Best River Boat for you...
First, the best boat to use for river journeys is one that floats. This may sound ludicrous but any boat can be used, depending on the skills of the boater and what creature comforts are desired. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of watercraft. I have to admit that I was challenged to find disadvantages with some of the watercraft and some readers may disagree with some issues, based on their own boats and experiences. Following is a list of different types of boats and how they may be or may not be the best boat for the reader who is thinking about purchasing a watercraft for long river journeys:
Canoes, Kayaks, Rowboats, and Inflatables
Advantages
01.) Relatively low initial investment
02.) No fuel costs
03.) Best for shallow and swift waters
04.) Can be landed or beached easily
Disadvantages
01.) Primarily limited to downstream travel
02.) Limited amount of cargo space (kayaks)
03.) Speed often determined by the current
04.) Primitive camping (disadvantage for some)
Powered Jon Boats (flat-bottom aluminum boat)
Advantages
01.) Shallow waters
02.) Room for cargo
03.) Easy to land and pull away
04.) Transport in pickup or small trailer
Disadvantages
01.) Doesn't handle choppy water well
02.) Small fuel tank limits the range
03.) Tiller steering can be tiresome
04.) Primitive camping (disadvantage for some)
Bass Boats, Fish/Ski Boats, and Runabouts
Advantages
01.) Speed
02.) Jet drive models great for shallow waters
03.) Will easily get on-plane for efficiency
04.) Extremely maneuverable
Disadvantages
01.) limited cargo space
02.) Primitive camping (disadvantage for some)
03.) Often overpowered (wasting fuel)
04.) In choppy water, all aboard will get wet
Pontoon Boats
Advantages
01.) Lots of deck space
02.) Large cargo & passenger weight capacity
03.) Camper tops or tents for on board sleeping
04.) Fairly stable in wakes and wind
Disadvantages01.) Requires a wide turning radius
02.) Can be unstable for trailering
03.) Will not bank on turns (except tritoons)
04.) Pontoon logs are more easily damaged
Cuddy Cabin Cruisers (Pocket Cruisers)
Advantages
01.) Sleeping quarters for two in bow
02.) Highly maneuverable
03.) Easy to trailer
04.) Shelter from the elements
Disadvantages
01.) Limited deck space
02.) Small sleeping quarters (most models)
03.) Relatively low passenger capacity
04.) Cabins can be hot (most don't have AC)
Sailboats (motor sailers)
Advantages
01.) Fuel savings while under sail
02.) Cabin models offer beds & shelter
03.) Big waves stability
04.) Large cargo capacity
Disadvantages
01.) Requires skills to operate
02.) Deep keel can ground easily
03.) Limited under-sail time on rivers
04.) Mast must be stepped for low bridges
Larger Cruisers, Trawlers and Yachts
Advantages
01.) Comfortable cruising
02.) On board cooking, bath, sleeping
03.) Stable in high waves and wind
04.) Abundance of outer deck space and seating
Disadvantages
01.) Expensive to purchase and operate
02.) Draft to deep for some rivers & coves
03.) Do not beach well
04.) Produces large wakes
Large Houseboats
Advantages
01.) Comfortable cruising
02.) On board cooking, bath, sleeping
03.) Shallow draft for size of vessel
04.) Abundance of outer deck space and seating
Disadvantages
01.) Can be difficult to maneuver and dock
02.) Generally slower speeds
03.) Often underpowered for boat size
04.) Expensive to operate (fuel)
