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What boat should I rent for my holiday?

A detailed description of the various boat types you can rent with Borrow A Boat with key features, advantages and target group.

Updated over 6 months ago

What type of boat you are renting depends completely on what you want to do and also how many people you want the boat to house.
Here are examples of boats that you can rent on Borrow A Boat.


Sailboat

Sailboats are elegant and timeless vessels powered primarily by wind, using sails to harness the breeze for movement. These boats range from small dinghies to large yachts, offering a variety of experiences on the water, from tranquil cruises to exhilarating racing.

Sailboat with open sails on water

Key Features:

  • Sails and Rigging: Sailboats rely on one or more sails, supported by masts and rigging, to catch the wind and propel the boat.

  • Keel: Most sailboats have a keel, a fin-like structure beneath the boat that provides stability and prevents capsizing.

  • Manual Operation: Sailing requires skill and knowledge to maneuver, as sailors must adjust the sails and use the wind to navigate.

Ideal For:

  • Relaxation Seekers: Perfect for those who enjoy the peaceful and serene experience of gliding through the water with only the sound of the wind and waves.

  • Adventure Enthusiasts: Suitable for individuals who appreciate the challenge and excitement of harnessing wind power, whether for casual sailing or competitive racing.

  • Nature Lovers: Ideal for those who want to connect with nature, as sailing provides a close and immersive experience with the marine environment.

Advantages:

  • Eco-Friendly: Sailboats rely on wind power, making them an environmentally friendly option with minimal fuel consumption and emissions.

  • Tranquil Experience: The absence of engine noise allows for a quiet and serene journey, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.

  • Skill Development: Sailing is an engaging activity that involves learning and mastering various skills, from navigation to sail handling.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat on the water or an adventurous challenge, sailboats offer a unique and rewarding experience that connects you with the elements and the art of sailing.

Catamaran

Catamarans are distinctive boats featuring two parallel hulls connected by a wide deck. This twin-hull design offers exceptional stability and spaciousness, making catamarans a popular choice for a variety of on-water activities, from leisurely cruising to entertaining large groups.

Catamarans at anchor next to each other

Key Features:

  • Twin Hulls: The two-hull structure provides enhanced stability, reducing the likelihood of rolling and offering a smoother ride, even in choppy waters.

  • Spacious Deck: Catamarans typically have a wide and open deck area, providing ample space for relaxation, sunbathing, and socializing.

  • Shallow Draft: The design allows for a shallow draft, enabling access to shallow waters and remote beaches that monohull boats cannot reach.

Ideal For:

  • Family Outings: Perfect for families looking for a safe and stable boat with plenty of space for children to move around and play.

  • Group Gatherings: Ideal for hosting parties or group excursions, as the large deck space can comfortably accommodate numerous guests.

  • Extended Cruises: Suitable for longer voyages due to the ample living space and storage, making it possible to carry more provisions and enjoy extended time on the water.

Advantages:

  • Stability and Comfort: The twin-hull design offers superior stability, providing a comfortable experience with minimal motion sickness, even in rough waters.

  • Versatility: Catamarans are versatile and can be used for various activities, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and simply relaxing on the water.

  • Efficient Sailing: Catamarans can sail efficiently in various wind conditions, often faster than monohull sailboats due to their lighter weight and reduced drag.

Whether you're planning a family adventure, a social gathering, or an extended cruise, catamarans provide a stable, spacious, and versatile option that enhances your time on the water.

Motorboat

Motorboats are versatile and powerful vessels propelled by one or more engines, offering speed, convenience, and flexibility on the water. These boats come in various sizes and styles, from small runabouts to large cruisers, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.

Motorboat on water navigating

Key Features:

  • Engine-Powered: Motorboats are equipped with inboard or outboard engines, providing reliable and efficient propulsion for swift travel.

  • Variety of Sizes: Available in a range of sizes and configurations, motorboats can cater to different needs, from compact models for day trips to large, luxurious cruisers for extended stays.

  • Navigation and Comfort Features: Many motorboats come with advanced navigation systems, comfortable seating, and amenities such as cabins, kitchens, and bathrooms for enhanced convenience.

Ideal For:

  • Water Sports Enthusiasts: Perfect for activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, thanks to their powerful engines and ability to reach high speeds.

  • Day Trippers: Suitable for short excursions and day trips, offering the flexibility to explore different locations quickly and easily.

  • Fishing Aficionados: Many motorboats are designed with fishing in mind, featuring rod holders, live wells, and ample storage for gear.

Advantages:

  • Speed and Efficiency: Motorboats provide fast and efficient travel, allowing you to cover large distances in a short amount of time.

  • Ease of Use: With straightforward controls and minimal sailing skills required, motorboats are accessible to a wide range of users, including beginners.

  • Versatility: From leisurely cruises to high-speed adventures, motorboats can accommodate a variety of activities and preferences, making them highly versatile.

Whether you're looking to enjoy thrilling water sports, explore new destinations, or relax on a leisurely cruise, motorboats offer a powerful and adaptable solution for a fun and memorable time on the water.



Speedboat

Speedboats are sleek, fast, and exciting vessels designed for high-speed travel and thrilling water activities. Typically smaller in size, they are built for performance and agility, making them a popular choice for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures on the water.

Speedboat navigating at high speed

Key Features:

  • Streamlined Design: Speedboats have a streamlined, aerodynamic design that reduces drag and enhances speed and maneuverability.

  • Powerful Engines: Equipped with powerful inboard or outboard engines, speedboats can reach impressive speeds, providing an exhilarating ride.

  • Compact Size: Their smaller size makes them easy to handle, dock, and transport, offering convenience and flexibility for day trips.

Ideal For:

  • Thrill Seekers: Perfect for those who love high-speed adventures and water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.

  • Day Trippers: Ideal for short, spontaneous outings, allowing you to explore different areas quickly and return by the end of the day.

  • Couples and Small Groups: Suitable for couples or small groups looking for a fun and exciting way to spend time on the water without needing a larger vessel.

Advantages:

  • Speed and Agility: Speedboats are designed for fast, agile movement, making them perfect for navigating through tight spaces and quickly changing directions.

  • Easy to Operate: With straightforward controls and responsive handling, speedboats are user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of boaters.

  • Versatile Use: Whether for high-speed fun, leisurely cruises, or towing water sport enthusiasts, speedboats offer a versatile platform for various activities.

Whether you're looking to satisfy your need for speed, enjoy a quick getaway, or engage in thrilling water sports, speedboats provide a compact, powerful, and exciting option for your time on the water.



RIB

RIBs are versatile and highly popular boats known for their unique construction featuring a solid, V-shaped hull combined with inflatable tubes or sponsons along the sides. This design provides exceptional stability and buoyancy, making RIBs perfect for a variety of water activities.

RIB moored in water


Key Features:

  • Sturdy Hull with Inflatable Tubes: The rigid hull ensures excellent performance and durability, while the inflatable sides offer additional safety and stability.

  • Powerful Outboard Engines: RIBs are usually equipped with robust outboard engines, allowing them to reach high speeds quickly, making them ideal for thrill-seekers and those needing rapid transport.

  • Lightweight and Maneuverable: The combination of materials makes RIBs lightweight and easy to maneuver, even in rough waters.

Ideal For:

  • Adventure Seekers: Perfect for those who enjoy high-speed water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing, or simply cruising at high speeds.

  • Families and Groups: The stability and buoyancy make RIBs a safe option for families or groups looking for a fun day out on the water.

  • Explorers and Divers: The design allows for easy access to various water areas, making it suitable for diving excursions or exploring coastal areas and remote beaches.

Advantages:

  • Safety: The inflatable sides provide an extra layer of safety, ensuring the boat remains afloat even if the hull takes on water.

  • Versatility: Suitable for both calm and choppy waters, RIBs are versatile enough for a range of activities, from leisure cruises to rescue operations.

  • Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, RIBs are often used by military and rescue services due to their ruggedness and reliability.

Whether you're looking for a high-speed adventure or a safe and stable vessel for family outings, RIBs offer a perfect blend of performance, safety, and versatility.



Houseboat

Houseboats are floating homes designed to provide all the comforts and amenities of a traditional house while allowing you to live or vacation on the water. These spacious vessels are perfect for extended stays, offering a unique and leisurely way to enjoy rivers, lakes, and other calm waterways.

Houseboat in scenic nature


Key Features:

  • Living Spaces: Houseboats feature full living accommodations, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, making them ideal for extended stays.

  • Modern Amenities: Equipped with essential and luxury amenities such as electricity, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and often Wi-Fi and entertainment systems.

  • Spacious Decks: Many houseboats come with expansive decks and outdoor areas for relaxing, dining, and enjoying the scenic views.

Ideal For:

  • Family Vacations: Perfect for families looking for a comfortable and memorable vacation, offering ample space and all the conveniences of home.

  • Group Gatherings: Ideal for hosting friends or group events, as houseboats can accommodate multiple guests and provide various entertainment options.

  • Relaxation and Leisure: Suitable for those seeking a tranquil and leisurely retreat, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the water and beautiful surroundings.

Advantages:

  • Comfort and Convenience: Houseboats offer all the comforts of home, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay on the water.

  • Extended Stays: With full living accommodations, houseboats are perfect for long vacations or even as a seasonal residence, providing a unique living experience.

  • Scenic and Serene: Living or vacationing on a houseboat offers a close connection to nature, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring waterways at a leisurely pace.

Whether you're planning a family vacation, a gathering with friends, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, houseboats provide a comfortable, spacious, and unique way to enjoy life on the water.


Gulets

Gulets are traditional wooden sailing vessels originating from Turkey, characterized by their spacious decks and classic design. These boats are typically handcrafted and known for their comfort and elegance, making them a popular choice for leisurely cruises along coastal waters.

Gulet at anchor in Croatia


Key Features:

  • Wooden Construction: Gulets are traditionally built from high-quality wood, giving them a distinctive and charming appearance.

  • Spacious Layout: They feature large, comfortable decks with plenty of space for sunbathing, dining, and socializing, as well as well-appointed cabins below deck.

  • Combination of Sails and Motors: Gulets can be powered by sails or motors, allowing for flexibility in navigation and the ability to enjoy both sailing and motor cruising.

Ideal For:

  • Relaxation Seekers: Perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy a leisurely cruise, taking in beautiful coastal scenery and serene waters.

  • Family and Friends: Ideal for group vacations or family gatherings, as gulets offer ample space and comfortable accommodations for multiple guests.

  • Cultural and Historical Enthusiasts: Suitable for those interested in experiencing a piece of maritime history and traditional craftsmanship while exploring picturesque coastal regions.

Advantages:

  • Comfort and Luxury: Gulets provide a luxurious cruising experience with comfortable cabins, spacious decks, and often modern amenities like air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

  • Authentic Experience: Sailing on a gulet offers a unique and authentic experience, blending traditional boat design with modern comfort.

  • Scenic Voyages: Gulets are perfect for exploring coastal areas, coves, and islands, offering an intimate connection with nature and local cultures.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat, a family vacation, or an exploration of beautiful coastlines, gulets offer a luxurious, comfortable, and authentic sailing experience.


Power Catamaran

Power catamarans are twin-hulled vessels powered by engines, combining the stability and spaciousness of traditional catamarans with the speed and convenience of motorboats. These boats are designed for performance, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for a variety of on-water activities.

Power catamaran bird view

Key Features:

  • Twin Hulls: Like all catamarans, power catamarans feature two parallel hulls that provide excellent stability and reduce rolling.

  • Engine-Powered: Equipped with powerful inboard or outboard engines, power catamarans can achieve impressive speeds, offering both performance and efficiency.

  • Spacious and Luxurious: The design includes wide decks and ample living spaces, often featuring multiple cabins, bathrooms, kitchens, and lounging areas.

Ideal For:

  • Family and Group Outings: Perfect for families or groups looking for a spacious and stable boat with plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy the trip.

  • Long-Distance Cruising: Suitable for extended cruises, as the dual hulls provide extra storage and living space, making long journeys comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Water Sports and Activities: Ideal for various water activities such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and even towing water toys, thanks to their stability and easy access to the water.

Advantages:

  • Stability and Comfort: The twin-hull design offers superior stability, making for a smoother ride with less motion sickness, even in rough waters.

  • Efficiency and Speed: Power catamarans are designed for efficient cruising, often consuming less fuel than monohull motorboats while maintaining good speed and performance.

  • Versatility: These boats are highly versatile, suitable for everything from leisurely cruises to adventurous water sports, and they can navigate both shallow and deep waters effectively.

Whether you're planning a family vacation, a group adventure, or a long-distance cruise, power catamarans provide a stable, spacious, and versatile option for a memorable experience on the water.

Luxury Yacht and Superyacht

Luxury yachts and superyachts represent the pinnacle of opulence and comfort on the water. These vessels are designed to provide an unparalleled experience of luxury, offering state-of-the-art amenities, exceptional service, and exquisite design, making them the ultimate choice for those seeking a lavish and exclusive maritime adventure.


Key Features:

  • Extravagant Design: Luxury yachts and superyachts are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring high-end materials, elegant interiors, and stunning exterior designs.

  • Spacious and Luxurious: These vessels offer expansive decks, multiple staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, grand salons, dining areas, and often additional spaces such as gyms, cinemas, and spas.

  • Top-Notch Amenities: Equipped with the latest technology and luxury amenities, including gourmet kitchens, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, water sports equipment, and more.

  • Professional Crew: Typically staffed by a professional crew, including a captain, chefs, stewards, and deckhands, ensuring a seamless and indulgent experience for guests.

Ideal For:

  • Exclusive Vacations: Perfect for individuals, families, or groups looking to experience the ultimate in luxury and privacy while exploring beautiful coastal destinations.

  • Special Occasions: Ideal for celebrating significant events such as weddings, anniversaries, or corporate retreats in a unique and memorable setting.

  • High-End Entertaining: Suitable for hosting lavish parties, social gatherings, or business meetings, with ample space and top-tier service to impress guests.

Advantages:

  • Unmatched Luxury: Offering the highest standards of comfort and sophistication, luxury yachts and superyachts provide an experience comparable to the finest hotels and resorts.

  • Customization: Many aspects of the voyage, from the itinerary to the menu, can be customized to suit the specific preferences and desires of the guests.

  • Privacy and Exclusivity: These vessels offer an unparalleled level of privacy and exclusivity, allowing guests to enjoy their time on the water without interruption or intrusion.

Whether you're looking to indulge in an opulent vacation, celebrate a special occasion, or entertain guests in style, luxury yachts and superyachts provide an extraordinary and unforgettable experience on the water.

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