During the summer months, the lakes around the country become a hub of activity with a variety of watercraft. From the tranquil Great Lakes to the lively Ozarks, there's something for everyone, whether you're seeking secluded spots, fishing opportunities, or water sports and onshore entertainment. Your choice of boat will largely depend on your preferred activities, and the options are as diverse as the lakes themselves. Let's explore some of the most popular types of boats for lake outings and the experiences they can provide.
Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats are a common sight on lakes in the summer. They offer lots of space for large families and groups of friends, and they come in various sizes and price ranges. Some models have waterslides, wet bars, sun pads, BBQs, and expansive lounge areas, making them popular for fishing and watersports. There is a wide variety of pontoon boats available, from lightweight models to luxury boats with powerful outboard engines and additional features.
Pros:
- Lots of interior and deck space
- Very stable in the water
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle rough water as well as a monohull
- Tall aluminum “fence” creates windage, making maneuvering difficult in a breeze
Deck Boats
Deck boats, also known as bowriders, are practical family runabout boats with a V-shaped hull and a design that maximizes seating and interior space. They are popular for socializing and can accommodate plenty of passengers in comfort. Deck boats come in various sizes and price ranges, offering options for different budgets and preferences.
Pros:
- Maximum interior room boosts seating capacity
- Many options available for different budgets
- Good for various activities, including watersports and cruising
Cons:
- Some people don’t like their boxy, rectangular looks
- Some deck boats tend to have a bumpy ride
Jon Boats
Jon boats are rugged, flat-bottomed utility vessels favored for fishing and hunting. They are relatively inexpensive and come in different sizes, offering options for different needs and budgets. While they are well-suited for fishing and hunting, they may not be suitable for rough waters due to their flat bottom design.
Pros:
- One of the most inexpensive types of boats
- Well-suited for fishing and/or hunting
- Relatively light, requiring smaller engines and easy to trailer, load, and launch
Cons:
- No shelter
- Flat bottom is not well-suited to rough waters
Fishing Boats
Fishing boats are designed with fishing in mind, offering features such as seat configurations, livewells, trolling motors, rod holders, and fishboxes. They come in various styles and designs, catering to different fishing preferences and needs. Fishing boats range from simple, small models to luxurious flagship boats, providing options for different budgets and fishing requirements.
Pros:
- Loaded with fishing-centric gear and accouterments
Cons:
- Geared around fishing, offering fewer sun lounging areas or sofa-like seating
- Some storage areas are taken up with livewells and fishboxes
Watersports Boats
Watersports boats are designed for towing waterskis and wakeboards, offering ideal wakes and performance for watersports activities. They come in various sizes and price ranges, providing options for different watersports preferences and budgets.
Pros:
- Offer ideal wakes and performance for watersports
- Plenty of seating for their size
Cons:
- Limited in their use as they are very activity-specific
- Expensive for their size
Cabin Cruisers
Cabin cruisers are versatile boats designed for weekend getaways and overnight stays. They offer the luxury of a superyacht with a smaller price tag and provide all the comforts of home. Cabin cruisers come in different sizes and price ranges, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Pros:
- Offers the luxury of a superyacht with smaller price tag
- Packed with all the comforts of home
Cons:
- High fuel consumption for their size due to their weight
- Only the smallest models can be trailered
Bowriders
Bowriders are popular recreational boats known for their seating section in the bow. They are well-suited for various watersports activities and offer plenty of seating in bow and stern cockpits. Bowriders come in different sizes and price ranges, providing options for different recreational boating needs and budgets.
Pros:
- Well-suited for recreational watersports
- Lots of seating in bow and stern cockpits
- Easy to handle and maneuver
Cons:
- Little to no protection, not ideal for use in inclement weather conditions
- Less space than a comparably sized deck boat
RIBs and Inflatables
RIBs and inflatables are versatile and fun boats that come in various sizes and shapes. They are known for their hardiness and durability, offering budget-friendly options for boating enthusiasts. RIBs and inflatables provide options for different preferences and budgets, ranging from small, simple models to luxurious, high-speed boats.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to load onto a trailer and tow
Cons:
- Less seating than many boats of the same size
- No rear swim platform
Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft are recreational watercraft designed for high-speed riding over the water. They offer sporty maneuverability and provide high adrenaline fun for riders. Personal watercraft come in different sizes and price ranges, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Pros:
- Sporty maneuverability
- Provide lots of high adrenaline fun
- Easy to trailer
Cons:
- Can only accommodate one to three people
- Tend to be used in warm weather only
- Not comfortable for extended use
Sailboats
Sailboats offer a fun, adventurous, and back-to-basics sailing experience, providing opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy cost-effective boating. They come in various sizes and price ranges, offering options for different sailing preferences and budgets.
Pros:
- Fun, adventurous, and back-to-basics sailing
- Offers the opportunity to learn new skills
- Cost effective to use
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Deep drafts can be limiting on lakes
- Training and experience required to operate a sailboat
- More physically demanding to operate than a motorboat
Houseboats
Houseboats are self-propelled residential vessels that come in various styles and configurations, offering a huge amount of interior space and all the comforts of home. Houseboats provide creative interior design styles and customization options, catering to different living preferences and needs.
Pros:
- Huge amount of interior space with all the comforts of a home
- Creative interior design styles and customization
Cons:
- Slow cruising speeds
- Larger size can make finding a berth difficult and costly