Whether you’re into sunset cruises, open water sailing or a quiet spot of fishing, getting out on the water in your own small boat is a treasured Aussie pastime.
There are more than 900,000 registered boats in Australia (in addition to a countless number of non-motorised craft that don’t require registration or licensing).1 If you’re thinking of joining the ranks of boat owners, you might be wondering how to find a vessel that suits your lifestyle.
From selecting the perfect model to finding the right insurance for you, there’s a lot to think about when buying a boat – even a small one. To help you successfully navigate the sea of information, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to finding your ideal small boat.
How do I choose the best small boat for me?
What makes a great small boat? Well, the answer will largely depend on you, and what you want to do on the water.
If your idea of a perfect day out involves a rod and a reel, you’ll probably be buying a boat with fishing in mind. A small tinny might be ideal for easy trips to lakes and rivers, while a larger model may offer space for extra features, such as rod holders, comfortable seating and more powerful outboard engines.2
If sailing is more your thing, you might start off with a beginner sailboat. These often have a tiller instead of a wheel for steering, an easy rig and simple sails, making them easier to handle.3
When it comes to the best boats for beginners, some experts recommend vessels under five meters. Not only do they tend to be more affordable, but they’re often also lightweight, making towing, storage and launching far easier.4
What to think about when buying a boat
If you’re wondering what your ideal small boat might look like, here are some of the aspects you may want to consider.
Capacity
How many people do you want to be able to bring onboard and what kind of activities are you planning to do?
You may also want to think about storage space. You’ll need more space if you’re planning overnight trips or if you anticipate spending hours on the water.5
Hull type
The hull is the main body of a boat.6 Different hull shapes have different attributes that make them better suited to certain activities or conditions.
For example, flat-bottom hulls offer good stability and are useful in shallow water, while the wedge shape of a deep-V hull will easily cut through waves, making for a smoother ride in choppy conditions.7
Fabrication
What is the ideal material for your boat to be made of? Most small boats are made from aluminium or fibreglass, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks.
For instance, aluminium is generally more lightweight, but fibreglass tends to deliver a softer and quieter ride than equivalent alloy boats.8
Transportation and storage
How are you going to get your boat from A to B, and does your car have enough towing capacity to pull it?
Also, do you have anywhere to keep it? Some owners store smaller vessels in a locked or lockable garage or driveway, while others pay for a marina berth or specialised storage facility.9
Costs
There’s no escaping the costs involved in owning a boat, from the initial expense of buying the vessel to ongoing costs, including maintenance, safety gear, fuel, registration, licensing and insurance.10
Understanding these costs from the get-go will give you a clearer idea of what you can afford to spend.
What are the main types of small boat?
There are plenty of small boats to choose from, ranging from an ultra-simple tinny to a spectacularly equipped sailing boat. Here are a few of the most common small boat types.
Inflatable
A type of dinghy, inflatable boats generally fall into one of two categories – roll-up inflatables and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). Perfect for saltwater and freshwater fishing, watersports and more, they offer great versatility.11
They range in size and power and can run on as little as a two-horsepower outboard engine.11 You can find new models for around $800 to $2,000.12
Runabout
A runabout is a popular type of boat for those new to family boating, fishing and towsports. Runabouts are directed with a steering wheel and have a small windscreen, but they don’t offer a lot of cabin space.11
A second hand runabout might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000, while a new one generally costs between $40,000 and $60,000.12
Cuddy cabin trailer boat
If you’re looking for more creature comforts, a cuddy cabin boat could be for you. Useful for fishing, cruising and watersports, these small boats contain an enclosed cabin area, which can be used as a storage space, changing room or even a spot for a cosy nap.11
These can range from a few thousand to a couple of hundred thousand dollars second hand, while new models start at around $50,000.12
Centre console
Built with fishing in mind, centre consoles are small boats that can handle rough offshore waters. They typically come equipped with useful built-in features such as fish lockers, rod holders and baitwells. They also have a T-top to provide shade over the helm, helping you stay cool on those warm summer days.11
You’ll look at anything from $3,000 to a few hundred thousand dollars for a second-hand centre console or you may find new ones starting at around $20,000. However, more typically, the average cost for a brand-new centre console ranges between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the size, brand, and features of the boat.12
Sailboat
Sailboats are a broad category of boat that ranges from small dinghies to large ocean-going Super-Maxis. While they vary in size, hull configuration, keel type, number of sails, use and purpose, sailboats are distinct in that they’re powered either partially or wholly by the wind.11
These can be found second hand for under $1,000,12 while new models may start anywhere from around $7,000 for a two-person sailing dinghy, ranging up to $200,00 for a fixed keel fibreglass yacht or $4 million for a luxury catamaran equipped with kitchen, living area and bedrooms.13
Licensing and registration
Before you start the exciting process of buying a boat, it’s important to make sure you’re ready to take it out and about.
Licensing and registration rules in Australia vary greatly between states and territories. For example, you don’t need a boat licence in the Northern Territory, but you must familiarise yourself with and follow the local boat laws.14
In the Australian Capital Territory, you’re required to have a boat licence but the ACT Government doesn’t provide them, so you’ll need to obtain one from another state.15
You can find licensing and registration information for your state below:
Do you need insurance for a small boat?
Whether you require boat insurance for your small boat will depend on your state or territory marine authority. Most don’t require you to have insurance, but it’s often highly recommended.
Different boat insurance options will have different benefits. For example, some may cover your boat’s contents, while others may only cover damage your boat causes to someone else’s property. The coverage type is one of the factors that can determine how much your boat insurance costs.
Youi offers three boat insurance cover options:
- Comprehensive insurance – our highest level of cover, this option covers damage to someone else’s property, fire, theft, storms, floods and earthquakes, plus intentional damage.16
- Third Party Fire & Theft – may cover third-party damage or injury, as well as damage caused by fire or theft.17
- Third Party Property Only – an entry-level insurance option that may provide cover for any damage your watercraft causes to another person or their property.18
Ready to find out if Youi’s boat insurance is right for your new small boat? Start a quote for insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of March 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: Boating Industry Association – 2023 Boating Data Report Card released, August 2023
2 Source: boatsales – What is the best style of small boat for fishing?, May 2023
3 Source: Rightboat – Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat, June 2023
4 Source: Fishing World – Boats under 5-meters, March 2024
5 Source: Yachting.com – Small boats: A comprehensive guide to choosing the ideal vessel, June 2024
6 Source: PredictWind – Hull Definition and Examples
7 Source: boats.com – Boat Hull Shapes: What Hull Shape is Best?, June 2024
8 Source: Boat Buy – Aluminium Boats vs Fibreglass Boats, July 2018
9 Source: Fishing Booker – How to Store Your Boat: A Complete Guide, October 2024
10 Source: boatsales – The real costs of owning a trailerable boat, May 2024
11 Source: discoverboating.com.au – Boat Types
12 Source: boatsales – various pages
13 Source: boatsonline – various pages
14 Source: NT Government – New to recreational boating
15 Source: Access Canberra – Boating on ACT lakes
16 Available with Comprehensive policies. Limits and exclusions apply. For full details, see the PDS.
17 Available with Comprehensive and Third Party Fire & Theft policies. Limits and exclusions apply. For full details, see the PDS.
18 Available with Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Third Party Property Only policies. Limits and exclusions apply. For full details, see the PDS.
