
Here are some of the motorboats you can buy:
- Aluminum fishing boats
- Cabin cruisers
- Ski boats
- Pontoon boats
As you may have figured, buying a boat with a motor will be costly. Of course, a fishing boat will cost a lot less than a high-performance boat. The cost can be anywhere from $2,000 to $900,000, and you’ll also need to factor in maintenance costs.
Sailboats
While not as expensive as a motorboat, these types of boats require comprehensive knowledge of sailing. Additionally, you’ll need to know how to maintain the sails and even the proper way to clean them. Be sure to see what mistakes to avoid when cleaning your boat to prevent any damage.
The different types of sailboats include:
- Catamarans
- Monohulls
- Sailboats
- Trimarans
The price range is from $12,000 to $160,000. You should also add in the sails’ cost, as some sailboats don’t include them.
Types of Boats for Every Person
As you have seen, there are types of boats for every seafarer. While some, like unpowered boats, require little to no skills, others, like sailboats, require extensive knowledge. It comes down to how much time you’re willing to invest in learning the ropes.
Do you have a boat? If so, let us know in the comment section underneath! Also, be sure to check out our other boat-related articles here on our blog.