River boats cover a broad spectrum of vessels, from small fishing skiffs to large houseboats. When searching for used river boats for sale, consider the best size and style for the river conditions. Narrow search results by brand, location, or price point to find the best-suited used river boat. ... learn more about River Boats
615 New and Used River Boats
Shepperton (United Kingdom)
48.69 ft.
2011
Used
2011 Euroship Tjalk Barge Replica for sale. Length overall 15.78m, Beam 3.5m, Draft 0.8m Branta is a traditional style Dutch Tjalk Barge, based on a project engine...
$227,432 *
Nottingham (United Kingdom)
64.0 ft.
2015
Used
Ellie is a 64ft x 12ft wide beam built by Collingwood in 2015. She is fitted with a Canaline 70hp diesel engine and has 4 berths. Ellie is a really stunning 4 berth ...
$159,817 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
51.51 ft.
2006
Used
{'page_text': 'Pacific\nAllure 155 Cabrio\nEUR 350.000\nSolidly built family ship\n1\n/\n21\nStart slideshow\nDownload brochure\nSENT E-MAIL\n"slideshow_EN.twig" fail...
$360,616 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
44.95 ft.
2010
Used
{'page_text': 'Explorer\n45\nEUR 299.000\nThe Exploreroffers ultimate cruising comfort with bow and stern thrusters for easy maneuvers. A timeless classic, robust and...
$308,069 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
42.65 ft.
1997
Used
{'page_text': 'Hellingskip\n1300 AK\nEUR 169.000\nA nicely equipped little brother of the Stentor, this Vripack design features: Generator, central heating and of dou...
$174,126 *
Kerkdriel ()
37.73 ft.
1997
Used
Van De Stadt Stadtline 38A beautifully lined, safe and economical motor vessel. This Van de Stadt is equipped with hydraulic inside and outside steering and an electr...
$81,911 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
49.05 ft.
2000
Used
{'page_text': 'Van Der Heijden\n1500 Elegance\nEUR 239.000\nSpacious Van der Heijden 1500 with 3 cabins!\n1\n/\n31\nStart slideshow\nDownload brochure\nSENT E-MAIL\n"...
$246,249 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
52.49 ft.
1998
Used
{'page_text': 'Stevens\nFamily Cruiser\nOnder bod\n1 fixed bed in owners cabin and 1 sofa bed.\n1\n/\n24\nStart slideshow\nDownload brochure\nSENT E-MAIL\n"slideshow_...
P.O.A. *
Netherlands
35.1 ft.
2023
Used
LinssenGrand Sturdy 35.0 ACThe Linssen Grand Sturdy 35.0 is an excellent choice for the "first-timer" who will appreciate the functional and cozy spaces on board with...
$308,069 *
IJlst (Netherlands)
31.82 ft.
1964
Used
Description Gillissenvlet 9.70 OK/AKBeautiful Gillissen vlet, in the front a dinette which can be lowered so that the entire point becomes a large bed! In the back 2 ...
$28,334 *
Kerkdriel ()
40.19 ft.
1989
Used
Molenkruiser 12.25 AKThis Mill Cruiser was completely painted in 2019 and is truly to pass through a ring. When painting, among other things, all aluminum windows wer...
$71,093 *
Kerkdriel ()
41.01 ft.
1994
Used
Funcraft 12.50 AKThis Funcraft recently arrived at our sales dock and is ready for spring. She is recently painted, generously equipped and also features a desirable ...
$102,003 *
Verkoophaven Goli... (Netherlands)
37.73 ft.
1980
Used
Description Zwaluwkruiser 11.50Well maintained Swallow cruiser, Salon, open cockpits aft cabin, heating, bow thruster , shore power, solar panel, powerful diesel engi...
$24,723 *
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
29.53 ft.
1970
Used
Description Gillissenvlet 9.00 OKCharming and solidly built Gillissenvlet with a beautiful yard timbered interior.The price is friendly because it needs some work. Th...
$18,031 *
Reading (United Kingdom)
27.0 ft.
2017
Used
Adelicia is a well prepared and presented example of the Viking 275, Powered by a Honday 40HP outboard newly serviced in July 2024 The boat has been fully structuall...
$61,407 *
Caversham (United Kingdom)
20.73 ft.
1999
Used
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 635 is a fantastic little dayboat/weekend/ fishing cruiser. The boat is running a single Volvo TAMD 22P on shaft drive. 'Lady Emily' is Ting...
$23,296 *
South Norfolk Dis... (United Kingdom)
29.99 ft.
1970
Used
1970 Ocean 30 - Powered by a 1.5L BMC diesel 38hp. This ever popular classic is on the market and priced to sell quickly. She has been shown some love and attention ...
$18,379 *
South Norfolk Dis... (United Kingdom)
25.56 ft.
1974
Used
Hampton Safari 25 - Lucy Belle, Built in 1974 and powered by a BMC 1,5 DIESEL on a shaft. 4 berths from fixed double to the stern and conversion of the galley s...
$20,838 *
Reading (United Kingdom)
27.89 ft.
2013
Used
Vivien Ann is a well presented example of the Viking Seamaster 27, the model was developed by Viking in the early 2000's and subsequently the similar layout derived i...
$57,718 *
Sleeuwijk ()
49.05 ft.
2007
Used
OmschrijvingThis 2007 E4 has 2 bathrooms, Kabola central heating, Webasto air conditioning and a powerful Volvo Penta engine of 575 hp, an auxiliary motor + bow aGene...
$390,495 *
Sleeuwijk (Netherlands)
49.15 ft.
2008
Used
{'page_text': 'Pieter Beeldsnijder\nKotter 1500\nEUR 399.000\nAir conditioning, central heating, double glazing, generator, washer/dryer, refrigerator and freezer, am...
$411,102 *
Hindeloopen (Netherlands)
31.82 ft.
1980
Used
Description Valkvlet 970 OKThis solid steel punt offers all the space you could wish for. With her sturdy construction and spacious dimensions, she is perfect for rel...
$40,698 *
West-Knollendam (Netherlands)
42.65 ft.
1978
Used
Description Polaris MarathonNeat spacious steel Polaris motor cruiser with brand new hood in a unique beautiful color scheme, carried out over the entire aft deck and...
$56,153 *
On sale site ()
41.34 ft.
2001
Used
Vacance Solide 42 AKThis Vacance Solide 42 AK is a particularly high quality built boat, equipped with every conceivable option, including a hydralic radar bracket, b...
$236,461 *
On sale site ()
37.73 ft.
1999
Used
Roeier 1100 M.K.IIA tough Roeier 1100, this boat is stable and steady on course and therefore very suitable for sailing on big water. The wide gangways and stainless ...
$159,598 *
Kerkdriel ()
32.81 ft.
1975
Used
Motorkruiser 10.00 AK Custom Build'Custom Build' is the key word with this very neat and well built cruiser. This is Papendrecht built motor cruiser will amaze you wh...
$40,698 *
31.82 ft.
1969
Used
Dolman Vlet 970 AKIn very good condition, and neat Dolman Vlet 970, underwater hull was completely sandblasted and epoxied in 2023.The hull is painted in 2020. The su...
$41,110 *
Reading (United Kingdom)
35.01 ft.
2017
Used
Jollification is a Broom 35 Coupe delivered by Tingdene Boat sales in September 2017, as one of the very last Broom Boats built for the private market. The boat has h...
$282,753 *
* Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price.
River boats cover a broad spectrum of vessels, from small fishing skiffs to large houseboats. When searching for used river boats for sale, consider the best size and style for the river conditions. Narrow search results by brand, location, or price point to find the best-suited used river boat.
River boats come in all shapes and sizes, from the smallest skiffs to large river barges. While the size and flow of the river will impact what kind of boats are most suited to traversing them, what many river boats have in common is their flat or shallow V-hulls. This allows them to navigate shallow river waters with ease. But that doesn't mean that ocean-going boats can't also navigate rivers, and you'll often see sailboats and sport boats on rivers, too.
Whether the boat is being used as a fishing boat, for long-term living aboard, or as a day cruiser will determine what characteristics make it ideal for the role. A houseboat for example, will have ample living space and home comforts, while fishing boats need to be small, lightweight and capable of navigating shallow or marshy areas.
River houseboats offer a home on the water and are very specific styles of vessel. They focus on living space and comfort over cruising (they can be either cruising or non-cruising/static styles) and offer couples or families the chance to live self-sufficiently by using features such as solar panels and LPG. They'll usually incorporate several cabins, a full-sized galley, saloon, head, and plenty of deck space. They come in all shapes, sizes, and price points so the market is hugely varied.
The trusty Jon boat offers excellent river daytripping thanks to its flat bottom and tough hull made from aluminum or fiberglass. Suitable for even shallow rivers and waterways, Jon boats can be well-equipped for fishing expeditions. And thanks to their compact and lightweight properties, they can be launched and trailered easily from river slips.
Unlike the Jon boat, a bass boat has a modified V-hull that allows it to cut through rougher waters on larger rivers and river mouths/bays. Bass boats are purpose-built for bass fishing (and often duck hunting), and designed to navigate the shallows and reed-laden shores of rivers and inland waters.
Skiffs, too, land in the category of river boats thanks to their small size, flat bottoms, and ability to navigate tight spots and shallow areas. These are best suited to smaller rivers and waterways, and are typically able to carry a couple of passengers for a day of fishing or sightseeing.
In Europe, traditional canal boats, narrowboats, and barges ply the rivers. These long, slim boats are designed with hulls that run efficiently at displacement speeds and don't create a large wake that erodes riverbanks. They have cabins, heads, saloons, and galleys, and the outdoor space is usually on the roof.
With such a broad spectrum of boats on rivers, there is unsurprisingly a broad selection of brands too. When it comes to Jon boats, brands such as Lund, Crestliner, and Tracker are highly regarded in the industry, as are Lowe, Pelican, and Excel. Many of these brands also build quality bass boats, using their fishing expertise in this different sector. Other brands to consider when looking to buy a bass boat include Ranger, Nitro, and Skeeter.
On the opposite end of the size scale, houseboat builders are constructing large liveaboard vessels designed with all the home comforts for long-term river life. Brands such as Gibson Boats, American Houseboat, and Trifecta Houseboats build modern, luxurious houseboats with plenty of amenities. On the other side of the Atlantic, brands such as Collingwood, Aintree Boats, and Braidbar are just some of the canalboat brands creating traditional narrowboats designed for the narrow canals of Europe and the UK.
While any boat can theoretically be a river boat if the river is deep enough for the boat's draft, boats designed specifically for rivers allow for more activities. Small, flat-bottomed fishing boats can navigate even the shallowest waters and readch some of the best fishing grounds, while large houseboats designed for living on rather than cruising, means many more home comforts and self-sustainability.
Inland waterways offer some of the most beautiful cruising grounds there are, as well as good access to fishing and hunting. Whether a boat is designed as a liveaboard, or is a small aluminum or fiberglass fishing boat, they make popular choices for those looking to navigate on the tranquil rivers and canals in comfort and safety.
This article was written by Samantha Wilson in February 2024.