What style of small fishing boat should you buy?
There are many different styles of small fishing boats available to buy. Some of these styles are solely used for fishing but some are all-rounders. Do your research and explore the different types of small fishing boats available. Consider what you want to use your boat for, where you plan to use the boat and how many people you expect to be on board etc. Are you looking to own a small sea fishing boat that can take you outside the harbor entrance for a spot of fishing or are you looking for a larger vessel that can take you to offshore fishing spots? Knowing the purpose of your boat will assist you in choosing the right vessel for you.
Some of the different styles of smaller fishing boats are below:
- Dinghies – Dinghies come in many different shapes and sizes and different styles can be rowed, motored, or sailed. Whichever the type, they all share a few common traits: they are usually very small (between eight or ten feet), and are often used as tenders to transport people and gear from a larger boat to shore. Dinghies are popular small boats for fishing.
- Inflatable boats – Inflatable boats come in two basic types, those that are completely inflatable, and those that have a rigid hull surrounded by an inflatable collar or ring (usually called a RIB which is short for rigid inflatable boat). Most inflatable boats are made of materials like PVC or Hypalon fabrics.
One of the main advantages of an inflatable boat is the ability to essentially bounce off of anything they might hit. RIB versions are also considered extremely seaworthy, stable, comfortable and very safe and they are used in many commercial and search-and-rescue applications, as well as for recreational purposes like fishing.
- Open rowing boats – Open rowing boats are propelled by oars that are held in place at a pivot point (the oarlocks or rowlocks) that are attached to the boat. Rowing boats have been used as fishing boats for hundreds of years. Today they are an ideal choice as they can be towed easily from fishing spot to fishing to spot.
- Small pontoon boats - Although there are some very large and very expensive pontoon boats on the water, there are also plenty of small models available that are easy to trailer, easy to afford, and still get you a taste of luxury on the water. There are even different models and designs ranging from mini fishing pontoons to small performance pontoon boats.
- Aluminum fishing boat – Adaptable, light and often surprisingly inexpensive, aluminum fishing boats are one of the most popular types on the water, especially for people who are looking for a smaller style boat. They are ideal for anglers who want to work the shallows, navigate through rock or launch from a remote landing. Aluminum boats come in all shapes and sizes and are usually very fuel efficient.
What is your budget?
Fishing boats can vary wildly in price and prices will differ depending on the style, size, age and condition of the boat. The great thing about boating is there can be a boat to suit every budget meaning that everyone can have the opportunity to own a fishing boat.
When working out your budget, think about whether you are after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range and do a bit of research to get an idea of what the sort of small fishing boat you are looking for may cost.
Where can I buy a small fishing boat from?
A good place to start when searching for a boat is by browsing a few of the many websites and forums that are dedicated to sea fishing and boat buying. Most online marketplaces enable you to refine your search to suit your requirements and some have advanced search features which will notify you if a boat matching your search criteria comes on the market.
Using a good brokerage company can often have many advantages. Brokers will have lots of experience in buying and selling boats, they often have a wide variety of boats in one location and they can help to make the buying process as stress free as possible.
Alternatively, you can buy a boat through a private seller. You will always get more accurate information on the true nature and quirks of a boat from the owner themselves and they are often much more flexible.
Which features are important for the type of fishing you do?
This is one of the most important questions to ask when buying a new fishing boat. When searching for a fishing boat, you need to know exactly what features you are looking for. Size is an important factor, think about how far you plan to go and how many passengers you want to be able to carry. Are you thinking of an inboard or an outboard engine? Will you be keeping the boat ashore, on a mooring or in a marina? Will you need a road trailer? Knowing exactly what you are looking for will help you greatly in finding the perfect fishing boat for you.
What are the estimated running costs of owning a small fishing boat?
Like with any type of boat, the costs of owning a small style fishing boat will vary from boater to boater and boat to boat but working out the average running costs of owning a fishing boat and how you plan to use it is very important. A good way of doing this is to ask other boaters and fishermen for their knowledge and experiences. Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a small fishing boat:
- Mooring fees
- Storage fees
- Insurance
- Boat maintenance
- Fuel
- Heating
- Engine servicing
- Trailer servicing
What type of engine is best for my fishing boat?
There are currently two main choices of engine for your fishing boat - petrol or diesel, both of which have their positive and negative points.
Boats with petrol engines tend to cost less to buy. This is because petrol engines are less fuel efficient than diesel engines and therefore cost more to run. Petrol engines generally cost more to maintain as more parts are required for each service (spark plugs, HT leads etc).
Diesel powered boats cost more to purchase as they are much more fuel efficient than petrol powered ones but will require less maintenance.
Generally speaking, petrol powered boats are also quicker than diesel ones, so this is another factor to consider when buying one. Weigh up all of the options and make the right choice for your situation but our advice is to always go for a diesel-powered boat.
Has the boat had a recent a survey?
When buying a second-hand boat, it is essential to have a survey done by a qualified marine surveyor. The surveyor will advise on any faults on the hull of the boat and with the boat’s internal systems and can highlight any issue the boat may have so you have peace of mind that you know exactly what you are buying.
What documents and paperwork will you need to buy a small fishing boat?
Having the correct paperwork in place when you buy your fishing boat is really important. This can include ownership papers, insurance, boat safety certificate etc. Make sure you have all of these in place when you buy.
