Types Of Sailboats - An Introduction
By Gabriel J. Adams

Abstract

There are many different types of sail boats, ranging from tiny one person boats to tall ships which can carry hundreds of sailors. Sailboats can be classified primarily by their sail configuration and hull type.

There are many different types of sail boats, ranging from tiny one person boats to tall ships which can carry hundreds of sailors. Sailboats can be classified primarily by their sail configuration and hull type.

Sloop

The sloop is the most common sail configuration, consisting of a mainsail and foresail. There are several variations on the basic sloop design, such as adding more than one foresail, or the fractional rig. A fractional rig sloop is one where the foresail does not extend all of the way to the top of the mast – this can give the boat better performance in some conditions.

Catboat

This design has one mast, like the sloop; unlike the sloop, it does not carry a headsail. The catboat is also characterized by its mast being placed well towards the bow of the boat.

Ketch

A ketch has two masts – a main mast and a mizzen mast. A ketch may also use jib sails in front of the main mast.

Schooner

A schooner is a boat with two or more masts, and the second mast is at least as tall as the first mast. This differentiates a schooner from a ketch, as the mizzen mast on a ketch is shorter than the main mast.

In addition to sail type, sail boats can be classified by hull type. Most sail boats are mono or single hull boats, but some are multi hull or catamaran hull designs.

A Mono hull boat uses a keel or centerboard for stability (to leverage against the force of the wind on the sails), but a multi hull boat uses it’s width to create stability. Multi hull boats are often quicker than mono hull boats. Of course, a mono hull boat will have more interior room than a multi hulled boat of the same size.

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If you want to enjoy boating without the burden of owning one, a number of Boat Share services are around offering a way for you to enjoy luxury boating without having to bear the huge cost of buying and maintaining something like a large sports cruiser.

As a boat share owner you can enjoy the use of a boat without having to cover all of the costs of purchase and maintenance yourself as a sole owner.

Why could this be a cood option? A lot of the time a boat is not in use as the owner is at work, vacationing elsewhere, the weather is unsuitable, or the boat is out of action for maintenance. However as the sole owner of a boat, you still have to cover all of the ongoing costs for your boat, even while you are not using it.

A not uncommon joke I have heard from boat owners is that “owning a boat is like owning a large whole in the water into which they continually throw money”.

For many boat owners the costs of luxury cruising may not be a noticeable burden, but if that is not you, the purchase cost and ongoing expense might prevent you from even enjoying this category of boating at all.

So, a boat-share program may allow you as a boating enthusiast to enjoy a level of boating recreation that might not be possible otherwise.

Just heard a news regarding a group of British sports car engineers who have turned their design skills to creating a small electric-powered leisure craft at a dramatically low price. The name given to the boat is ‘Andare Attivo’ and they are planning to get it launched in the spring or early summer of 2007, aiming to open up boating to a much wider audience than ever before, because their boat will cost just £10,000.

The Attivo has been created by Keith Helfet, whose expertise includes cars such as the Jaguar XJ220 and the F-type concept, and a team of sports car engineers. The 3.5m boat designed mainly for inland waterways use, will carry four people while cruising, and sleep two adults. Inside, it will have a seating area, table, running water and electricity supply, features that can all be used on water but also on land in place of a tent or trailer tent. An electric motor propels the Attivo, powered by two 12-volt batteries. you can find more such boat reviews at Boat Dealers .

When you go to buy a boat the first question which comes to you mind can be, how much does fishing boat cost? Well it all depends. You can get a small boat with no outboard motor for just few hundred bucks, or a top of the line sport fisher model equipped for the deep seas for over $100K.

If you are planning to buy a new fishing boat, prices will depend upon the type and size of boat you are buying. A 2006 TRACKER Pro Crappie 175 (25 EL Four Stroke EFI Motor and Trailer) can cost up to $11,500, this boat is good for bass fishing as well, and it sits low in the water. The 2006 TRACKER Avalanche 18 DC with 115HP, dual consoles, and is a higher performance bass boat can go up to $23K. A 2006 TRACKER Tournament V-18 with a 90hp motor and trailer can between $19-20K, which has a deep V hull and lay like a traditional bass boat.

It also has a fore and aft seating platform and single console. If you are looking for cheaper boats of course you can find one. Fishing boat, like the GRIZZLY 1754 CC All-Welded Jon - may cost you $5800. This model has a mod V hull made from Heavy Gauge 5052 Marine Aluminum Alloy, and comes with 2 storage compartments, and there are handles which can lift the boat. It has got two movable, fold-down fishing seats, and the flooring is done with aluminum. Since it is an all weld design that means no leaks or gaps. There are some fishing boats with no motors, like the Topper 1032. You can buy them just $500, it’s a very nice little fishing boat and has a flat bottom hull design keeping in mind the ease of use in shallow water, The interior includes 2 bench seats, unpadded, that means you have to so bring your own cushions. It is 10 feet long and can weigh 80 lbs, can hold up to two people with a total weight of 314lbs.

If you looking for boat which has lots of features and your budget is lot allowing you buy that one, then may you can go for used boats. That way you save money and get a boat of your choice. A large listing of used boats in US can be found on www.boat-world.com

They categorize their boats based on angler fishing, bay boat, center console, convertible, flats boat, hardtop, off shore, pilot house, t-top, bass boat, cuddy cabin, fly bridge, jon boat, sports fisher.

You can get a used 2005 Quintrex 140 Wide Body Dory for just $2500 (14 foot boat, aluminum hull, made for sea water). Or a nice 2004 Sea Pro 180 Center Console for $16K, 115hp Yamaha motor, Garmin chartplotter and sounder, fiberglass hull. A 2006 Angler 204FX LE, brand new, with a 150hp motor, 20 foot length, can be taken for just $24K.

Also EBay lists fishing boats of different types - bass fishing boats, inshore saltwater, offshore saltwater and other freshwater boats.