Types Of Boats Available

There are many boats out there on the market, with

something for everyone. If you are new to boating,

selecting the right boat can be hard. There are

boats for every purpose on the water, all you have

to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several

types of boats available. This way, you'll know

the differences when you head out to buy one of

your own.

1. Vessel

The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as

it's the description used or capable of being used

on the water. Basically, it's another name used for

a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2. Power boat

A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled

by machinery. Fishing boats are great examples,

as they are powered by motors or engines.

3. Houseboat

A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or

for leisurely cruising. Normally, a houseboat will

include living accomodations such as sleeping

quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath.

The cruising models are normally propelled by

power.

4. Sailboat

A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with

no mechanical means of propulsion. The modern

sailboats range from one person boats to luxury

yachts that can accomodate several people. They

are divided into three basic types:

1. Daysailer - This is a small boat that's

designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping

accomodations. It offers a roomy cockpit and can

also contain an outboard auxillary engine as well.

2. Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or

large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping

quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxillary

engine that's built inside.

3. Racer - Racers are boats built for speed

and ease of handling - normally at the expense of

comfort.

5. Zodiac

The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats

are some of the most popular in the entire boating

industry. These boats are constructed with a

conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and

stability. The deep V hulls offered by these boats

are made to take any weather. They are well known

for their prowess and are used all over the world

for commercial search and rescue operations.

6. Catamaran

These boats come with twin hulls. They provide

safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's

unmatched by single hulled boats. Popular with

boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting

Why you need to have insurance for boats

The actual number of piracy attacks that were reported worldwide in 1999 rose nearly 40% in just one year. What’s more those figures nearly tripled between 1991 and 1998, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau in London (IMB).

In the year 2000 a report conducted by the International Marine Bureau in London, also showed that annual losses due to piracy totaled over $200 million dollars. Even more alarming is the increase in weapon usage by modern day pirates such as guns and knives. Internationally a significant number of deaths, as well as serious injuries, are attributed to piracy each year.

Modern pirates may not have wooden legs and eye patches. They also may not be waving the Jolly Roger from a top their sails. Instead these criminals often navigate vessels that do not appear out of the ordinary. They will generally board a cargo vessel before the captain realizes that they are thieves. Modern pirates may do one of three things: rob the crew/passengers aboard the vessel; rob the vessel of its goods and cargo; or hijack the entire vessel.

Travelers venturing into foreign waters run greater risks of experiencing hijacking, theft, and even assault from modern day “pirates.” Having the best insurance coverage for you and your vessel is a must. The policy should cover all goods, cash, cargo, and of course the vessel itself. Maintaining the highest level of insurance, will help ensure that, should you fall victim to such a crime, the majority of expenses and costs you experience can be recouped.