The right boat depends on what you want to do on the water and how many people are coming. Here are the boat types you can rent with Borrow A Boat, who each one suits, and what to keep in mind.
Sailboat
A sailing yacht (monohull) moves with the wind: sails on a mast, and a keel below the waterline that keeps the boat stable. Most also have an engine for harbors and calm days.
- Good for: anyone who wants to actually sail, and those who enjoy the quiet of traveling without an engine.
- Keep in mind: sailing takes skill. To skipper yourself you need a license; otherwise hire a skipper.
Choosing between sail types? See What is the difference between a full batten mainsail and a furling mainsail?
Catamaran
A catamaran has two hulls joined by a wide deck. That makes it very stable, with little rolling, and gives it far more space on deck and inside than a monohull of the same length. It also draws little water, so it can anchor closer to the beach.
- Good for: families with children, larger groups, and anyone who gets seasick easily.
- Keep in mind: catamarans cost more than monohulls, and large ones can need extra licenses (see What boat license do I need?).
Motorboat
A motorboat runs on one or more engines. Motorboats range from small day boats to large cruisers with cabins, a galley and bathrooms.
- Good for: covering distance quickly, day trips, water sports and fishing.
- Keep in mind: fuel is a real cost on a motorboat, and you usually pay for what you use at check-out.
Speedboat
A speedboat is a small, fast motorboat built for performance: easy to handle, quick to dock, and made for a day on the water.
- Good for: couples and small groups, beach hopping, and towing water skiers or a tube.
- Keep in mind: a speedboat is for day trips; there is nowhere to sleep on board.
RIB
A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) has a solid V-shaped hull with inflatable tubes along the sides, usually with a strong outboard engine. The tubes make it stable and buoyant.
- Good for: fast trips along the coast, reaching coves and beaches, snorkeling and diving trips.
- Keep in mind: RIBs are open boats, so you are exposed to sun, wind and spray.
Houseboat
A houseboat is a floating vacation home for rivers, canals and lakes, with bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living area. It moves slowly, and the waters are calm.
- Good for: relaxed family vacations and groups who want the comforts of home.
- Keep in mind: in some places, such as Germany, you can rent a houseboat without a license after a short training course (see Can I rent a boat without a skipper license?).
Gulet
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat from Turkey, with a large deck and comfortable cabins below. Gulets can sail or motor, and they always come with a crew.
- Good for: groups and families who want a relaxed cruise along the coast, with the crew doing the work.
- Keep in mind: a gulet is always a crewed charter, so you need no license (see What is a crewed charter?).
Power catamaran
A power catamaran combines the two hulls of a catamaran with engines instead of sails: stable and spacious like a sailing catamaran, faster and easier to handle like a motorboat.
- Good for: families and groups who want space and stability without sailing.
Luxury yacht and superyacht
Luxury yachts and superyachts are large motor yachts with cabins with their own bathrooms, generous decks and lounges, and often water toys on board. They come with a professional crew: a captain and, depending on the size, a chef, stewards and deckhands. The route and the menu can usually be tailored to you.
- Good for: special occasions, private celebrations, corporate events, and anyone who wants the highest level of comfort and service.
Still not sure?
Tell us about your trip, how many people are coming and what you want to do, and a booking agent suggests boats that fit. Just click "Get a free quote".
