What type of boat do I want?

Choosing your style of boating is the first step. There are such a large variety of boats available that the inexperienced person is often at a disadvantage when it comes to making a choice. Do take advice, and consider very carefully just what 'style' of boating suits you best.

Ask your self some questions - what size is needed? - for how many persons? - how and when will you use your boat? - where will you keep her? - how much can you afford? - not just to buy a boat, but to run and maintain her.

Whatever their size, sea-going motor boats fall into two basic types - displacement or planing. Displacement boats have hulls which are pushed through the water by relatively low powered engines: they are roomy but slow and in general terms used more for commercial use. Planing boats (both cruisers and sports boats) have hulls shaped so that they skim over the surface once a certain speed is reached, requiring more powerful and costly machinery; generally designed with a faster styling for leisure use.

There is an intermediate type, called semi-displacement which provides a compromise - seaworthy boats of moderate speed.

Most boats found on the UK's inland waterway system fall into three main categories.
  • Sea going boats berthed and used on a river, estuary or lake but taken occasionally down to tidal waters or out to sea for holidays or cruises. (e.g. Jeanneau, Sealine, Fairline, Princess).
  • Canal narrowboats (canal longboats) narrow beam and kept mainly on the canal system covering the old industrial areas of central and northern England and lately popular on rivers throughout the UK.
  • River boats (wide beam) suitable for all rivers and a limited number of wide beam canals in the south, but not suitable for the majority of the northern canals which will only accommodate narrow beam and low air draught boats.


    • Please "Contact us" for further information on any style, make or model of boat. Take a look at our listings of "Boats for Sale" which both new and secondhand craft. Do not be afraid to ask questions, we are delighted to help and advise on any boating matters.

    If you are buying a new boat, choose a reputable European boat builder and buy from a UK dealer who is member of the British Marine Federation and Boat Retailers and Brokers Association.

    A secondhand boat should be examined by an expert before you buy and this work should be done by a professional surveyor who should be a member of the appropriate BMF Association. A list of surveyors can be provided on request.