There are just so many options that it’s hard to choose your first boat. Before you go and get a loan for a yacht, we suggest that you ask yourself why you are buying a boat. Is it because you like to fish and going to the marina is costing too much when you have a beautiful private lake, or do you want it to spend some quality time with your family?
Your choice of recreational activity will help you decide whether you should go for a simple fishing boat or something fancier like a cruise or a mini yacht. Let’s start with some of the classic boats that don’t come with any accessories. This is one factor that makes them quite affordable.
Following are five beginner level boat types that you can use for fishing:
1. Dinghies
“Dinghy” is the term given to every type of small boat. These boats are so simple that anyone can operate them. You can either go old-school and use oars or attach a motor to them. Most of the dinghies are only 15 feet long.
You can take out a dinghy into shallow water and it will perform better compared to larger boats. Depending on the size of the dinghy, the biggest one can carry up to 8 people. The starting price of this boat is $1,300.
2. All-Purpose Fishing Boat
This is the most basic type of boat. The name itself spells out what this boat is used for. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then this is the best boat for you. Since this watercraft type is quite small, you won’t need a big boat dock.
An all-purpose fishing boat can be used for all kinds of aquatic activities. You have a choice between fiberglass and aluminum models. This boat comes in various sizes so if you like to go fishing with your pals, you can buy a big one too. All this boat contains is a motor and a console. Typically, a fishing boat is priced between $10,000 and $20,000.
3. Aluminum Fishing Boat
An aluminum fishing boat is a step above the standard fishing boat. It’s quite sturdy which is why anglers, who like to go into shallow waters and navigate their way around rock formations, prefer it. The boat is light enough that it can be easily transported on the back of a pick-up truck.
This boat is available in different designs. A boat with a blunt bow is cheaper because it is made for smaller lakes. It’s quite roomy and has a large flat surface, which makes it extremely stable. The starting price of this boat is $15,000.
4. Bay Boat
If you know your way around a lake and have been fishing for a long time, then a bay boat is what you need. Bay boats have a complicated center console but once you learn how to operate it, you will love taking this boat out on the waters. It also performs really well in shallow waters.
Made with durable material, bay boats can be taken on saltwater. This boat can run a little expensive because it has a larger engine compared to fishing boats and greater speed. You can get a bay boat within $30,000.
5. Fish & Ski Boat
This boat gives you the best of both worlds ― a stable vessel for fishing and speed for feeling the wind under your hair. A fish & ski boat is for cruising on a freshwater lake. It comes in two categories: a deck boat and a bow-rider. It has more features than an all-purpose fishing boat, which makes it a popular choice amongst anglers who are looking for an upgrade. This boat can be bought for $21,000.
And this brings us to the end of the most affordable fishing boats. Remember to get a floating boat dock to properly park and secure your vessel. If you want something fancier, then check out “Part 2” of this blog.
Have more questions? EZ Dock Texas can help. Contact us today.
