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    Bill Higham Marine

    Boats

    What are the different types of boats?

    Inflatable boats

    Seapro Inflatable

    Inflatable boats are like the ocean’s version of origami – just add air, and voila! From a dinghy to a liferaft, it’s the MacGyver of maritime solutions. These boats are basically the water’s way of saying, “Why settle for a rigid boat when you can have a vessel that’s as flexible as your weekend plans?” Forget about heavy, clunky hulls – our boats are all about tubes that can handle the pressure, literally. So, the next time you’re out on the water, remember: inflatable boats are not just nautical accessories; they’re the real unsung heroes of buoyancy and blow-up brilliance.

    Meet the RIB – the VIP of the boating world, which stands for “Very Important Pontoon.” It’s like the James Bond of watercraft – smooth, sophisticated, and armed with a license to inflate. While most boats are out there flexing their rigid bottoms, the RIB is the rebel with an aluminum cause, saying, “Why be all hard and inflexible when you can have a little air cushion with your adventure?” Life boats and dinghies might envy its inflated confidence, but hey, in the aquatic fashion show, the RIB is strutting the runway with its buoyant tubes, making a splash in the world of maritime haute couture.

    Rigid-Hull Inflatable

    Seapro RIB Boat

    Small RIBs 1

    Used Inflatables 5

    Boat Heaters Kit

    Marine Heater Kits 15

    Boat Addons 15

    Center Console Boat

    Center Console Boats

    Picture a center console boat as the captain’s version of a cosmic control center. It’s like the command bridge of the seas, where steering the ship is not just a job; it’s a power move in the middle of the action. It’s the boat’s way of saying, “Why should the driver’s seat be banished to the sidelines when you can be the star of the aquatic show?” It’s the ultimate fishing vessel, ensuring you can spot that elusive catch from every angle, giving you the power to declare, “Fish, meet your match – and it’s right here in the center of the nautical universe!” So, step aboard the center console, where the helm is the hero, and the open sea is your playground in 360-degree glory.

    Dinghy

    Ah, the humble dinghy – the compact car of the waterways, proving that good things do come in small packages, or should we say, boat-sizes. It’s the vessel equivalent of saying, “Who needs a crowd when you can have an intimate nautical tête-à-tête for one or two?” Dinghies are the water’s version of a VIP pass – row it, sail it, or rev it up with a mini outboard motor, because why should larger boats have all the fun? They’re like the sidekicks of the sea, always ready to be towed by their bigger buddies, making a grand entrance on the aquatic red carpet – or, you know, just helping the crew avoid those awkward wet landings. Because when it comes to dinghies, small size equals big personality on the water.

    Seapro Dinghy Boat
    Runabout Boat

    Runabout Boat

    Ah, the runabout – the minivan of the marina, catering to the needs of aquatic multitasking like a nautical Swiss Army knife. It’s the boat that says, “Why limit yourself to just one water activity when you can fish, cruise, and attempt watersports, all in one sleek vessel?” Picture it as the family reunion on the water, comfortably seating about half a dozen folks, because who needs a crowded party when you can have a floating soirée? Complete with a windshield that screams, “I’m serious about this aquatic adventure!” Steering at the front, because why should the driver miss out on the view? Runabouts are the boats that make beginners feel like seasoned sea captains, proving that even on the water, it’s okay to be a rookie rockstar.

    Cuddy Fishing Boats

    Cuddy fishing boats are A classic choice for the UK’s weekend warriors looking to snag a bit of adventure on the waves. These boats are the Swiss Army knives of the sea – compact yet cunningly designed to offer shelter, making them perfect for those unpredictable British weather conditions.

    With a cuddy cabin nestled in the bow, they provide a cozy nook for stowing gear, catching a quick nap, or simply taking refuge from a surprise drizzle. It’s this blend of practicality and comfort that makes them a hit with anglers and leisure sailors alike. Popular british brands are Warrior – with the uk’s favourite warrior 165, Predator boats, Explorer, Endeavor and Raider are all popular with the fish-ists! Moving further North there is Orkney boats and Shetland, both tried tested and loved british fishing faves. For the lover of ‘niche’ kit you would do well to have a look at a Piscator 580, with a 19ft length, and 8ft beam they are trailerable yet VERY seaworthy, efficiency and speed comes as standard with these little known gems.

    Performance-wise, Cuddy fishing craft are nimble and versatile. Whether you’re navigating the serene lakes of the Lake District or braving the coastal waters, these boats handle with ease, offering stability and a decent turn of speed when needed. Their size and efficiency make them ideal for day trips or a weekend jaunt, without the hassle of a larger vessel.

    What truly sets cuddy fishing boats apart is their camaraderie with the sea. They have a way of connecting you to the water and the sport of fishing in a manner that’s both intimate and invigorating. It’s no wonder they’re the go-to choice for those who cherish their time at sea, seeking the thrill of the catch while enjoying the solace of the waves.

    Cuddy fishing boat

    Other Popular Boats

    Banana Boat

    In the modern parlance, a banana boat is a long, banana-shaped inflatable craft used for recreation. They can seat as many as 10 people and they are towed behind other boats similar to water skiing or tubing.

    Barge

    Barges are flat bottomed boats that are used in rivers, canals and other inland waterways. Usually these are just used to carry freight and cargo and sometimes they are not even able to do so under their own power, rather they are pushed or pulled by tugs.

    Bass Fishing Boat

    A bass boat is a small motor boat for use in freshwater specifically for freshwater fishing and, in particular, bass fishing. They often feature livewells for holding fish as well as flat decks and room for several anglers. The seats in bass boats actually swivel to allow you to shift from one side of the boat to the other very easily. There will also be more storage for fishing gear and rods than you’ll find on the average boat.

    Bowrider Boat

    Bowrider boats have an open bow area to allow for additional seating. Bowriders are often lumped under the umbrella of runabouts but while a bowrider is a runabout not all runabouts are bowriders, obviously. Most bowriders are between 20 and 35 feet. They typically have sterndrive or outboard motors and can offer seating for around 6 to 10 passengers. They will have a deep v-shaped hull and are good boats for things like water skiing and  cruising.

    Cabin Cruiser Boats

    A cabin cruiser is a power boat that features a cabin on the vessel so that crew or passengers can spend the night on the boat. Typically these accommodations are larger and more well-appointed than what you’ll find in a cuddy cabin, but definitely not as luxurious as a yacht or a houseboat. A good-sized cabin cruiser over 40 feet should have private staterooms, a head and a cooking and dining area. You can comfortably sleep half a dozen people in most cabin cruisers and many more in larger ones.

    Canoe

    One of the oldest and most recognizable kinds of boats, a canoe is a long, narrow craft which is paddled by the boater. A single bladed paddle can be used by one or more passengers. Canoes are pointed at the bow and after and can come in a variety of lengths such that they have room for one or many passengers inside.

    Catamaran

    A catamaran is a boat with two distinct but equal sized hulls. The hulls are connected by a bridge deck between them. They are known for offering a stable ride and can be powered by engines or wind.

    Cigarette Boat

    Cigarette boats are also known as cigar boats, rum runners and, more generically, go-fast boats. The names cigar and cigarette come from the fact they are similarly shaped, which is to say long and thin. Cigarette boat is actually a brand name for a go-fast boat.

    Because of their long, sleek shape and design, these boats were ideal for smuggling as well as racing.

    Cuddy Cabin Boats

    A cuddy cabin boat, or a walkaround cuddy, is usually somewhere between 18 and 25 feet. They can be used as fishing boats or cruisers and will have cabin space to allow for overnight trips as well, which is what the term “cuddy” refers to. In this case, a cuddy is a berth in the V of the boat’s bow that will also have a small head and maybe a sink. Sometimes the cuddy is simply used for storage though it can easily be used for sleeping.

    Deck Boats

    Deck boats have wide bows which allow for larger deck space, hence the name. The hull is a v-shaped but more flared with a typical boat to allow for that extra space. Deck boats are often compared to pontoon boats but the traditional hull of a deck boat means they will not generally have the same amount of space as a pontoon.

    Fishing Boats

    Fishing boats are one of the most loosely defined boat types. It’s a catchall term for really any boat that is used for fishing and, as such, can take on countless forms. From large commercial vessels to a simple aluminum fishing boat or a sport fishing boat, as long as you can fish from the boat it qualifies as a fishing boat.

    Hovercraft

    A hovercraft is able to travel over both water and land and is sometimes called an air cushion vehicle or ACV. Air fills a skirt or cushion beneath the vessel’s hull to provide lift. Unlike some other boats that use air to achieve lift, like a hydrofoil, the design of a hovercraft means they can take advantage of the lift even while not in motion. As well, they are not limited to operating solely on the water. Many hovercraft designs also include a large fan in the rear for propulsion.

    Kayak

    Similar to a canoe but with a covered deck and dual paddles. Kayak the word comes from an Inuit language and the boats are Inuit in origin where they were used for hunting and fishing in lakes, rivers and coastal waters. There have been numerous modifications to this original kayak design including kayaks that seat several passengers, ones you sit on top of, sailing kayaks and even motorized kayaks.

    Sail Boat

    Any boat propelled by the power of the wind acting on sails is a sailboat. Within that definition there can be different types of sailboats including schooners, cutters, sloops, ketches, catamarans and many others. These are historically some of the oldest boats in the world dating back thousands of years. Sail boats can be small enough to hold just a single passenger or massive enough to accommodate hundreds. With the advent of motorized travel, most sailboats only exist as recreational vessels.

    Finance is provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd which is a credit provider/lender. Bill Higham Marine Limited does not receive payment for introducing customers to Omni Capital Retail Finance. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd finance options are subject to individual status; terms and conditions apply. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 7232938. Registered address: 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD.
    Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number: 979658