What Kind of Boat Should I Get?

Buying a boat is a big step and choosing the right one can be both exciting and overwhelming. From family outings to fishing weekends or just relaxing on the water, your dream boat depends on how you plan to use it. But it’s not just about fun; factors like cost, maintenance, storage, and financing also play a major role in making the right decision. This guide will walk you through the most popular types of boats for everyday owners and help you match the right style with your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Before we talk price tags and engine types, the most important question is: what do you want to do on the water? Here are a few common use cases: relaxing or entertaining with friends and family, fishing on lakes or rivers, towing tubes or water skiing, overnight trips on the water, cruising around a lake or bay just for fun. Once you’ve narrowed that down, the boat choice becomes much clearer. In this guide, we are focusing on purpose and use verses mechanics and experience.

Here are some of the most common recreational boat types for everyday use, excluding yachts or ultra-luxury options, with an honest look at pros, cons, and ownership realities.

Best for: Relaxing, entertaining, family outings, slow cruising

Why people love them: Pontoons offer wide, stable decks perfect for lounging, eating, or even hosting small get-togethers on the water. With ample seating and flat flooring, they’re family- and pet-friendly.

Things to consider: Pontoons aren’t built for speed or sharp maneuvering. They’re also not ideal for serious fishing or rougher waters. Maintenance is typically low, and they’re easy to dock and store.

Typical price range: $20,000–$60,000 new, depending on size and features

Best for: Casual cruising, watersports, day trips with family or friends

Why people love them: Bowriders are sporty, sleek, and offer both comfort and power. They’re great for tubing, skiing, or just zipping across the lake on a summer day.

Things to consider: Seating is more limited than pontoons, and they’re best used in calm or inland waters. Maintenance is moderate, especially if you’re using them regularly for tow sports.

Typical price range: $30,000–$70,000

Best for: Freshwater fishing, competitive anglers

Why people love them: Built for fishing first, bass boats are agile, quiet, and loaded with specialized features like casting decks, trolling motors, and live wells.

Things to consider: Not ideal for relaxing cruises or entertaining. Storage can be tight. These boats require regular maintenance, especially if you’re using them weekly or competing.

Typical price range: $15,000–$50,000

Best for: Combining cruising, fishing, and entertaining

Why people love them: Think of deck boats as a hybrid between bowriders and pontoons. They offer more open space and seating than bowriders, but more power and speed than pontoons.

Things to consider: More expensive than pontoons and often heavier to tow or store. They're a solid all-purpose option but may not specialize in any one area.

Typical price range: $40,000–$80,000

Best for: Saltwater fishing, offshore cruising, versatility

Why people love them: These boats are open and walkable on all sides, making them ideal for casting or catching bigger fish. They handle rougher water better than many smaller models.

Things to consider: They usually don’t have much seating or shade, so they’re less comfortable for non-fishing passengers. They're also more costly to maintain if used in saltwater.

Typical price range: $40,000–$120,000

Cost of Ownership
Boat ownership involves more than the sticker price. Think about: insurance, registration and taxes, fuel, trailer and towing vehicle, winterization and storage.

Maintenance and Upkeep
Freshwater boats usually have lower upkeep costs than saltwater boats. Simpler boats like pontoons and bass boats typically need less maintenance than boats with inboard motors or complex electronics.

Financing Options
New and used boat loans are available for most types. You’ll want to look at interest rates, loan terms, and down payment requirements. Some lenders, like My Financing USA, specialize in recreational loans for buyers with a wide range of credit profiles.

Storage and Transportation
If you don’t live near water, you’ll need a trailer and a vehicle strong enough to tow. You may also need to budget for off-season storage or marina fees.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Want to relax and host friends? Pontoon or deck boat
Into fishing more than cruising? Bass boat or center console
Want something sporty for the kids? Bowrider
Need a versatile all-around option? Deck boat

The right boat is the one that fits your lifestyle, not just your wish list. Whether you're cruising with your family, casting for bass at dawn, or enjoying an afternoon picnic on the lake, choosing the right type of boat starts with asking the right questions.

There are many things to consider before applying for a boat loan, and if you’re ready to explore financing options for your next boat, our loan officers are here to help!