Before you take the plunge and purchase a new small fishing boat, it certainly pays to do your research. For the novice, or even those with more experience, deciding which type of boat to purchase can be a somewhat daunting experience. Even trying to gain information from one of the many hobby fishing magazines can sometimes prove frustrating, what with the technical jargon used and the sheer wealth of information.
After all, when you’re talking about different type of small fishing boats, prices, pros and cons of each, where you want to fish, motor versus row boat… etc, etc, it soon becomes clear that doing your pre-purchase homework is essential. And naturally, safety whilst on the water should be your first priority.
Along with the purchase of your boat, there are other issues that should be considered that are just as, if not even more important, than the type of fishing boat you decide on.
These include the following:
- Familiarising yourself with river and/or sea charts.
- Learning the rights of way when it comes to other boat users.
- River and water currents, and what they mean to you as a boat user.
- Safety on the river.
- Knots, their uses and becoming adept at tying them.
So when it comes to looking at the types of fishing boat that will perfectly suit you, then the first thing to do is narrow down the type of boat that you’re looking for. For instance, price might well be the driving factor, in which case our page on cheap fishing boats will be of interest.
And the type of fishing you do will also have a huge bearing on the boat that will be the best for you. If you river fish, then the perfect boat for you will differ from those who fly fish. Or perhaps you might want a lightweight, plastic fishing boat, or a boat to go sport fishing.
Of course, for the hobby fisherman (or woman, because many ladies also enjoy this wonderful sport), then there are many boats that will happily cover a multitude of needs. Below you can see our ‘top 5’ list of what we consider to be the best small fishing boats.
Top 5 Best Fishing Boats
KL Industries Sun Dolphin Sportsman Fishing Boat Review
With some great built in features, this is a low cost, yet high standard fishing boat that’s both lightweight and durable. It weighs 100lbs and has a load capacity of 550lbs.
Some of the features included are:
- Adjustable and removable swivel seats, durable seat supports
- Pre wired for an electric trolling motor and has built in front and rear motor mount
- UV protected deck and hull
- Handrails
- Drink and tackle holders
- Formed battery location
The size and weight of this boat make it particularly easy to transport, fitting easily into a truck bed or van, or can be moved using a utility trailer.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and hardwearing. Built for longevity, and will last for many years.
- Very stable, allowing you to fish from either a seated or standing position.
- Excellent in shallow water, so increasing your choices of fishing area.
- Very low maintenance, as well as being easy to handle and move around due to its light weight.
Cons:
- Due to its light weight, the boat is more susceptible to wind than heavier boats.
In general, this is an excellent boat that represents fantastic value for money. It’s a very versatile choice, requiring little on-going maintenance and also has an excellent load bearing capacity. One huge advantage is that it really does provide enough room for two fishermen to carry all their kit with them, a feature sadly lacking in many other boats of this size, calibre and price range.
Click Here to See Ratings, Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.com
Classic Accessories Colorado Boat Review
A great value inflatable pontoon boat that allows you to chose from three separate oar lock positions. Made from high quality, easy maintenance materials that include powder coated steel tubing for the frame and abrasion resistant PVC.
Some of the features included are:
- Waterproof motor mount
- Dual side stripping apron
- Multiple storage pockets
- Double hull pontoon bladders
- Padded plastic seat and nonslip foot rests
Pros:
- Easy to maintain
- Great for exploring shallower waters
- Plenty of room for storage
- Includes tow aluminium oars
Cons:
- For those that put their boats under extremely heavy use, this lightweight version might not prove robust enough for their liking.
Arguably one of the best boats you can find for the price. Light enough to easily lift onto a roof rack on the top of the car, and comes with a good warranty that covers you for any damage experienced in the construction. It also has dual air chambers, meaning that if you do experience a leak then there are no worries about staying afloat. A great boat that honestly does provide amazing bang for your buck!
Click Here to See Ratings, Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.com
Bass Hunter Bass Baby Boat Review
A small, extremely easy to transport and handle boat that’s been superbly designed to provide all this yet doesn’t compromise on stability. Ideal for those who wish to navigate shallow water, narrow channels and fish in places that gas powered boats are not allowed to go.
Some of the features included are:
- Twin pontoon design
- High impact ABS hull
- Extremely easy to maintain
- 2 person capacity (max weight limit 475 lbs)
- Swivel seats and adjustable seat frames.
Pros:
- Provides plenty of storage room not only for additional kit, but for rod and tackle storage as well.
- Weighs a mere 130 lbs.
- No need to purchase a trailer to transport
- Has narrow pontoons that really do allow for excellent tracking on the water.
Cons:
- The plastic seat can be a little uncomfortable if sitting in it for extended periods of time.
Perhaps one of the most stable boats you can find in this size and price range. The light weight and the inclusion of wheels on the base make loading and launching extremely easy, and really is a one man job. Very low to the water, which as ever fisherman/woman knows, makes for a great day’s sport.
Click Here to See Ratings, Pricing and Reviews
KL Industries Water Tender Row Boat (9.4 Feet) Review
This is a very versatile little boat that has multiple uses, such as a straight fishing boat, utility boat or a dinghy. Comes with a two year warranty on both the hull and the parts, and is easy to transport in either a truck or a trailer if preferred.
Some of the features included are:
- Tri-hull design, constructed of UV stabilized fortiflex high density polyethylene, making for an easy to maintain boat.
- Dual sets of oarlock sockets, meaning you can choose from central or bow seat rowing positions.
- Front positioned drain plug with outside release valve.
- Moulded bench seats.
Pros:
- Very well designed and user friendly, with cup holders, tow rings, oar locks front and rear and stainless steel bow eye.
- Can take a small motor if you choose to fit one.
- Very stable and sturdy when on the water.
- Light enough for one person to haul and launch.
Cons:
- Cup holders are a little shallow.
- Can be a little slippery around the seat area when you step onto the boat.
A fabulously robust boat that will certainly last many years. The cathedral style bull design allows for maximum interior space, as well as providing an extremely stable ride. All in all, an excellent and versatile choice for the money.
Click Here to See Pricing, Ratings and Reviews on Amazon.com
KL Industries American 12 Jon Fishing Boat Review
A wonderfully portable and easy maintenance boat that has so many features it would be impossible to list them all here. Has closed cell polystyrene foam flotation and a shallow, draft design flat hull. The boat is easy to manoeuvre, weighing only 110 lbs, yet has a load capacity of 510 lbs.
Some of the features included are:
- Impact resistant and produced so it’s virtually maintenance free.
- Large, spacious seating area.
- Protective vinyl rub rail
- Four rod holder locations and recessed drink and tackle holders.
Pros:
- Moulded design gives excellent stability on the water.
- Fore and aft battery storage locations.
- Plenty of other storage areas for kit and tackle.
- Seating is constructed of treated, reinforced wood.
Cons:
- Seating can become a little uncomfortable if used for prolonged periods.
An extremely rugged little boat that really is virtually maintenance free. Light enough for a single person to haul, yet tough for good stability on the water and a high load bearing capacity. Lots of extra features yet these are provided with no compromise on the high standards of manufacture.
Click Here to See Pricing, Ratings and Reviews
Different Types of Fishing Boat – and Pros & Cons of Each
This is a boat that has flotation devices to hold the boat on the top of the water. There are two types: a catamaran, which has two floatation devices (pontoons), or a trimaran, which has three.
Pros:
- Low cost for the load capacity.
- Can be cheaper to insure than other types of boats.
- Can be used as row boats or have a motor fixed for propulsion through the water.
- It’s possible to navigate extremely shallow water in this type of boat.
Cons:
- If a large force is applied to one side, a pontoon boat has the risk of capsizing, especially if top heavy.
Sport fishing boats are ideal for the more serious angler who’s looking for the biggest or largest variety of fish to catch. Different types hold different numbers of people, and they can be found in rigid hull or inflatable pontoon construction.
Pros:
- Generally small and easy to manoeuvre, meaning you can reach areas of water that larger boats are unable to.
- Usually well designed to provide plenty of storage space for you fishing kit.
- Designed to give good stability whether you’re standing, sitting or sitting side-saddle to fish.
Cons:
- As these are produced for sport fishing, they don’t really double up as general use boats.
Catamaran Fishing Boats are twin hulled boats that can be made from a variety of materials. The hulls can be rigid or inflatable, and in general are lighter than traditional hulled boats.
Pros:
- The twin hull design causes less drag in the water than a traditionally hulled boat, therefore they are easier to power forward (either by using oars or an outboard engine).
- They are also wider than single hulled boats, making them considerable more stable.
- Catamarans often have an excellent amount of storage room thanks to this extra width.
Cons:
- The twin hull design does make them a little less easy to manoeuvre in the water and slower to turn.
By plastic fishing boats we’re talking about inflatable PVC boats. These can often prove a fantastic choice for the hobby or more serious fisherman, as they are extremely versatile. In general they are easy to inflate and deflate, and extremely tough in construction. Many people find that plastic fishing boats are the answer to storage and carriage problems.
Pros:
- Can be found in different sizes, making them ideal if you want take the family or a friends fishing.
- Very stable, making them ideal for different fishing positions, including standing up.
- Once deflated, require little storage space at home.
Cons:
- Does require a little time to inflate and deflate.