New and Used River Boats for Sale

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

475 New and Used River Boats

Haines 36 Sedan

Bray (United Kingdom)

36.09 ft.

2021

Used

An opportunity to take immediate delivery of a beautiful 'as new' Haines 36 Sedan, which offers a substantial saving on a new build without the long factory lead time...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$373,718 *

Shetland Boats Wanted

Windsor (United Kingdom)

ft.

2000

Used

Boats urgently required for purchase. Cash or bank transfer as you prefer. Quick decision. Anywhere UK. Anything considered. Free collection. Polite/prompt service. P...

$26,226 *

Johnson & Jago River Cruiser Canal

United Kingdom

27.82 ft.

1962

Used

River Crusier Canel Boat Used Mainly on Windermere This is a one owner boat that has been lovely looked after and is only being sold due to bereavement. This is ...

$72,055 *

Martham Boat Builders Centre Cockpit (Judith Class)

Norfolk Yacht Agency (United Kingdom)

34.28 ft.

1952

Used

Martham Judith Class centre cockpit Broads Cruiser - built in 1952 by Martham boat builders - Nanni diesel engine on shaft - 4 berth accommodation, toilet, shower, di...

$30,094 *

Duffy Snug Harbor 18

United Kingdom

18.01 ft.

2022

New

100% Electric. Up to 14 hours running time at river speeds. Stock boat, ready to go. Only availability left for 2024. Special offer price £75,500 (new price £83,936)....

$99,002 *

Horizon 3

Smiths Falls (Canada)

44.29 ft.

2018

Used

The Horizon 3 is available through Le Boat ownership program. Itis a bigger boat, allowing larger parties to holiday together. It sleeps up to 7 guests with one...

$268,479 *

Horizon 3 PLUS

Smiths Falls (Canada)

44.29 ft.

2022

Used

The Horizon 3 is available through Le Boat Ownership program. It'sa bigger boat, allowing larger parties to holiday together. It sleeps up to 7 guests with one master...

$579,433 *

Alpha Craft 44

Norfolk Yacht Agency (United Kingdom)

44.0 ft.

2003

Used

Alpha 44 Centre CockpitPowered by a Nanni 62hp diesel engine through hydraulic drive. Fitted out by the 'Native Yacht Company' to a comprehensive private specification...

$170,402 *

Shetland 27

Windsor (United Kingdom)

26.57 ft.

2008

Used

The Shetland 27 is a boat designed & built in Britain. It prides itself on its spacious interior with theadditional benefit of a permanent double berth unde...

Tingdene Boat Sales Limited logo

$48,452 *

Balt Yacht 37 Grand

Bray (United Kingdom)

37.73 ft.

2024

New

The all-new BALT YACHT 37 GRAND - The flagship of the Balt Yacht fleet offers generous accommodation and living space both inside and out, specifically designed for e...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$351,069 *

Horizon 5

Smiths Falls (Canada)

49.18 ft.

2019

Used

The Horizon 5 is available through Le Boat ownership program. It'sthe largest model of our premier Horizon fleet and sleeps up to 12 people in 5 en-suite cabins, as w...

$642,375 *

Duffy Cuddy Cabin 22

United Kingdom

22.01 ft.

2022

New

100% Electric. Up to 14 hours running time at river speeds. Stock boat, ready to go. Only availability left for 2024. Special offer price £85,250 (new price £94,675)....

$111,787 *

Tridente 21

Bray (United Kingdom)

20.67 ft.

2021

Used

Description This one owner Tridente 21 day boat was supplied by ourselves and benefits from the remainder of the Yamaha motor warranty until 2027. The deep cockpit i...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$30,094 *

Duffy Cuddy Cabin 22

United Kingdom

22.01 ft.

2023

New

100% Electric. Up to 14 hours running time at river speeds. Stock boat, ready to go. Only availability left for 2024. Special offer price £85,600 (new price £95,035)....

$112,246 *

Horizon 4

Smiths Falls (Canada)

44.29 ft.

2018

Used

The Horizon 4 is available through the Le Boat Ownership program. With 4 ensuite cabins, the Horizon 4 is a spacious boat for large groups. Its roomy saloon and kitch...

$271,422 *

Balt Yacht 818 Titanium

Maidenhead (United Kingdom)

27.89 ft.

2024

New

2024 Specification Balt Yacht 818 Titanium Information & Features Yamaha F50HET Outboard 4 Stroke Additional Equipment Factory Fitted Options (Incl...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$162,760 *

Balt Yacht SunCamper 35

Bray (United Kingdom)

34.78 ft.

2023

New

This 2023 Balt Yacht SunCamper 35 was supplied by ourselves, and the highest specification sold to date in the UK. Fitted with the largest engine option of the Yamaha...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$209,741 *

Sagar Marine 50 Dutch Barge Replica

Maidenhead (United Kingdom)

49.87 ft.

1997

Used

Description Annie-May is a beautiful Dutch-style replica barge built by Sagar Marina in 1997 and completed by the first owner. The heavy, robust design with a powe...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$144,176 *

Bounty Elysian 27

Norfolk (United Kingdom)

26.84 ft.

1972

Used

A nice size craft for a starter boat and very easy to handle. Fitted with BMC 1.8 diesel engineon a shaft drive. 4 berth accomodation with 1 toilet. A popular craft w...

Tingdene Boat Sales Limited logo

$15,670 *

Broom Boats Navigator Class

Norfolk Yacht Agency (United Kingdom)

35.01 ft.

1961

Used

BROOM NAVIGATOR Powered by a Nanni N4.50 (50hp) diesel engine fitted in 2016. Navigator 1, the original Broom Navigator was extensively renovated in 2016 and is in tru...

P.O.A. *

iSloep 990 Rapida

Bray (United Kingdom)

32.48 ft.

2024

New

The Isloep Rapida 990 is the ultimate dayboat for those looking for a unique combination of sleek styling, luxury, and practicality. With engine options from 57-195hp...

Bray Marine Sales logo

$188,794 *

Duffy Snug Harbor 18

United Kingdom

18.41 ft.

2022

Used

One owner from new and very well maintained and cared for. The Duffy Snug Harbor 18 has seating for nine adults, and boasts many standard luxuries such as ...

$78,612 *

Duffy Snug Harbor 18

United Kingdom

18.01 ft.

2023

New

100% Electric. Up to 14 hours running time at river speeds. Stock boat, ready to go. Only availability left for 2024. Special offer price £74,600, (new price £82,857)...

$97,822 *

Horizon 2

Smiths Falls (Canada)

37.73 ft.

2023

Used

The Horizon 2, is available through Le Boat ownership program. Ithas two en-suite cabins, albeit a smaller master cabin than the Horizon 1 model and a wet room in the...

$214,783 *

Horizon 2 PLUS

Smiths Falls (Canada)

37.73 ft.

2023

New

The Horizon 2, is available through Le Boat Ownership Porgram. Ithas two en-suite cabins, albeit a smaller master cabin than the Horizon 1 model and a wet room in the...

$262,448 *

Horizon 1 PLUS

Smiths Falls (Canada)

37.73 ft.

2021

New

About the Horizon 1 PLUS: The Horizon is available through Le Boat Ownership program. This boat has been designed exclusively for Le Boat with couples in mind! Small ...

$241,264 *

Viking 24 Highline

Reading (United Kingdom)

23.95 ft.

2024

New

WE offer a new Viking 24 available with Mariner 25 or 40hp to Viking factory highline specification . Featuring 4 berth family accommodation with an excellent c...

Tingdene Boat Sales Limited logo

$73,149 *

Delphia 10 sedan

Reading (United Kingdom)

32.15 ft.

2024

New

The Delphia 10 “Sedan” designed by Vri Pack, available with 110 hp diesel. Mindful Cruising with Deacceleration in mind for easy inland waterways navigation. This ex ...

Tingdene Boat Sales Limited logo

$318,540 *

* Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price.

ABOUT RIVER BOATS

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.

 

Main Characteristics of River Boats

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.

 

Types of River Boats

Houseboats

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.

 

Jon Boats

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.

 

Bass Boats

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

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.

 

Canal Boats/Barges

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.

 

Best River Boat Brands

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.

 

Why Choose a River Boat?

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.

 

Why are River Boats Popular?

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.