As we all understand, a boat is a form of watercraft primarily designed to travel in relatively close or inner waterways, such as lakes and rivers.
What makes a boat distinct from a ship is, of course, its smaller scale and its lower carrying ability compared to the latter. That being said, the concept of a ship – its shape, size, and capability varies depending on its function. To better understand, you might want to learn about the significant discrepancies between the ship and the boat.
Although in current naval terminology, a boat is described as a watercraft that is compact enough to be stored onboard a ship. However, there are boats with a length of up to 1,000 feet.
In the same way, several boats are designed to provide facilities, not in near-shore areas, but in the ocean setting. Oddly, contradicting the claim that “ships can carry boats, but boats cannot carry ships,” often even U.S. Navy submarines are named boats.
Types of Boats
As stated, practically, there are various kinds of boats and it is difficult to list all kinds of boats. In the first place, boats can be divided into three major parts as follows:
- Man-powered boats (like gondolas, rafts, kayaks, etc.)
- Sailing boats (sail-propelled)
- Motorboats (engine-powered)
Below we have a list of the main types of boats in the groups mentioned above.
1. Fishing Boats
Built solely for fishing, these boats of various sizes are used on both salty and freshwater water. The immediate characteristics of these vessels include power, stability and endurance to withstand fishing ventures through different types of waterways.
Fishing boats can be either unmanned or manned. All-purpose fishing boats typically include equipment such as rod lockers, front bow, a trolling engine system, outboard control and live wells
2. Dinghy Boats
A dinghy may be a tiny inflatable boat normally constructed of rubber and consisting of cross-hairs and rowlocks serving as oars and seats.
Generally propelled by oars, sails and compact outboard engines, Dinghies are generally known as sailing vessels, inflatables or simply rowboats.
3. Deck Boats
As the title suggests, Deck Boats feature an open deck area that offers plenty of room for a small number of people.
The boat has a V-shaped hull with a broad beam to carry more people than a pontoon boat. Typically, 25-35 ft in length, they are fitted with a stern drive and are commonly used for leisure purposes such as water sports, swimming, etc.
Deck boats are often expensive, so you might want to check out boat motors for sale and compare a few before buying one.
4. Bow river Boats
Known as the most important family boat, Bowriders provides space for 8or more people throughout the cockpit, the bow cockpit, and the helm. The bow section of these types of vessels has been designed in a special way to allow for a comfortable seating arrangement.
In addition, these runabout-style boats contain a swimming platform for wake-boarding, or a soothing pleasure boating for swimming.
In addition to the above, many other types of boats are also commercially available.
The list of boats continues with types such as Skiff or Jon Boats, Cigarette Boats, Hydrofoil Boats, Tug Boats, Bumper Boats, High-Speed Boats, Cuddy Boats, etc.
