Have you ever wondered what class your boat was in? Or what class was the best for you to purchase? There are four different classes of boats, which are [primarily] broken down by the vessel length.
The class of boat you own and operate will determine the federal and state laws, racing regulations, and safety guidelines you must adhere to.
Let’s explore the four classes of boats and their characteristics.
Understanding Boat Classes
The differences between some boat classes may seem subtle (just a few feet). However, there is more to boat classification than just length. We’ll examine the variety of boat classes, from Class A to Class 3, and their respective safety requirements.
Class A Boats: Under 16 Feet
Class A boats, such as dinghy boats, are the smallest vessels, measuring less than 16 feet long.
These boats are ideal for calm waters and are often used for relaxed sailing and fishing ventures.
When it comes to safety requirements, all vessels under 16 feet, including jet boats, must carry personal flotation devices and a distress signal. A boat needs a fire extinguisher if it has an enclosed engine, living space, or a permanent fuel tank.
For canoes and kayaks under 16 feet, a whistle or horn is recommended as a sound device.
Class 1 Boats: 16-Less Than 26 Feet
All Class 1 boats measure between 16 and less than 26 feet in length. The Class 1 boats are suitable for both inland and coastal waters and are often used for sports fishing and relaxed cruising.
The Class 1 boat is a popular size for a first boat because of its overall pricing, maneuverability, and versatility.
Safety requirements for Class 1 boats include ventilation that complies with Coast Guard standards for enclosed engines. A backfire flame arrestor is also required.
Class 2 Boats: 26- Less Than 40 Feet
Class 2 boats are larger vessels, spanning between 26 and 40 feet in length.
As for safety requirements, life jackets or other personal flotation devices, such as Type I, II, III, or V flotation devices, must be available for every passenger.
A throwable Type IV device is also a necessity.
Additionally, boats in this class must possess a 5” x 8” Oil Discharge placard and a 4” x 9” Waste Discharge placard to comply with pollution regulations.
Class 3 Boats: 40- Less Than 65 Feet
The largest category, Class 3 boats, vary in size from 40 to 65 feet in length.
Safety equipment requirements demand that Class 3 boats owners have the following onboard: a Type II or Type III marine sanitation device, a horn or whistle, and three-day use and three-night-use signals.
Class 3 boats must have either one B-II extinguisher and one B-I extinguisher or three B-I extinguishers.
Additionally, one Type I, II, III, or V PFD (Personal Flotation Devices) must be present for every passenger on board, along with one Type IV throwable device.
Boats in this class must also possess pollution regulation placards.
Boat Class vs. Boat Types
“Boat class” refers to the subcategories divided according to specific characteristics or racing criteria.
In contrast, the term “boat type” describes the particular design and purpose of a boat, often indicating its intended use or style.
Your level of experience and the intended use of the boat should inform the boat class you choose. You’ll also want to approach your decision on boat type with a similar thoughtfulness. With boat type, you can choose between small boats, sailboats, fishing boats, and even watersport boats well suited for lakes.
Types of Boats
Knowing the purpose of a boat and its specific features can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right vessel for your needs.
Fishing Boats
Fishing boats come in various sizes and classes. From small dinghies and jon boats for calm inland waters to large trawlers and center console boats for offshore fishing
Depending on the class of fishing boat you purchase, safety requirements will vary.
Man-powered boats such as canoes and kayaks are exempt from requiring a fire extinguisher. Other factors to consider when choosing a fishing boat include its capacity and the type of fishing you plan to engage in.
Some fishing boats can also have features that make them comfortable to carry passengers from one location to another, like seats with cushions that can fold up when not fishing. Smaller fishing boats do well in shallow waters, but bigger boats usually need 3-4 feet of water depth to work well.
Recreational Boats
Recreational boats include a wide range of vessels designed for leisure activities such as cruising, sailing, and entertaining.
Some popular recreational boats are runabout boats, towboats, fishing boats, sailboats, cabin cruisers, and pontoon boats.
These boats are designed to provide space for sitting, working, fishing, or lounging, depending on the specific type.
Look for additional features like swim platforms and GPS navigation to enjoy your days out on a recreational boat.
Watersports Boats
Watersports boats are designed specifically for activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing.
These boats typically feature specialized hull forms, propulsion systems, wake shaping control systems, and onboard wake enhancement technology to optimize the experience for water sports enthusiasts.
High-performance boats like watersports boats often include ski boats, inboard ski boats, and jet boats.
Selecting the Right Boat for Your Needs
In addition to analyzing the type and class of boat you may be interested in, consider your skills as a boater and the situations you expect to encounter on your boat.
Beginner-Friendly Boats
Beginner-friendly boats are noted for their stability, ease of handling, and suitability for beginners learning to operate and steer a boat.
For those new to boating, some beginner-friendly boats are:
- All-purpose fishing boats
- Aluminum fishing boats
- Bowriders
- Pontoon boats, including a pontoon boat designed for fishing
- Bass boats
Boats for Inland Waters
Inland water boats are designed to navigate lakes, rivers, and other tranquil inland waterways. They are typically smaller and suitable for fishing, cruising, and entertaining in sheltered coastal areas.
Boats for inland waters include:
- Pontoon boats
- Deck boats
- Cruisers
- Bowriders
- Freshwater fishing boats
- Runabouts
- Trawlers
Boats for Offshore Adventures
Larger offshore adventure boats are designed for serious offshore fishermen or families looking for coastal and offshore fishing, diving, and traveling experiences.
If you are looking for an offshore adventure, the following types of boats may suit your needs:
- Ocean-going vessels
- Trawler boats
- Sailboats
- Motorsailers
- Catamarans
- Game fisher boats
- Expedition yachts
- Motor yacht boats
- Mega yachts
Summary
Though referring to your vessel according to its classification isn’t common in the boating world, being aware of your preferred boat class and type will help guide purchase decisions and ensure you meet safety requirements.
Deciding between the different boat classes will be difficult, but deciding where to store your boat once you’ve bought it shouldn’t be. With Neighbor—a peer-to-peer storage marketplace– you can find the ideal space to store your new watercraft while not using it. Safety, proximity, and affordability are the strong points that Neighbor can offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 4 Classes of Boats?
The four classes of boats are Class A (under 16 feet), Class 1 (16 to less than 26 feet), Class 2 (26 to less than 40 feet), and Class 3 (40 to less than 65 feet).
What Is the Difference Between Class A, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Boats?
Class I vessels range from 16 to 26 feet in length, Class II vessels range from 26 to 40 feet in length, and Class III vessels range from 40 to 65 feet in length, so there is a clear difference in size between the classes of boats.
What is a Class C Boat?
A Class C boat typically refers to a specific category of recreational vehicle classification for inshore boating. Class C boats can operate in large bays and lakes with winds to Force 6 up to 27 knots.
