Should You Get a Powerboat?
Powerboats are fast, fun, and spacious. For people who just want to get out on the water, without much setup, motorboats provide that easy access.
Depending on the boat, there are tons of family activities to do, such as tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, or fishing. Or, you can just enjoy a cruise around the waterways.
Powerboat Pros
Powerboats typically have more deck space because there isn’t as much hardware taking up space as in a sailboat. So, you can take out more people at a time, which is a pro for people with big families or who plan on taking many people out with them each time.
Often, the galley and cabin area has more space in a motorboat as well. People who plan on taking long off-shore fishing trips prefer motorboats because of the deck space for gear and people. Also, motorboats don’t have the same deep hull as a sailboat, so you can get into shallower waters if necessary.
If you’re new to boating, a powerboat might appeal to you more than a sailboat because there isn’t as much training involved in learning how to operate it. Sailboats take months (sometimes years) of experience to get confident with. With a motorboat, all you need is a GPS and a vessel license.
Also, to operate a motorboat, you’re only reliant on the sun shining. You don’t have to wait for wind conditions to be perfect. You can just get up and go whenever you feel like it. Unlike with sailing, where you are subject to changes in wind and tides.
Powerboat Cons
Even though powerboats are easier to operate and give you more space, they are more expensive to operate. You’re reliant on the engine to move, and you’ll likely use a lot of fuel each time you go out, which can quickly add up. Also, it’s less environmentally friendly than a sailboat, which uses minimal amounts of fuel.
The engines on powerboats are more expensive too. If for some reason you have to replace Or repair the engine on your boat, you can expect to pay a pretty penny. For that reason, it’s important to do regular check-ups and maintenance on your engine to keep it running smoothly.
The engine itself is also loud and smelly, which some people might say retracts from the experience of being out on the water. For people who get seasick especially, that smell doesn’t help.
Basically, with a powerboat, expect to pay more and have an experience that’s focused more on the water activity, rather than the joy of being on the water.
Should You Buy a Sailboat?
Sailing is one of the oldest methods of transportation, and that classic romantic feeling remains. With sailing, you have to pay attention to wind conditions, before you go out and as you’re on the water.
Sailboat Pros
Many people prefer sailing because it forces you to be in tune with the elements and the boat itself. Sailing is a very hands-on activity that requires training and practice to do effortlessly.
Because more effort goes into sailing, most people find it to be a rewarding experience that rejuvenates and refreshes the senses and the mind. You could compare operating a sailboat to doing yoga. All the pieces have to flow together, including the people on board.
Even small sailboats have trolling motors onboard. But, most sailors try to use the motor as little as possible and rely solely on the wind and tides. Not having a large engine saves you money on fuel and maintenance costs.
Sailing is much better for the environment than powerboats are. Sailing doesn't do any damage to the environment, as long as you stay off reefs and don’t allow trash to fall into the water. Motor usage is minimal, so you don’t contribute to the world’s fuel consumption as much. Many sailors pride themselves on being able to sail their boat without using the motor at all, even when it comes to docking.
Also, since sailboats rely on the wind, you can travel anywhere in the world if you want. There are countless accounts of people crossing oceans with only the wind in their sails.
Or, if sailing across the Atlantic isn’t for you, many people enjoy island hopping in the Caribbean for months at a time. If that appeals to you, you might be a sailor.
Unlike with a motorboat, you can go virtually anywhere on a sailboat with a bit of weather planning and manpower, no fuel necessary.
Sailing is a more satisfying experience and a quieter one as well. Since wind powers a sailboat, there’s no engine noise or smell to hinder your experience.
Some might say sailboats are for those people who are more adventurous at heart.
Sailboat Cons
Even though some people enjoy the hands-on aspect of sailing, it does require training. It’s dangerous to operate a sailboat on open water without proper knowledge of its workings.
Sailboats have a lot of moving parts and hardware. Many people grow up sailing and get their experience that way. But, if you aren’t someone who grew up sailing, you should consider a sailing class or even asking an experienced sailor to take you out and teach you what they know.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to take the time to learn how to sail, it might not be the right boat for you.
Then, there’s the fact that you’re reliant on the right conditions for sailing. If there’s no wind or too much wind, your sailing experience won’t be as enjoyable or even possible. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have regularly good sailing conditions, that might prove to be a major con for you.
Or, if you don’t have a schedule that allows you to go sailing whenever the conditions are right (which could be in the middle of the week), you might not get as much sailing time out of your sailboat as you’d like.
There is no quick outing on a sailboat. It requires planning with the weather and tides, setting up the rigging and sails, and being at the mercy of the wind. So, if you don’t want your outing to take up most of the day, sailing might not be for you.
Because sailboats have deeper hulls, you have to be careful of shallow areas. It is possible to get stuck with a sailboat.
Also, many people choose to keep their sailboat in a slip at a marina because anything over 20’ is more difficult to transport and store. With a deck slip, you can keep the mast up and the rigging ready to go, so there’s less set up a time when you do want to go out.
So, if you’re in the market for a sailboat, make sure to check the cost of local dock slips as well and decide if that’s in your budget.
Because of the sails, mast, and rigging, you have less deck space with a sailboat. To get the deck space you desire, you’ll likely have to counter with a larger sailboat.
Finally, sailing is more of a commitment than a powerboat, but it’s a more rewarding experience that boating purists deem worth it.
Sailboat vs Powerboat: Which is Right for You?
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to deciding on a sailboat or a powerboat. Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of boating experience you’re looking for, and how much time you’re willing to commit to it.
Motorboats are a hobby, while sailboats are more of a lifestyle.
If you want to get out on the water without much fuss on choice weekends with your friends and family, a powerboat will get you out there. But, expect to pay high fuel prices and sacrifice some of the experience of being on the water.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a way to get closer to nature, yourself, and possibly explore the world, a sailboat is the vessel for you. A sailboat requires more training to operate, more time to plan trips, and often you get fewer amenities with it.
Despite that, sailing is a purer boating experience that forces you to focus on the task at hand and the elements around you. If you plan to sail with your family or friends, it’ll be a bonding experience for everyone involved.
