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what kind of hulls do most sailboats and large cruisers have?
what kind of boat should i get? power boat? or jet boat?
Which boat to choose?
Each year a new group of boaters show up at the dealerships or begin scouring the newspaper and internet adds looking for their dreamboat. Hopefully they have done some homework and figured out what this sport can end up costing. But cost aside, there are hundreds of manufactures and dozens of styles to choose from. So which boat is right for you and your crew? There are 5 basic types of recreational boats; Sailboats, Outboard Boats, Sterndrive Boats, PWC’s and Cruisers. Each type has dozens of varieties to choose from with three different hull types, Displacement, Planing and Semi Displacement. A displacement hull is round in shape and pushes the water to the sides as it moves through the water. These are mostly used with sailboats, trawlers and commercial vessels and travel at a slow but economical speed. A planing hull is much faster and is used on open fishing boats, ski boats and some cruisers. A planning hull creates a wave in front of it as it moves through the water. As the speed increases, it climbs up onto that wave and rides (planes) on top of it. Usually fitted to larger sport fishing boats and fast trawlers, a semi displacement hull is a combination of the other two, it allows for the economy of a displacement hull at slower speeds, but can plane at higher RPM’s for faster travel.
According to the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), the most popular style is an open boat with an outboard engine (motor and transmission outside of the boat). These boats are typically less expensive to purchase and offer great versatility for fishing or day boating. The motor is easily accessible for repairs or maintenance, and many people find them easy to operate. Some drawbacks are that an open boat usually offers no head (lavatory) or shelter in bad weather and you are limited to the number of people or weight you can have on board. There are over 13 million boats registered in the US. The lion’s share of those (about 8.5 million) are outboard boats. Unfortunately, they also share the highest casualty rating in Coast Guard studies with the cause of death from drowning due to the lack of a personal flotation device (PFD).
In second place of our popularity contest (1.8 million) we have the sterndrive or I/O (inboard/outboard) boat. While this boat has many different styles, its primary design is for day boating and water sports. This sporty boat typically is in the 20 – 30’ size range, an I/O boat may have an open (bow rider) or closed bow (cuddy cabin). A cuddy will offer shelter and more storage options such as a head and even sleeping (although not real comfortable) and cooking facilities. The I/O design brings the motor inboard and the drive unit outboard and usually under water so you can have a swim platform attached to the transom (back end of a boat). The smaller I/O’s are often used for water skiing and day trips while the larger ones can provide for weekend trips and nights “on the hook”, a popular activity similar to camping but at anchor. While you can fish off of any boat, the fit and finish of some I/O boats may cause an avid fisherman to choose something a little more utilitarian in nature. I/O boats are typically more expensive to own and operate than an outboard but do get very good fuel economy. It is more difficult to service as the engine is below decks and the outdrive (drive train) is usually under water.
Eventually, everyone wants a bigger boat. Running a close third to the sterndrive is the inboard boat. As the name implies, the engine, transmission and most of the drive are in the boat. Only a small portion of shaft and the propeller are in the water. This type of boat is generally in the 30’ and up class but some smaller variations do exist though mostly in the ski boat market.
Usually classified as a cruiser, these boats almost always have a closed bow for accommodations and can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. An inboard boat usually isn’t likened to the term handling because they just don’t. For many years, inboards were known as a single screw boat which is a single propeller and large rudder. Anyone who owns or remembers driving a single screw boat would tell you the same. As time passed and a new generation of boaters demanded more power and better handling around the docks, the twin screw (2 engines, props and rudders) became more popular. Larger cruisers typically have many amenities from heat and air conditioning to microwaves and home theater systems. A separate head and shower are common place as is separate state rooms on larger models. Used for longer excursions or bringing your extended family out for a picnic, you’ll have plenty of room. Just be prepared to pay, as these boats can cost into the hundreds of thousands and will have any where from 150 to 1500 gallon fuel tanks (or more) that routinely cost $500 or more to fill up for a days travel on the water.
Next in line is the ultra economical sailboat. Most states don’t require you to register a sailboat unless it has a motor or is longer than 20’ (CT is 19.5’). Wind is free, and these days anything that can get you from one place to another without shelling out big bucks for fuel is a bonus. Sailboats range from a 5’ sunfish to a 100’ cutter with prices to follow suit. Sailboats as a rule tend to be a better value when compared to a powerboat for amenities. A larger sailboat can utilize the interior space more economically than a power boat as they do not typically have large big block motors to contend with and usually are much beamier (wider) than a comparable powerboat. Just make sure you have plenty of time on your hands as harnessing that wind isn’t as easy as jumping on board and turning a key. There are dozens of lines, sails, chocks, stays, shrouds, winches and things to do before you even can think about moving (at 7 or 8 knots). Once a sail however, you are in a quiet, stable boat that slices through the water rather than banging up and down on top of it. You will also need to be more knowledgeable when it comes to weather and navigation as your life and those of your crew depend on it.
Riding just a wave or two behind is the relatively inexpensive PWC or personal watercraft. A PWC uses a powerful jet drive motor to propel it through the water and you ride a PWC like a motorcycle or snowmobile. While this is a very popular choice among younger boaters, it has begun to gain popularity with the older crowd as well. The pros of a PWC are its sporty motorcycle like acceleration and handling and compact size. Some of the larger PWC’s can even accommodate 3 riders to allow for water skiing or tubing off the back. While this fast and nimble vessel is a great deal of fun, it does have some drawbacks as well. The obvious is the lack of shelter or creature comforts, secondly unless operated properly; they can be very dangerous to inexperienced and experienced boaters as well. You cannot steer a PWC without having some amount of throttle or acceleration to power into the turn. No one should attempt to operate a PWC without professional instruction and training. Recent Coast Guard studies indicate that while PWC deaths are down since their introduction, the danger still exists. In 2004, there were over 1000 casualties resulting in 56 deaths involving collisions at high speed. Weigh your options and shop for a good new or used deal, have your prospective used boat professionally surveyed, then weigh anchor and enjoy.
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| | 380x Pro Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $1099 Tackle your adventures in tandem. The 380x is made to be ridden by one or two persons. Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak series ever! Designed to tackle whitewater, open-water, and now down-wind sailing! Large enough for two but small enough for one! The 380x does it all! |
| | 380x QuikSail Inflatable Kayak Package $1239 Tackle your adventures in tandem. The 380x is made to be ridden by one or two persons. Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak series ever! Designed to tackle whitewater, open-water, and now down-wind sailing! Large enough for two but small enough for one! The 380x does it all! |
| | 380x Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Package $999 Tackle your adventures in tandem. The 380x is made to be ridden by one or two persons. Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak series ever! Designed to tackle whitewater, open-water, and now down-wind sailing! Large enough for two but small enough for one! The 380x does it all! |
| | 380x Pro Carbon Inflatable Kayak Package $1199 Tackle your adventures in tandem. The 380x is made to be ridden by one or two persons. Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak series ever! Designed to tackle whitewater, open-water, and now down-wind sailing! Large enough for two but small enough for one! The 380x does it all! |
| | Large Dring $14 Large D-ring for use on any reinforced fabric boat or kayak. These corrosion resistant metal D-Rings are great for customizing your kayak. Not for use on SE330, SE370, SE6, SE8, SE9 and 124smb boats. Includes glue. |
| | Extra Large Paddling Vest $69 U.S. Coast Guard approved Paddling Vest. Designed specifically for paddling or rowing comfort, these super comfortable, high buoyancy life vests have much more room under the arms for true paddling or rowing freedom. Features zipper closure, convenient vest pocket and plastic closures on the adjustable nylon straps for secure fit. XL fits chest size 44"-48". Type III PFD. |
| | large stow bag $21 This trim, attractive bag fits on the bow of our Grey* Explorers kayaks 380x, 340x & 420x. Great for storing snacks, sodas, repair kits or a spare pump. Also fits on the 435 PaddleSki. *Grey Explorers are pre-2012 |
| | Large Paddling Life Vest $69 U. S. Coast Guard approved Paddling Vest. Designed specifically for paddling or rowing comfort, these super comfortable, high buoyancy life vests have much more room under the arms for true paddling or rowing freedom. Features zipper closure, convenient vest pocket and plastic closures on the adjustable nylon straps for secure fit. Large fits chest size 40"-44". Type III PFD. |
| | 300x Pro Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $949 The long awaited and anticipated 300x Explorer Solo Adventure Series Kayak is finally here! Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak ever! And this one is made for one! We've combined the buoyancy and durability of our Explorers with the ability to maneuver it like a race car through the toughest obstacle course! The 300x stands alone in a class of it's own! Designed to tackle whitewater as well as open-water and surf, this kayak is sure to add years of fun! |
| | 300x Pro Carbon Inflatable Kayak Package $999 The long awaited and anticipated 300x Explorer Solo Adventure Series Kayak is finally here! Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak ever! And this one is made for one! We've combined the buoyancy and durability of our Explorers with the ability to maneuver it like a race car through the toughest obstacle course! The 300x stands alone in a class of it's own! Designed to tackle whitewater as well as open-water and surf, this kayak is sure to add years of fun! |
| | 300x Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Package $899 The long awaited and anticipated 300x Explorer Solo Adventure Series Kayak is finally here! Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile kayak ever! And this one is made for one! We've combined the buoyancy and durability of our Explorers with the ability to maneuver it like a race car through the toughest obstacle course! The 300x stands alone in a class of it's own! Designed to tackle whitewater as well as open-water and surf, this kayak is sure to add years of fun! |
| | Tall Back Seat $99 Tall Back Kayak Seat latches securely to the d-rings on many of our Sea Eagle hulls. Built in zipper pouch on the back for storage. Made of thermal molded foam. Provides great back support with an 18" high backrest. Great for any outing. Lightweight and durable. The molded foam construction gives you a low sitting position to for maximum stability in rough whitewater and excellent back support. |
| | SE 330 Pro Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $329 Imagine yourself blasting down a white water river — spray flying everywhere and your heart beating like a drum. Or imagine yourself on a mirror-smooth lake at dawn, slicing the silence with smooth paddle strokes. Can one boat do all this? Yes, our Sport Kayaks do all that and more! Our lightest, most portable kayak is America's most popular, the versatile Sea Eagle 330. It weighs just 26 lbs. and packs down small enough to fit in the smallest car trunk. Don't let the light weight fool you, it's a rugged kayak able to hold 2 people or 500 lbs and yet easy enough to be carried and paddled by one. |
| | SE 330 Pro Solo Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $239 Imagine yourself blasting down a white water river — spray flying everywhere and your heart beating like a drum. Or imagine yourself on a mirror-smooth lake at dawn, slicing the silence with smooth paddle strokes. Can one boat do all this? Yes, our Sport Kayaks do all that and more! Our lightest, most portable kayak is America's most popular, the versatile Sea Eagle 330. It weighs just 26 lbs. and packs down small enough to fit in the smallest car trunk. Don't let the light weight fool you, it's a rugged kayak able to hold 2 people or 500 lbs and yet easy enough to be carried and paddled by one. |
| | SE 330 Deluxe Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $279 Imagine yourself blasting down a white water river — spray flying everywhere and your heart beating like a drum. Or imagine yourself on a mirror-smooth lake at dawn, slicing the silence with smooth paddle strokes. Can one boat do all this? Yes, our Sport Kayaks do all that and more! Our lightest, most portable kayak is America's most popular, the versatile Sea Eagle 330. It weighs just 26 lbs. and packs down small enough to fit in the smallest car trunk. Don't let the light weight fool you, it's a rugged kayak able to hold 2 people or 500 lbs and yet easy enough to be carried and paddled by one. |
| | SE 330 QuikSail Kayak Inflatable Kayak Package $479 Imagine yourself blasting down a white water river — spray flying everywhere and your heart beating like a drum. Or imagine yourself on a mirror-smooth lake at dawn, slicing the silence with smooth paddle strokes. Can one boat do all this? Yes, our Sport Kayaks do all that and more! Our lightest, most portable kayak is America's most popular, the versatile Sea Eagle 330. It weighs just 26 lbs. and packs down small enough to fit in the smallest car trunk. Don't let the light weight fool you, it's a rugged kayak able to hold 2 people or 500 lbs and yet easy enough to be carried and paddled by one. |
| | Trolley Bag $129 All Purpose Trolley Bag, capable of holding two complete SE370 Deluxe Packages. That's two SE370 hulls, four paddles, four seats, two foot pumps, two carry bags, two repair kits and still have plenty of room for two life jackets! We strongly recommend carrying only one Sport Kayak Deluxe Package for ease of mobility, leaving you plenty of room for extra miscellaneous items. Great for carrying: LB11, NeedleNose SUPs, Sports Kayaks, FastTracks, Explorers, 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat, Motormount Boats and even a PaddleSki! *Storage capabilities will vary depending on the specific hull sizes and dimensions as well as the additional items you wish to pack. Be sure to check baggage restrictions prior to traveling. |
| | 375fc Pro Angler Guide Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $1799 Now available in a Dark Hunter Green to blend in with the waters and surroundings where fish hide most! The 375fc Fold Cat™ inflatable one or two man pontoon fishing boat with patented folding frame design is a lightweight, portable, fuel efficient, large platform fishing boat for two that packs easily into a car and does not require a trailer! Featuring the versatile universal Scotty™ Mount System with 2-4 Scotty™ Rod Holders and the ability to attach an incredible assortment of Scotty™ accessories. (U.S. Patent 7,240,634) |
| | 375fc Deluxe Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $1449 Now available in a Dark Hunter Green to blend in with the waters and surroundings where fish hide most! The 375fc Fold Cat™ inflatable one or two man pontoon fishing boat with patented folding frame design is a lightweight, portable, fuel efficient, large platform fishing boat for two that packs easily into a car and does not require a trailer! Featuring the versatile universal Scotty™ Mount System with 2-4 Scotty™ Rod Holders and the ability to attach an incredible assortment of Scotty™ accessories. (U.S. Patent 7,240,634) |
| | SEC Kayak Seat $24 A comfortable seat for any of our kayaks, the SEC has good back support from its large rear air chamber. |
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