Which boat type suits your boating style?

Before you start comparing (and buying), it helps to know where to look. New boats differ not only in brand and price, but above all in the kind of boating they offer. An overview of the most popular types, and who they suit.

Motor yacht

Suited to longer distances and longer trips, often with a cabin, galley and space to sleep on board. Motor yachts range from compact models for a weekend away to larger boats for several weeks on board. A sports cruiser stands out mainly for its speed compared with a motor cruiser. A traditional motor yacht for its hull shape and handling, which make it better suited to the sea. And a superyacht for its size (and price range).

Sailing yacht

For those who find the journey as important as the destination, and prefer to get there actively. A sailing boat takes a little more effort, experience and time to get ready, but it is economical, brings calm through effort and gives the pleasure of being out on open water with the elements. Sailing yachts are perfect for large lakes, coastal waters and the open sea. Are you looking at a cruising yacht with a cabin, an open sailing boat, a motor sailer or a sailing superyacht?

RIB and sports boats

Light, manoeuvrable and fast. Popular with people who like water skiing, wakeboarding or simply covering distance. Less comfortable for longer trips, but easy to trailer and store. RIBs and inflatables have tubes of Hypalon or PVC that give them stable handling. Ski and speed boats give a firm ride at high speed. Sports and console boats are often aimed at day trips and a comfortable time on the water.

Catamaran

Two hulls give a lot of stability and deck space for the length. Especially popular with those who value space, comfort and little heel, both in motor and sailing catamarans. In the harbour they take up more room; on the water you soon earn that space back.

Power sloops

Comfortable, stable and easy to handle; in many countries the smaller models can be used without a licence. Power sloops are popular on canals, lakes and sheltered inland waters and are usually used close to their mooring or harbour. Larger power sloops and tender sloops have a greater range thanks to more powerful engines and models with sleeping space. Power sloops generally need relatively little maintenance on the interior, but the outboard or inboard engine needs a yearly service. The power sloop category includes the tender sloop and the classic power sloop.

Where to start

Think about where you will go boating (inland or open water), how many people usually come along, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and whether you mainly want to be under way or mainly want to stay on board. Then use the filters on this website to compare quickly within your type by brand, length and price.