Small boats are where many people discover a love for the water. There are many reasons to consider purchasing a small boat. These vessels are affordable, easy to tow, and fit into small waterways.
In fact, many boat lovers who own large boats also have a small boat that they love and enjoy just as much as their bigger craft. But which small boats would be best for you? To make the search easier, we'll review the top 10 small boat contenders.
Types of Small Boats
- Jon Boats
- Skiffs
- Dinghies
- Inflatable Boats
- Aluminum Fishing Boats
- Pontoon Boats
- Car-Toppers
- Canoes and Kayaks
- Jet Boats
- Personal Watercrafts (PWCs)
10 Types of Small Boats to Explore:
1. Jon Boats
Jon boats are some of the simplest and most popular boats on the water. Most feature little more than a flat-bottomed aluminum hull, squared-off bow, bench seats, and a small outboard or electric motor. They're extremely easy to launch, load, and store—and are also among the most affordable boats you can buy.
2. Skiffs
Skiffs are another type of simple, all-purpose utility boat. But what exactly defines a skiff? The term often describes any relatively small, open boat, so it can apply to various boat designs.
3. Dinghies
Dinghies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Some dinghies are designed for rowing, others powered by a motor, and some rigged for sailing.
Despite their differences, they share common traits. Typically, they're pretty small (eight to ten feet is standard) and are often used as tenders to ferry people and gear between a larger boat and the shore.
4. Inflatable Boats
Inflatable boats come in two main types: fully inflatable models and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), which feature a solid hull surrounded by an inflatable collar or tube.
Most are made of durable materials like Hypalon or PVC. Their main advantage is the ability to bounce off anything they might hit. RIBs are known for their seaworthiness and are widely used in commercial, search-and-rescue, and recreational settings.
5. Aluminum Fishing Boats
Aluminum fishing boats come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with their primary common feature being that they're made of aluminum. These boats are typically lightweight, affordable, and fuel-efficient.
Explore Aluminum Fishing Boats
6. Small Pontoon Boats
Many small pontoon boats are available that are easy to trailer, budget-friendly, and offer adventure on the water. Options range from mini fishing pontoons to small performance pontoon boats.
7. Car-Toppers
This is another broad category of boats, defined by one key feature: if two people can lift it and secure it to a car's roof rack, it's considered a car-topper. These boats are typically small and simple, such as Jon boats and dinghies.
8. Canoes and Kayaks
These small vessels are popular, and while most don't have mechanical propulsion, they're still very much considered boats. Some models are surprisingly advanced, designed for specific activities like fishing or high-speed performance. For many boaters, a lifelong love of the water begins with paddling or pedaling a canoe or kayak.
9. Jet Boats
Although some jet boats are large, smaller models can also deliver an exciting ride. Most use inboard jet engines that create thrust by shooting high-pressure water through a nozzle instead of using a traditional propeller. That said, outboard engine versions are also available.
10. Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
Many people think of personal watercraft (PWCs) as the motorcycles of the water. Despite their compact size and limited passenger capacity, PWCs are boats in every sense of the word. They're also some of the most thrilling to operate, offering rapid acceleration, impressive top speeds, and sharp, adrenaline-pumping turns.
Next Steps
Still deciding which small boat is right for you? Small boats offer a range of benefits and come in many different styles. Whether it's your first boat or one of many, owning a small boat is a great way to deepen your love for the water.
