15 Types of Boats Making Wakes and Sailing the High Seas

Motor yachts are the floating equivalent of luxury condos. Designed for long-distance cruising, these ocean-going vessels feature diesel engines, advanced propulsion systems, and modern amenities like fine dining areas, power generators and proper sleeping arrangements.

Some motor yacht boats even have accommodation facilities that rival five-star resorts.

Built for long-range cruising, trawler boats use displacement hulls and fuel efficient engines. They carry passengers comfortably over harsh offshore waterways with deep hulls and spacious interiors.

Trawlers often include convenient storage space and helm stations designed for relaxed cruising.

Cabin cruisers are like motor yachts' younger siblings. These closed-deck boats come with cuddy cabins, a swimming platform and enough room for weekend trips.

Perfect for inland waters, they include many of the same features—like sleeping quarters and kitchenettes—without the size or cost.

If sports fishing is your thing, center console boats are the go-to. With the helm station in the middle, they offer easy access to the boat's bow and stern.

These boats feature fish lockers, gunwale rod holders and outboard engines, making them ideal for ocean fish hunting and trolling motor system setups.

Pontoon boats ride on two or three aluminum tubes, giving them a shallow draft perfect for lakes and rivers. Known for their spacious seating arrangement and smooth ride, they’re excellent for relaxed cruising and group boating activities.

Tailored for inland fishing ventures, bass boats feature shallow-draft hulls suited for calm, shallow waters. They're typically equipped with a trolling motor system, steering wheel control and fish storage space.

Designed for agility, these boats offer high performance on lakes and calm rivers.

Deck boats combine the spacious layout of pontoons with the hull of a runabout. With open boats styling and plenty of seating, they’re great for water sports and carrying passengers. The wide deck and stern power drive offer stability and speed.

Cuddy cabin boats strike a balance between performance and comfort. Their cuddy cabins offer proper sleeping arrangements and shelter, making them a solid pick for small families or couples who enjoy boating activities with occasional overnight stays.

Powered by jet propulsion instead of propellers, jet boats are fast, maneuverable, and ideal for water skiing and other high-energy water sports. Their rapid acceleration and agile handling make them popular among thrill-seekers.

Ski boats, especially inboard ski boats, are designed to create the perfect wake. They use a drive engine system beneath the boat to provide consistent pull for water skiing. Many boats in this category also double as wakeboarding platforms.

A dinghy boat is a small inflatable boat, often used as a tender to larger vessels or for quick trips to shore. Declared entry-level vessels, they're lightweight and easy to store.

These runabout style vessels have extra seating in the bow area, making them ideal for casual cruising. Bowrider boats are powered by outboard or stern drive engines and offer plenty of room for family outings.

Flat boats with a shallow draft, Jon boats are simple, open boats made for calm inland waters. They're great for fishing and hunting, and their flat hull allows for easy beaching and launching.

Versatile and user-friendly, runabout boats are great for newcomers. These entry-level vessels often include a closed deck, steering wheel, and enough room for short trips and light fishing.

These boats offer a hybrid design for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They feature rod holders, fish lockers, and durable hulls. Built to handle various conditions, they serve as the Swiss army knife of fishing ventures.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.