| Before you can select the proper boat for your | | | | electronics that are need to support real deep sea |
| family to enjoy, it pays to be aware of the | | | | fishing excursions. |
| various types of boats that are used for family | | | | Sailboats from small daysailing boats of 12-14 feet |
| fun. Let's take a look at some of the most | | | | in length up to ocean going sailboats of 40-50 feet |
| popular types of boats. | | | | (or longer) in length, sailboats are for the person |
| Runabouts Typically from 18 to 26 feet in length, | | | | schooled and trained in navigating under sail and |
| a typical runabout today is constructed of molded | | | | capturing the available wind, much like Magellan and |
| fiberglass and is powered by either an outboard | | | | Christopher Columbus. Avid sailors abhor the use |
| engine or an inboard/outboard engine (I/O), which | | | | of engines and generally will only deploy their |
| is most common. Most runabouts are what are | | | | engines when entering or leaving the harbor, |
| called 'bowriders' since they are designed for | | | | preferring to use their sailing skills at all other |
| some number of people to ride in the bow of the | | | | times to reach the desired speed and direction, |
| boat (forward of the driver). Runabouts usually | | | | regardless of the wind direction. This can be very |
| have seating for 6 to 10 people and provide | | | | enjoyable and challenging and is not typically for |
| storage for all of the gear that you might need | | | | the beginning boater. |
| on a day long outing. Runabouts are, by far, the | | | | Cabin Cruisers for those who wish to venture out |
| most popular recreational boat in the U.S. because | | | | for a day, an evening, or for an extended stay, |
| of the ease with which they can be trailered from | | | | today's cabin cruisers provide many of the |
| one body of water to another. | | | | comforts of home while on your favorite lake, |
| Towboats Similar in design to a runabout, | | | | waterway, or ocean. Cruisers range in size from |
| towboats are specifically designed to tow water | | | | about 24 feet and larger and typically provide |
| skiers and wakeboarders. Towboats are often | | | | sleeping accommodations for 4 adults. Most have |
| referred to as 'ski boats' or 'wakeboard boats' | | | | a complete galley with refrigerator, stove and |
| and their hulls are designed to enhance their | | | | microwave as well ad a full head with toilet and |
| performance in this area. Towboats are often | | | | shower. Most cruisers today have air conditioning |
| equipped with metal towing 'towers' so that the | | | | and heating as well as hot and cold running water. |
| towrope can be attached to the top of the tower | | | | Sewage is stored in a holding tank for eventual |
| to provide wakeboarders with a high towing point | | | | disposal in a 'pump out station' at a local marina. |
| to facilitate aerial maneuvers. While many boats | | | | The practice of discharging raw sewage into the |
| are capable of pulling skiers and wakeboarders, no | | | | waters of the U.S. has been outlawed for vessels |
| other type does these tasks quite as well as a | | | | within 3 miles of the U. S. Coastline. |
| towboat. Most towboats can also double a | | | | Pontoon Boats Generally constructed of aluminum |
| runabouts, although their riding characteristics for | | | | pontoons (shaped like large aluminum 'logs') with a |
| general purpose cruising are not quite as good. | | | | metal or wooden carpeted deck with surrounding |
| Fishing Boats As their name implies, fishing boats | | | | railings, pontoons are quickly becoming the choice |
| are designed to support the ability to fish for | | | | of many boaters on America's lakes and streams |
| various species of fish and to cast bait or to troll | | | | (wherever the need for rough water handling is |
| for fish most efficiently. Among the fishing boat | | | | not an issue). Pontoons are able to accommodate |
| category are Bass Boats which are rather shallow | | | | larger groups of people than runabouts, typically |
| draft, high speed, outboard powered fishing | | | | 10-20 persons plus equipment, and they are |
| platforms designed for use on inland waters in | | | | powered by large outboard and I/O engines to |
| pursuit of largemouth and smallmouth bass. | | | | push them along at more than 30 miles per hour |
| Smaller, flat bottom aluminum boats are more | | | | for skiing and tubing. Pontoon boats tend to be |
| utility in nature and generally do not provide the | | | | thought of as 'party platforms'! |
| creature comforts for bass fishing as do the bass | | | | I am hopeful that this helps you to determine the |
| boats, although they are dramatically less | | | | best boat to meet the needs of your boating |
| expensive. Gaining in popularity today are the | | | | family. Whatever boat you choose, be sure to |
| 'center console fishing boat' which can easily be | | | | partake in a U S Coast Guard or Power Squadron |
| used to fish on inland waters and have a high | | | | Safe Boating class and be sure that there is |
| enough freeboard and self draining floors that | | | | always a 'designated captain' available if you intend |
| enable them to venture out into the ocean, Great | | | | to partake of the spirits. You must also be aware |
| Lake, or Gulf of Mexico. As you step up, deep | | | | of State laws regarding Personal Flotation Devices |
| sea fishing boats are the great granddaddy of the | | | | (PFD's) and other safety equipment that's needed |
| fishing boat category with flying bridges, | | | | for safe operation. Have a great voyage! |
| outriggers, fighting chairs, dual engines and | | | | |