Buying a Boat Based on Speed

There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider when buying a boat. One of the most important factors is how fast the boat can go. Certain speed ranges are best for certain types of marine activities. Here are some frames of reference for you so that you can select a boat that will reach the speeds you need for however you plan to use it.

Fishing

Few fishers want a fishing boat that can reach really high speeds for one reason: it will scare the fish! You should look for a boat with a lower-powered engine that is reasonably quiet. You probably won’t ever need to go more than 15 miles per hour on a fishing boat, so look for boats in this range if you want to fish.

Watersports

In order to tow watersports participants like wakeboarders and water skiers, you’ll need a boat with a higher-powered engine that is either an outboard or a sterndrive that will let you generate wakes, too. A boat designed for watersports is going to fall within the speed range of 10 to 35 miles per hour.

Cruising

Finally, if you simply want a boat to make your cruises fun and fast, you’ll want to look for a boat that can achieve at least 20 miles per hour. Boats that go fast will also tend to have deep-V hulls and features that make them easier to operate at higher speeds while maintaining stability.

Looking for boats near you? Come visit our dealership in Bellaire, MI, to view our wide range of new and used boats for sale. Dewitt Marine is proud to serve our Northern Michigan customers in Traverse City and Grand Rapids.