 |
Product Search
|
 |
|
Article Search
|
|
|
Resources
| |
|
Home > Which Boat For Your Boating Summer 2117?
We Have Found 1 Products for your search of Which Boat For Your Boating Summer 2117?.
Displaying Items 1 - 1:
Which Boat For Your Boating Summer 2117? by Nick Burton
Is boating attracting your interest? With the summer coming soon, you'll need a boat to play with as your new hobby!The question is, which kind of boat should you choose?
Yachts.The general term applies to vessels that are in private use, and propelled by sail or mechanical means. Originally, a yacht was a light, rather fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy. In fact, the word comes from the Dutch "jacht" which means, "hunt."As with most types of watercraft, yachts were made of wood until about 50 years ago, when man-made materials became popular. Fibreglass was one widely used material for many years, while higher-class racing yachts are now sometimes constructed of carbon fibre. Today, a sailing yacht can range in size from about 20 feet to almost 100 feet (though the term "yacht" is generally applied to the larger boats. Motor yachts may be hundreds of feet long, as is the case with many luxury craft. Many privately owned yachts are in the middle of this range, about 50 feet, give or take a bit. For example, one yacht supplier offers models that range from 43 feet to 72 feet. Size, however, may not be the factor that truly distinguishes a yacht from another type of boat. The market for yachts is generally among the upper-middle class and upper class in the economic strata, because, over the years, people have purchased yachts for relaxing and having luxury away from home. The purpose of a yacht is much different than the reason for owning a speedboat, a ski boat or a flat-hull boat such as a pontoon craft.
Sailboats.Some might place sailing yachts in this category, though the term sailboat can be applied to much smaller craft. A sailing yacht is usually on the larger end of the scale and is also designed for low-key pleasure and relaxation. As with the world of fishing boats, sailboats can be the subject of volumes. Even the texts and encyclopaedias admit that the line distinguishing sailing yachts, sailboats and racing sailboats is rather blurred.
Ski boats.One of the most popular types of leisure craft is the ski boat, designed for speed and having the power to pull one or more skiers on a lake. This type of boat offers a number of options, with each finding favor among a large portion of the ski and speedboat population. Over the years, the development of inboard engine boats has provided an option for those who always used the outboard engine. Inboard engines tend to be more powerful, while outboard engines are most commonly used on smaller boats. The outboard also has the benefit of tilting out of the water when it is not in use, helping the boater avoid rocks, seaweed and other hazards while anchored or docked. One of the key factors boat buyers consider when shopping is the type of wake produced by the hull design and motor design of the boat. Generally, a skier prefers a smaller wake and smoother water surface, while the now-popular wakeboard group desires larger wakes that are good for flipping and jumping on the small, light board. It is best to do some homework before purchasing any recreation or luxury item. This is especially true for a major purchase such as the ski boat. Some experienced ski boat owners note that making a decision on a certain type of boat took more time than the purchase of a car. Why? Primarily because the boat can have so many uses, chief among those - getting away from it all. If you are going to put a lot of money into a good ski boat, you should give some extensive thought to how the boat is built, inside and out.
Speed and performance boats.In this category, you will find express cruisers designed for both top performance and entertainment. You may be considering a high-performance boat with the intention of going fast, a lot. A speedboat may have a 400-horsepower inboard engine for propelling a 25-foot craft along the surface of the lake. Of course there are boats available from boatbuilders, that are meant for cruising that do not approach the competition speeds of these rockets. If you are interested in a speed boat that is within the middle price range, you will find, for example, an 18-foot cruiser with an outboard engine, 10-year hull warrant and many of the features you want in a boat built for cruising or pulling skiers.With speedboats the wake may not be as important as with a ski boat, but this is definitely something you should consider when talking with boat retailers and with family members. Many of the best speed/ski boats come with such items as rod holders for those fishing trips. But the speed/ski boat is not necessarily equipped for the serious fisherman.
Pontoon boats.This special watercraft is, as the old saying goes, a horse of a different color. Pontoon boats are specifically designed for entertaining friends and enjoying a leisurely day on the lake. As design and engine power have improved, some people also use their pontoon boat as a ski boat. But most shop for and purchase this type of craft for a limited type of use - sitting back and relaxing. Some manufacturers identify their different lines by size and purpose. For instance, a pontoon boat may be a touring boat, a sport boat or a luxury pontoon craft. These are general categories and the line between classes of pontoon boat is sometimes blurred. But a luxury boat might have an overall length of 25 feet to 30 feet, with a deck that is 10 feet wide. Some of these larger craft will hold 15 to 20 people comfortably.The slightly smaller touring model, or midsize model, might be about 20 feet to 24 feet in length and hold 12 to 14 people on a sunny afternoon. The sport pontoon can be about the same size as the touring model, perhaps a few feet shorter, and might hold as many people. There are sometimes fewer options or different options with the sport model. Again, these are very general descriptions that may vary with manufacturer. Some pontoon boats are specially designed with the fisherman in mind, though this again depends on the manufacturer. Most pontoon boats are shown with outboard motors (some of the larger, luxury craft may have two outboard engines.
Deck boats.This special type of craft can combine the open deck efficiency of a pontoon boat with the performance and appearance of the more traditional ski or speedboat. For example, a typical deck boat may be 22 feet long and provide 200 horsepower with the proper outboard engine. The spacious floor plan is similar to that of a luxury or touring pontoon boat. This craft has become increasingly popular with skiers and fishermen, as well as those who want the slower-paced flat-deck of a pontoon boat. Now, time to make a selection and start your sailing adventure. Good luck, and favorable winds!
About the Author
Boating in Canada is Nick Burton's main leisurely pursuit. He reviews major types of boats that you can find on Canadian lakes and rivers. Canada Boating (http://canadaboating.info)
|
