Most Common Powerboat Types in BC

James Smith
5 min readAug 1, 2023

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Different types of motorboats are available for different kinds of usages. You will see multiple options in every category, from small runabouts to luxury family cruisers. Also, each type can have other size models, hull materials, interior & exterior features, and engine configuration.
It can make it challenging to decide the right boat type for family & fishing needs in BC. Hence, in this blog post, we have covered the popular types of power boats in Canada. Read on; it will help you understand their usage and features and decide the correct option.

The Basics
As the name suggests, powerboats get power from an engine, allowing the vessel to navigate the water with ease and speed. A motorboat utilizes the boat motor to generate propulsion.

A powerboat generally has a planning hull. It allows the vessel to rise & glide on the water’s surface and maximize the boat’s speed & performance. These vessels come in different shapes and sizes. A reputed boat dealer near your area can help you understand other models from different brands based on your purposes and preferences.

Most Common Powerboat Types in BC
1. Bowrider

These boats have seating areas on the bow of the vessel. You will have the facility to ride on the helm’s forward part, making bowriders suitable for families, fishing, and water sports. The average length of a bowrider is between 17’ to 30’. Most vessels have V-shape hulls for smoother rides in different water conditions.

2. Center Console Boats
This type of vessel has helm controls located in the boat’s center. It provides more casting space, eliminates the need to climb over or maneuver around the helm, and results in an excellent vessel for fishing.

3. Cabin Cruisers

Such type of vessel comes with all the amenities to spend extended time on the water, including bathroom (head) accommodations, sleeping, cooking, storage, seating, and more. Many popular brands provide excellent cabin cruisers in different materials, sizes, and designs. For example, Liquid Metal Marine builds sturdy, reliable, excellent-performing aluminum vessels. And if you prefer fibreglass boats, Sea Sport and Osprey Pilothouse Boats models will do the job for you. Most vessels have all the amenities required for long fishing trips, powered with top-quality Mercury engines, excellent working boat propellers, and other characteristics.

4. Dual Console Boats
As the name suggests, this vessel type has two consoles — one to starboard (where the helm is located) and the second to the port for a passenger (for passengers to sit behind). You will have the movement area between these two consoles with access to the forward cockpit/seating area. The two windshields block the wind while riding at higher speeds on the water, allowing more stability and comfort. Many often compare dual console boats with bowriders and fish & ski boats due to their similar basic layout.

5. Pontoons
Two-tube pontoons and three-tube pontoons (tritoons) are large, inflatable boats with a wide platform that provides unparallel stability on the water. These boats are ideal for family cruising, water sports activities like tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing on lakes, rivers, etc. Common pontoon boat features include sun shades, Bimini tops, a diving board, an inflatable slide, stereo systems, a spacious deck area with multiple seating, relaxing arrangement, and more.

6. Jon Boats
If you want to buy fishing boats in BC that are spacious, lightweight, and highly durable, Jon Boats from brands like Crestliner can be good. Available in size range from 10 feet to 18 feet, these vessels generally have aluminum hulls, formed-in spray rails, center seats with gravity-fed live wells, and well-planned storage solutions.

7. RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats)
The dry-riding hulls, heavy-duty designs, and seaworthy structures of inflatables fulfill the needs for leisure activities or commercial uses. Companies like Highfield provide an array of models with many standard and extra features for comfort & performance. It can range from the size of 9 feet to 29 feet in length, combined with accurately crafted hulls and other boat components.

8. Walkaround Boats

Often known as walkaround cuddy, it is a great option if you are looking for a fishing boat with a cuddy cabin and a pass-way across the vessel — from stern to bow for fishing convenience. Features include fishing tools, navigational electronics, rod & tackle storage, live well & bait well, a cabin with room, and more.
Apart from the vessels mentioned above, there are a few other types of powerboats also used by Canadian boaters for their specific purposes. It includes aluminum fishing boats from Thunder Jet, Crestliner, Liquid Metal Marine, and other brands, Fibreglass boats from Osprey, Sea Sport, and other companies, and much more. A professional marine specialist in BC can guide you in learning more about the various vessels and their benefits.

What is the Difference Between Inboard Motors Vs Outboard Motors
An inboard engine is located inside the hull. It provides decent fuel economy and good stability to the vessel. An outboard motor is mounted on the transom and is more common in the boating community. It can provide better power, handling, and navigation for various boat types. Most fishermen in BC prefer to use Mercury outboards for sale for water sports, boating, fishing, and other activities.

Conclusion
We hope this blog helped you understand various types of powerboats and their uses. Powerboats offer a world of excitement, versatility, and exploration on the water. Whether you go on exhilarating water sports adventures, leisurely coastal cruises, or extended fishing trips on the beautiful Canadian waters, a trusted fibreglass and aluminum boat dealer in Port Alberni, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria or other cities in BC can suggest and provide a specific powerboat.
Connect with your nearby boat dealership, buy a fishing boat in BC as per your needs, and embark on a journey of discovery to unlock the endless possibilities a powerboat offers.

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