Types of small boats: A beginner’s guide

Small boats are popular for lots of reasons. They’re versatile, affordable, and ideal for everything from fishing and water sports to relaxed family adventures. Whether you’re navigating shallow rivers, stunning coastlines or serene lakes, there’s a small boat that’s perfect for you.

In this beginner’s guide, we share 10 popular small boat types to help you discover which is the best option for your needs.

1. Jon boats

Jon boats are flat-bottomed aluminium vessels and one of the most popular small boats for people seeking something affordable, lightweight, durable, and easy to transport.

Their simple hull design means they can be used where deeper V-hulls can’t, and they’re typically powered by small outboard motors, although they can also be paddled. The open layout of Jon boats makes them highly customisable with casting decks, storage compartments, and rod holders. They are both budget-friendly and low-maintenance, making them a great option if you’re looking to explore rivers, marshes, and calm lakes.

2. Skiffs

Skiffs are versatile small boats known for their shallow draft and excellent manoeuvrability. Often used for inshore fishing, they’re particularly well suited to estuaries and coastal flats.

Skiffs usually have a centre console layout, and their lightweight hulls enable quick acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency while providing enough stability for calm offshore conditions. Some skiffs are basic and practical, while others boast additional features.

They are easy to transport and maintain, and are ideal if you want a compact yet capable small boat with impressive performance in shallow water.

3. Dinghies

Dinghies are perhaps one of the most recognisable small boats available to buy. They can be rigid or inflatable and are typically around 10 feet in length.

Sailing dinghies are popular for recreational racing thanks to their responsive handling and simple rigging, while powered dinghies usually have a small outboard motor. They are lightweight and easy to launch, making them ideal for harbours, lakes, and sheltered coastal waters.

Their compact size makes them easy to store, and they’re a great choice for beginners learning the basics of boating or sailing.

4. Inflatable boats

Inflatable boats are built using air-filled tubes made from durable PVC or Hypalon, creating lightweight, buoyant vessels. They’re easy to transport, store, and launch, making them a convenient option for occasional boaters.

Many inflatable boats have rigid floors or aluminium hull inserts for added stability and performance. They’re commonly used for fishing, diving, tender service, and rescue operations, and they handle choppy conditions well due to their shock-absorbing tubes.

Inflatable boats are affordable and versatile, ideal for families who need something easy to transport without compromising on reliability.

5. Aluminium fishing boats

Aluminium fishing boats are durable, resistant to corrosion, and practical. Their welded or riveted aluminium construction keeps them lightweight while maintaining strength, and they often have bench seating, rod storage, and casting decks designed specifically for anglers.

They perform well on freshwater lakes and rivers and are easy to trailer. Aluminium fishing boats require very little maintenance and are more resistant to impact than fibreglass options. They’re a popular choice for recreational anglers seeking a reliable, practical boat that can handle regular use in various freshwater conditions.

6. Pontoon boats

Pontoon boats are recognisable due to their twin or triple aluminium tubes that support a wide, flat deck. Designed for comfort and socialising, they offer spacious seating, canopies, and excellent storage solutions.

They are ideal for lakes and calm waters and are a good option if you’re more focused on stability and relaxation over speed. Modern pontoon boats can feature powerful outboards, swim platforms, and even water sport tow capabilities, and their smooth ride and spacious deck make them perfect for entertaining family and friends. Consider one if you’re looking for a small boat for cruising, fishing, and leisurely days on the water.

7. Car-toppers

Car-toppers are lightweight boats designed to be transported on a vehicle’s roof rack rather than a trailer. Usually made from aluminium or durable plastic, they’re compact and simple in design. As they’re easy to transport, car-toppers are ideal if you’re heading to remote lakes for fishing or adventures in the wilderness.

This kind of small boat is easy to launch and retrieve without specialised equipment, and is typically powered by small outboard motors – although you can row a car-topper too. They’re a good option if you’re a solo boater or a couple and you’re looking for independence and flexibility. Their small size may limit capacity, but it makes them convenient to transport and easy to store.

8. Canoes and kayaks

Canoes and kayaks are paddle-powered small boats designed for peaceful travel across the water. Canoes typically have an open top and a higher seating position, while kayaks feature enclosed cockpits and lower seating for improved stability. Both are perfect for lakes, rivers, and coastal exploration.

Modern canoes and kayaks are made from lightweight composites, fibreglass, or polyethylene, and they’re popular for recreational paddling, fishing, touring, and whitewater adventures. They are easy to transport, affordable and have minimal maintenance requirements, which makes them a great option for beginners.

9. Jet boats

Jet boats use an internal water jet propulsion system rather than an exposed propeller, and water is drawn into the boat and expelled at high pressure to generate thrust. This design means that jet boats can operate safely in shallow water and reduces the risk of injuries caused by a propeller. Known for their quick acceleration, responsive handling, and sporty performance, jet boats are popular for recreational cruising and water sports, especially on rivers and lakes. With no external propeller, they’re safer to use around swimmers than other options, and their responsive steering and speed offer a little excitement on the water.

10. Personal watercrafts (PWCs)

Personal watercrafts (PWCs), often known by brand names like Jet Ski, are compact, high-performance vessels designed for one to three riders. Powered by jet propulsion, they’re fast, responsive, and easy to operate.

PWCs are commonly used for recreation, water sports towing, and coastal cruising. Modern models include advanced features such as digital displays, braking systems, and improved fuel efficiency.

Small boat buyer’s checklist

Before you decide which small boat is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

What will you be using your small boat for?

• Fishing
• Family fun
• Water sports
• Exploring rivers or coastal areas
• Solo adventures

How you want to use your vessel determines the hull type, size, and power you should opt for.

2. Where will you use your small boat?

Water conditions will impact the safety and performance of your vessel.

• Lakes and calm water require stable hulls, like pontoon boats
• Shallow rivers are best explored on a Jon boat
• Coastal bays are ideal for skiffs
• Remote access spots are best reached with car-toppers, canoes, or kayaks

3. Set a realistic budget

When shopping for a small boat, you’ll need to consider:

• the initial purchase price
• trailer price where required
• engine or propulsion system costs
• insurance and registration
• fuel and maintenance costs
• storage or marina fees

Keep in mind that a lower purchase price doesn’t necessarily mean lower ongoing expenses.

4. Decide on size and capacity

When deciding on the right size and capacity for your small boat, think about:

• how many passengers you want to carry
• whether you need space for fishing gear or other equipment
• whether onboard storage is important

5. Choose the right material

• Aluminium – Lightweight, durable, and low maintenance
• Fibreglass – Smooth ride with more design options
• Inflatable – Easy to store and transport
• Polyethylene/composite – Tough and impact resistant

6. Think about transport and storage

• Do you have room for a trailer?
• Will it fit in your garage?
• Can your vehicle tow it safely?
• Do you need a roof-rack option?

7. Consider power options

Match your chosen power option to your skill level and the water you intend to take your small boat to.

• Paddle-powered
• Electric trolling motor
• Small outboard engine
• Jet propulsion system

8. Check maintenance requirements

• Is the engine easy to service?
• Are parts easy to source?
• How resistant is it to corrosion?

9. Prioritise safety features

Safety should always be a priority when buying a small boat, so consider:

• stability and hull design
• non-slip flooring
• grab rails
• proper flotation
• navigation lights

10. Take a test ride

If you’re offered a test ride, be sure to take the boat onto the water before committing to buying it, then you can experience:

• how it handles
• comfort level
• noise and vibration
• ease of operation

Specialist boat insurance through CraftInsure

Once you’ve decided which small boat is right for you and have made your purchase, you might want to consider protecting your vessel with specialist boat insurance through CraftInsure. Get an instant online quote today.