Boat Type Definitions

[pacificscorpion]

Hello:

I have been looking online for a clean definition of each of the following types of boats and have not had much luck. Can anyone provide me a good definition of each type of these boats?

Flybridge Cruiser/Convertible
Sport Fisherman
Motor Yacht

Thanks.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

Google is your friend.

 

[pacificscorpion]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

I haven't found a real clean definition through Google and lots of conflicting descriptions hence why I posted on here.

Thank you though.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

You could try the iboats classifieds and browse by boat type to see examples...

I'm not sure if flybridge is a defined type of more of a feature. It is the helm area on top of main cabin and often open with a bimini or hard top.

To me, a sport fisherman is any big, sleek looking boat with long outriggers

Motor yacht? A large motor powered, as opposed to sail/wind powered, boat with sleeping/living quarters.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

Can't help you too much with Motor Yacht, but you can break down the others this way, and it has mostly to do with the way they allocate cockpit space vs. cabin space/amenities for the same length boat:

A Sportfisherman has the most cockpit space- it's designed for what its name implies. Fishing. Least amount of cabin room and amenities. Definitions seem to have changed a bit from when I was a youngster. Back then, a Sportfisherman ALWAYS had a flybridge.

A Convertible falls in the middle- less cockpit and more cabin than a Sportfisherman, less cabin and more cockpit than a cruiser. May or may not have a flybridge.

Cruiser, or Sedan, or Flybridge Cruiser or Flybridge Sedan is what it says- a cruiser. Most cabin space and (usually) amenities.

My .02

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

Enclosed is a photo of a Viking Sportfish Enclosed Convertable. My sig. photo is Viking Enclosed Flybridge......notice the relationship of the cockpit size between the 2. Cockpit is larger in the Flybridge.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

I would say that the Vkiings above really blur the line between a Sportfisherman and Convertible, while both to me lean towards Sportfisherman as the front of the main Salon is near amidships as opposed to further forward.

I would use MotorYacht as a class that includes Sportfisherman, Convertibles, Yachtfisherman (aft cabin and very small cockpit) Trawlers (Grand Banks), big Express Cruisers, Sedan Bridge Cruisers, and quite a few other large (30+ ft.) examples.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Type Definitions

I don't think you'll find anything definitive, or should i say, the distinctions are blurred on many boats as the manufacturers combine features. Like the dual console/bowrider/fish and ski distinction. It's not like the clear definitions between a ketch and a yawl.
And if you're searching ads, many sellers don't know what they have or will pick a description they think fits.
Hull designs change. I haev a first edition book on sport fishing, written before fiberglass boats and the Hatteras design came out, so its picture of a "Hatteras" is nothing like the meaning today (Sasto's two photo's are Hatteras design hulls).

Traditionally,a yacht was a pleasure sailboat (as opposed to a commercial use sailing vessel) and a motor yacht had a sail, but was powered primarily by its motor. Now called "motor sailer" in some circles.

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

I would say that the Vkiings above really blur the line between a Sportfisherman and Convertible, while both to me lean towards Sportfisherman as the front of the main Salon is near amidships as opposed to further forward.

I should have clarified myself better...they are both Sportfishermen....one is considered a flybridge and the other a convertable. Manufactures definition, not mine. I like your way of describing.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

What I think of when I think 'motoryacht' is a large yacht with zero space for fishing, like this;

As blifsey said, flybridge is more of a feature of a boat, rather than a category of boat.

A sportfisherman/convertible would be a larger yacht that has accommodations for the non-fisherman, and a significant cockpit for fishing. The really big and/or serious sportfishers will also have an additional helm at the stern (either cockpit level or an upper station) for driving in reverse for chasing fish. This is a typical sportfish/conv;

Stern helm;

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

(Sasto's two photo's are Hatteras design hulls)..

I understand your correlation between Hat. and Viking.... but the hulls are far from the same design (from a technical standpoint). The late Richard Bertram built one of the first deep V sportfish.... I would give that design credit to Raymond Hunt. I know I'm getting off base here, just something I'm passionate about, and my livelyhood.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

I would think that Beefer's first pic is more of a MegaYacht.

And I agree with Home Cookin' and sasto that a lot of this is blurred by manufacturers and even owners define them as they see fit. No hard and fast rules that are governed by any definitive body that I know of.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Type Definitions

thanks, Satso. I don't know the difference like you do. From a layman's view across the bay of what's above the water, they look the same,as opposed to a trawler or deadrise, for example. Which explains the dilemma--few people know the technical differences, and the companies selling them are marketing to the uninformed, I am sure to the chagrin of the knowlegeable professionals!

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

Home Cookin'


and I call all go fast boats a Cigarette, all hot tubs are a jucuzzi...............

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Type Definitions

me too!
All soft drinks are Cokes
All personal watercraft are jet ski's
All handguns are pistols

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat Type Definitions

thanks, Satso. I don't know the difference like you do. From a layman's view across the bay of what's above the water, they look the same,as opposed to a trawler or deadrise, for example. Which explains the dilemma--few people know the technical differences, and the companies selling them are marketing to the uninformed, I am sure to the chagrin of the knowlegeable professionals!

All you need to do is look at what passes for a 'sports car' these days. Back before it became a marketing gimmick for every 4-door sedan that has graphics on it, a sports car was a 2-seat ragtop. Period.. and the wannabes were roundly criticized by those of us who knew better