TYPES OF BOATS
The word “vessel” includes every description
of water craft, including nondisplacement
craft and seaplanes, used or capable of
being used as a means of transportation on
water. Basically, a boat can be considered
anything that floats and can carry a passenger
and gear. Some are human-powered
such as the classic rowboat, kayaks, and
canoes.
The majority of boats that are powered
by machinery use gasoline engines.
Sailboats use wind for their principal propulsion.
These boats have a long tradition,
and many new designs are in wide use.
When considering buying a boat, think
about how you will use it.
The rest of this section presents photographs
(Figures 1-25 through 1-48) of
types of boats we have been discussing,
along with descriptive captions.
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Figures 1-25 and 1-26. Kayaks and canoes are propelled by paddles
and are popular on both coastal and inland waters. While
they are relatively unstable, they do allow the paddler to boat in
waterways unavailable to other types of boats. Knowledge, skill,
and experience are necessary for their safe use, and the paddler
must remember to wear a life jacket as a safety precaution.
(Kayak photo courtesy NPS)
Figure 1-27. Rigid inflatable boats (also known as “RIBs”) can
be used as utility boats, especially as dinghies (tenders or service
boats) for larger vessels. They are stable in the water and can be
powered by outboard engines.
Figure 1-28.
Rowboat (left)
and dinghy
(below).