6 Best Types of Boats for Gulf Coast Waters

Have you ever heard the saying, Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight? Similarly, it would not be a good idea to navigate the largest Gulf in the world- The Gulf of Mexico, with a small lake boat.

If you plan to head over to the Gulf Coast, you need to know about the natural environment and the rapidly changing sea conditions that you could experience. So what I intend to do is help you find the best types of boats that can handle the water conditions of the Gulf.

What Is The Gulf Coast

What-Is-The-Gulf-Coast

The Gulf Coast is a u-shaped geographic region found in the deep south of the United States of America. The late summer and early autumn seasons are mainly known for tropical storms- many of whose winds increase in speed, reaching hurricane status.

In addition, the Gulf Coast is economically critical to the petroleum and oil exploration industries. Simultaneously, the Gulf Coast is tourism-friendly, attracting beachgoers from all around the nation.

Boaters are attracted to these well-endowed waters to pursue amateur and elite fishing. In addition, the Gulf Coast is host to several annual fishing tournaments that have paid billions of dollars over the years for prized game fish catches.

Where Is It Located

Where-Is-It-Located

The Gulf Coast extends along the northern coast of Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida- covering an area of about 600,000 square miles.

The Gulf’s Natural Environment

The-Gulfs-Natural-Environment

The natural environment is quite diverse along the coastal area, ranging from “tidal marshes, sandy beaches, mangrove-covered areas, and many bays, estuaries, and lagoons.”

The warm waters of the Gulf Coast make its environment extremely habitable to a variety of different marine species, even hosting some ancient coral (as old as 2,000 years).

According to The 30A Company, “at least 49 different species of sharks have been known to hang out in the gulf waters.” In addition to sharks, other animals such as dolphins, manatees, turtles, and even whales frequent the coast.

You may not have known that most of the Gulf Coast happen to be sitting on top of the North American Continental Shelves. Therefore, plenty of the waters around the Gulf Coast is reasonably shallow- thus making the area perfect for coming across old shipwrecks.

However, some parts of the Gulf are extremely deep, with estimated depths of near 15,000 feet some 200 miles off the coast of the LoneStar state.

Sea Conditions

Sea-Conditions

One senior member of The Hull Truth Boating Forum said of the Gulf Coast waters, “the seas are snotty and never know which direction they want to come out of, AND…..summer storms sneak up on you (and they are quick).”

That’s a reasonably spot-on description- perhaps the most important consideration as a responsible boater is knowing that the direction and current throughout the Gulf’s coastal waters are at best unpredictable.

Matthew J. LaMourie notes that its “currents are subjected to seasonal and annual variations caused not only by major circulation patterns but also by changes in the prevailing wind direction.”

Typically, the waters of the Gulf Coast log much warmer temperatures than the rest of the Atlantic by at least five to six degrees. During the hottest parts of the year, the water temperature can even exceed outside air temperature, reaching close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit near the beach.

Considerations For A Gulf Coast Boat

Considerations-For-A-Gulf-Coast-Boat

Keeping in mind that the boat you choose must handle the Gulf Coast’s sea conditions, it would be helpful to think through the following questions as you explore the different types of boats we will discuss next, specifically for Gulf Coast waters.

  1. How do you intend to use your boat when cruising the Gulf Coast?
  2. Are you comfortable handling a larger boat?
  3. Do you plan on carrying passengers?
  4. Is there a particular hull configuration you prefer?
  5. How much equipment and gear will you be hauling?
  6. What is the total weight you expect to have on board at any time?
  7. Is seating or storage more critical?
  8. Would you like to have cabin space for extended trips?
  9. What are the associated storage, towing, operation, and maintenance costs involved?
  10. What size engine would you like to have?

Best Types Of Boats For Gulf Coast Waters

You may or may not have one particular activity in mind for the time you spend on the waters of the Gulf Coast. However, these waters are especially inviting to fishing, cruising, water sports, and more.

The following types of boats will serve you well functionally and practically whether you have a specific purpose for their use or prefer the ability to take advantage of their versatility.

#1 Catamaran

The boating industry, also known as a multi-hull boat, regards catamarans with increased stability on choppy waters. You can select between a double or triple hull design, the trimaran being the safest option of all.

Due to its center of gravity and wider stance, it is challenging, if not impossible, to capsize or sink a catamaran. In addition, these boats are relatively easy to maneuver.

Catamarans are particularly popular amongst families and anglers alike. Whether entertaining friends on a day cruise, planning an extended overnight trip with family, or reeling in the Gulf’s most prominent game fish, multi-hull vessels are an excellent choice.

The Invincible Boat Company is just one of several manufacturers that design catamarans. Their company builds multi-hull boats from thirty-three feet to forty-six feet in length with power options up to a strikingly fast 450 HP outboard.

#2 Sailboat

If you are passionate about sailing and invest the time necessary to become a knowledgeable and experienced sailor, the Gulf Coast is a great recreational area to explore.

Sailboats come in various sizes, and despite being commonly referred to as a luxury of the rich, sailing is becoming much more affordable to even mid-level income families.

May the Gulf winds always be on your backs as you explore the warm waters providing plenty of adventures, fun, and memories from aboard a sailboat.

#3 Flats Boat

Flats-Boat-2

Particularly favorable along the coastal edge of the Gulf in those hard-to-navigate locations, a flats boat shallow draft is just suitable for the job.

While a flats boat may be advantageous to sports anglers wanting access to shallow locations, its hull design cannot handle the rougher waters associated with offshore boating.

Usually, flats boats are powered by a suitable outboard engine– not to exceed the regulated boat’s capacity. Overall, a flats boat is an excellent choice for fishing and some long overdue family time.

You can enjoy watersports, leisurely cruising, fishing, and some summertime family entertainment all from the deck of your flats boat.

One of the best-known flats boats in the industry is the Hewes Redfisher 18. Though if you plan to roam the Gulf Coast, you may want to consider their larger model, measuring in at twenty-one feet for an MSRP of $73,175.

#4 Convertible Fishing Boat

Convertible-Fishing-Boat

Suppose you need a boat designed for an active day of fishing with plenty of storage space and live wells but also want the convenience of various amenities that cabin cruisers offer. In that case, I suggest you consider a convertible fishing boat.

These boats are more than ideal for deep blue sports fishing but are versatile enough for any activity you put to the test. Typical to convertibles, their higher structure, high sidewalls, and live-on amenities make these vessels the classic offshore fishing boat.

The Viking 68C is where tournament fishing meets luxury. This 68-footer dominates the industry with its world-class design and high-tech instrumentation, providing comfort and precision to any boating enthusiast.

#5 Bay Boat

Bay-Boat-2

Ideally suited for cruising around the various environments of the Gulf Coast, a bay boat can handle backwater fishing along with some venturing out into offshore waters.

Originally designed to extend into gulf areas, sounds, bights, and canals- the bay boat is excellent for hard-to-reach fishing hideaways. Bay boats are durable saltwater vessels that can come in either a center console or dual console configuration.

Compared to the flats boat, the draft of a bay boat is much more profound. Its more defined v-shaped hull helps it cut through the choppier water beyond those brackish backwater coastal locations it usually investigates.

With plenty of comfort and power options available, bay boats are well-designed boats that will boost your fishing game to the next level. These boats are a favorite in the boating community because manufacturers like Scout have found a way to balance ride quality and performance for serious anglers and families alike.

#6 Bowrider

Bowrider

Bowriders are excellent boats no matter the activity you want to pursue. These boats live up to their namesake by featuring comfortable seating forward and aft of the operational control center, known as the helm.

If you want to navigate the Gulf Coast, be sure to select from a respectable saltwater lineup such as Boston Whaler. Their larger 420 Outrage model includes a kitchen, bathroom, shower, and luxury cabin space to combine your fishing trip into a family-fun-filled extended getaway.

Alternatively, boats from their Realm or Conquest are easy-to-operate do-it-alls. Bowriders such as these are excellent for tubing, watersports, extreme fishing, sightseeing, and spending a day with friends and family along the Gulf Coast.

Conclusion

From my time spent around the shores of Pensacola, Florida, I can attest to the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Please don’t take it from me, though; set out on your own adventure in one of the best types of boats for Gulf Coast waters that we discussed in this article.

If you have any questions or concerns about your boat’s suitability for handling Gulf waters, please leave them in the comment section below.

1 thought on “6 Best Types of Boats for Gulf Coast Waters”

  1. I am moving to a home five minutes from the gulf in Cape Coral Florida. I would like a boat that is good for searching the canals but will also take me into the gulf on calm days. What kind of boat would you recommend?

    Reply

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