Unlike cars, there’s far more to boats than simply getting from A to B. While cars are generally a means of transport, boats offer a lifestyle. They open the door to adventure, relaxation, travel, leisure, and even permanent living. Not only are boats designed to travel, but different types can be used for a whole range of activities and occasions.
Are you a keen angler looking for quiet spots to fish? Do you dream of a floating home that offers a break from the routine? Are you aiming for a touch of luxury as you glide across crystal-clear waters? Whatever your goal, there’s a boat perfectly suited to your needs. But with so many different types of vessels available, knowing where to start can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to help you find your ideal boat.
Yacht
The epitome of luxury, yachts are probably one of the most expensive types of boats you could ever hope to own. But for many, the cost is justified by the lifestyle they offer. Yachts are built for comfort, elegance, and extended journeys, often featuring multiple cabins, lounges, sun decks, and state-of-the-art navigation equipment.
Yachts range in size from modest 30-footers to mega yachts that rival mansions in both size and luxury. If you picture yourself moored up in Monaco, sipping on Champagne or basking in Mediterranean waters while staring out toward the horizon, then a yacht is likely to be the vessel for you.
While they may come with higher running and maintenance costs, they also offer unmatched freedom to explore the world’s oceans, coastlines, and island chains in pure comfort. Whether it’s a weekend in the French Riviera or a summer spent sailing through the Greek Isles, a yacht offers more than travel; it offers a way of life.
Canal Boat
If you’ve decided that the land-lovers’ life is no longer for you, then what better option is there than buying a canal boat and cruising down the UK’s picturesque network of canals and waterways?
Canal boats, often referred to as narrowboats, are long, slender vessels typically used on the UK’s inland water systems. They are ideal for those looking to live a more peaceful and minimalist lifestyle. These boats give you the option of mooring up wherever you want for as long as you want (within licensing and mooring rules), as well as moving along at a pace that suits you. It’s all about freedom, tranquillity, and a closer connection with nature.
Living on a canal boat means you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still enjoying the comforts of home. Many modern canal boats are fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, and comfortable sleeping areas. They offer a slower pace of life and a unique perspective of the UK’s towns, countryside, and communities.
Bowrider
Bowriders are extremely popular boats for both beginners and experienced boaters alike. These vessels are open at the front (“bow”), which creates extra seating space and makes them perfect for socialising on the water. If you enjoy a day out on the lake or cruising along the coast with friends and family, a bowrider might be just the boat for you.
Their design makes them ideal for a range of water-based activities, from casual cruising to adrenaline-fuelled water sports like wakeboarding or tubing. Bowriders are usually equipped with inboard or outboard engines and come in various sizes to suit different needs and budgets.
They’re also relatively easy to tow, launch, and store, making them a convenient choice for weekend trips. Whether you’re exploring local rivers, sunbathing on deck, or introducing your kids to the joys of boating, bowriders provide endless fun and flexibility.
Cabin Cruisers
Cabin cruisers are a step up from bowriders, especially when it comes to comfort and onboard amenities. As the name suggests, these boats include an enclosed cabin area, making them suitable for overnight stays and longer excursions.
Typically equipped with sleeping quarters, small kitchens (galleys), and bathrooms, cabin cruisers are great for weekend getaways or even short holidays at sea. They’re perfect for couples or families who want to explore new destinations without the need to book a hotel.
Cabin cruisers are versatile enough to handle inland waterways and coastal cruising. Their sturdy build and onboard comforts make them an excellent all-rounder for both relaxation and adventure.
Other Boats to Consider
While the above options are some of the most popular, the world of boats is incredibly diverse. Depending on your needs, you may also want to explore:
- Fishing boats – Designed specifically for anglers, often equipped with rod holders, baitwells, and sonar systems.
- Speedboats – Built for thrill-seekers who love fast-paced action on the water.
- Sailboats – Perfect for those who prefer the art and challenge of navigating by wind rather than engine.
- Houseboats – Larger and more static than canal boats, houseboats offer a floating home that doesn’t often move but offers full domestic comfort.
What to Consider Before Buying a Boat
Before you commit to any type of boat, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions:
- What’s your primary purpose? (Recreation, living, travel, fishing, etc.)
- How often will you use it?
- Do you have experience operating a boat, or will you need training?
- Where will you store or moor it?
- What’s your budget for both purchase and maintenance?
Answering these will help you narrow down your options and ensure that your boat is a joy rather than a burden.
Do You Need Professional Transport for Your Boat or Equipment?
Boats, of course, need to be transported safely, whether to a marina, a dry dock, or across the country. That’s where we come in.
SG Haulage is an accredited and professional haulage company based in Lincoln. For the past 25 years, we’ve been helping businesses and domestic clients move their heavy items, including boats, cranes, and vehicles, both nationally and internationally.
Our highly trained and experienced team ensures that your items are treated with the utmost care and that they arrive at their destination in the same condition in which they left. Whether it’s a canal boat needing relocation or a luxury yacht heading to the coast, we’ve got the right equipment and know-how to get the job done.
To find out more or get a quote, contact us today. You can find us at Plot 9, Saxilby Enterprise Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Saxilby, Lincoln LN1 2LR, call 01522 702 443, or email info@sghaulage.com.
Let SG Haulage take the stress out of transportation so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
