Know your type of Power Boats

Some info on Power Boats

Power boats are the most popular boats sold. Their designs are as varied as their uses. Those with seating in the front are called bowriders. Many of these boats are used for towing skiers or rafts. Want to do both? There are ski and fish combinations that let you do both.

Types of Powerboats

Inflatable Boats
Short five- and six-footers are used as dinghies. Mid-sized models in the 12- to 18-ft. range are more durable, have more interior space, and can handle an outboard; such mid-sized models can carry several passengers and serve as runabouts. Newer, hard-hull (or rigid) types of 20 ft. and over take moderate power and work well near and offshore. The "smalls" are easily transported; the "bigs" can be trailered.

* Sizes range from four ft. to low-20s.
* Price Range: $1,000-$20,000+
* Most are compact and don't require a trailer and can hold 1-4 people

Folding Boats
Made to store, then unfold and float, these consist of lightweight frames that are covered by fabric or plastic.

* Sizes range from 6 to 10 ft.
* Price Range: $1,000-$3,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold 1-2 people

Bow Riders
All-purpose runabouts with extra seats and forward access to the bow, a convenient spot to relax and sun. Outboard or stern-drive power. Smaller versions are fine for water skiing; larger versions allow some camping. All are suited to short-distance cruising.

* Sizes range from mid-teens to upper 20's.
* Price Range: $5,000-$30,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold 1-5people

Runabouts
Feature open or closed bows, outboard or stern-drive power, and mostly vee-hulls. Fun for water skiing and wakeboarding, fishing, cruising, sunning throughout the day. Some add camper canvas to allow overnights. Probably the most popular fiberglass boat made, though some are aluminum construction.

* Sizes range from mid-teens to upper 20's.
* Price Range: $10,000-$40,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold up to 8 people

Pontoon Boats
A pontoon boat is ideal for someone who likes to party. Large and stable, pontoon boats are most often used for parties and fishing. Two tubes, usually aluminum, under a stable deck surrounded by railings and powered most often with outboards. Often covered with a canopy, featuring plenty of seating space (sometimes convertible to sleepers). Good for fishing, swimming and sunning.

* Sizes range from mid-teens to low-30s.
* Price Range: $10,000-$40,000+
* Most are not recommended for trailering and can hold up to 10 people

Deck Boats
Feature a one-level deck throughout and often rails or gunnels all around, all built on a performance hull. Multi-purpose craft that serve anglers, swimmers, sunbathers, evening social cruisers, and folks at the dock. These are stable craft. A number of guests will find room to enjoy being aboard; six friends on smaller versions, eight to ten on larger ones. Some have small cabins. Most often outboard powered, though some feature stern drives.

* Sizes range from mid-teens to low-30s.
* Price Range: $15,000-$40,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold up to 10 people

Cuddy Cabins
Small cruisers with compact cabins to camp, do some simple cooking, and get out of the weather. Outboard or stern-drive power. Great day cruisers and overnighters for small groups. Also used on big water for trolling for fish.

* Sizes range from mid-teens to low-30s.
* Price Range: $15,000-$60,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold 1-5 people

Waterski Boats
Powered by inboards, these "throw" a perfect wake for very serious water skiers and wake boarders. Used at tournaments and for training. Passengers usually include the driver and a "spotter." Range from about 18 ft. to the mid-20s. (Trailerable; 1-5 people)

* Sizes range from mid-teens to mid 20's.
* Price Range: $15,000-$50,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold 1-5 people

Fish and Skis
Interior layouts of these craft allow boaters to enjoy the two most popular on-water activities. Have enough power, usually outboard, to pull a skier or two, and to get to the fishing spot in short order. Storage allows taking skis and tackle. Three or four can ride and fish in lengths from teens to upper 20s. (Trailerable; 1-5 people)

* Sizes range from mid-teens to mid 20's.
* Price Range: $10,000-$30,000+
* Most are trailerable and can hold 1-5 people

High-Performance Boats
Designed for speed, these can be deep-vee or catamaran-hulled craft with big power. Creature comforts are included in the cockpit and below decks; fishing craft are more spartan. Outboard and stern-drive power, often sophisticated engines, can push even larger craft to speeds in the 60-mph range, sometimes faster.

* Sizes range from mid-20's to 50+.
* Price Range: $40,000-$400,000+
* Some are trailerable, but most should be moored.
* They can hold up to 6 people

House Boats
These are the recreational vehicles of the water, with wide beams and cabins that cover most of the deck. Inside are private staterooms, a head or two (with shower), a big galley, and eating and entertainment areas. Generally used on calm bodies of water, though some with modified vee-hulls are found on big rivers and the Great Lakes. Fiberglass or steel hulls are common. Even the small house boats that start about 30 ft. are spacious.

* Sizes range from 30 to over 70 ft.
* Price Range: $40,000-$600,000+
* These are not trailerable and can hold 10 or more people

Motor Yachts
All the amenities of home in a traditional vee-hulled craft for gracious cruising or entertaining at the dock. A number of design variations offer more aft deck space for fishing, private aft cabins, sunning space on flybridges or on front decks. Fiberglass and aluminum hulls, sophisticated electronics, choice of gas or diesel inboard power in singles or twins.

* Sizes range from mid-30's to over 70 ft.
* Price Range: $60,000-$1,000,000+
* These are not trailerable and can hold 8-12 people

Trawlers
These sit high in the water, atop stable hulls that get there in comfort, leisurely. Boast big cabins and all the creature comforts. Handle big rivers, lakes and oceans on moderate days.

* Sizes range from mid-30's to over 60 ft.
* Price Range: $60,000-$1,000,000+
* These are not trailerable and can hold 6-12 people