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

300 New and Used River Boats

boat-cover

Used

44.0 ft.

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1974

Texarkana, Texas (United States of America)

POP Sells

RIVER QUEEN 44 HOUSEBOAT LOVINGLY RESTORED TO FULL GLORY GREAT LOOP This 1974 River Queen is a 44' houseboat located in Texarkana, Texas. Manufactured and designed near Lake Mi...

boat-cover

Used

25.98 ft.

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2014

Kewaunee, Wisconsin (United States of America)

Yachtworks

FRESH WATER - VERY WELL MAINTAINED - READY TO FISH RIGHT NOW This Scout 262 Abaco is a popular walkaround fishing boat with plenty of space for all your gear. Powered by a 350hp Yamaha engine a...

boat-cover

Used

21.0 ft.

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2016

Waldport, Oregon (United States of America)

POP Sells

***SALE PENDING*** A 2016 North River Seahawk 21 with Yamaha 9.9 Kicker! Trailer included! This 2016 North River Seahawk 21 is a versatile vessel that comes with a Honda 150 4-...

boat-cover

New

25.16 ft.

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2021

Racine, Wisconsin (United States of America)

Worldwide Yacht Sales

Available Now, Fresh water 2021 North RIver 23 Fastback! Even the fish will want your phone number – thenewNorth River Fastback.The Fastback exudes a progressive look and is ...

boat-cover

Used

70.01 ft.

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2000

Little Rock, Arkansas (United States of America)

POP Sells

Beautiful 16x70 Monticello Houseboat! Good and Clean Condition! Well Maintained! Experience luxury and adventure on the water with our meticulously maintained Monticello 16x70 ...

boat-cover

Used

27.99 ft.

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2005

Sunny Isles, (United States of America)

FYI Yachts

This is a nice example of a well-kept Bayliner 285 that is ready to cruise today! Contact Peter Kelly to setup your private showing at.

boat-cover

Used

29.99 ft.

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1930

CA (United States of America)

Henley Sales and Charter

Of course all Dunkirk Little Ships are unique with their link being their presence and participation in Operation Dynamo when the British navy was boosted by hundreds of small ships which had b...

boat-cover

Unknown

$32,495 *

New

0.0 ft.

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The Warren (United States of America)

Ideal Boat

MULE PRO DXT *****Special Offer Warren Display Model Save £3600***** The utility vehicle of choice for many. The MULE Pro-DXT stands at the top of the Kawasaki MULE series...

boat-cover

Used

27.82 ft.

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1962

United Kingdom

Private seller

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 a Hand Crafted BoatBu...

boat-cover

Used

35.01 ft.

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1961

Norfolk Yacht Agency (United Kingdom)

Norfolk Yacht Agency Ltd

BROOM NAVIGATOR Powered by a Nanni N4.50 (50hp) diesel engine fitted in 2016. Navigator 1, the original Broom Navigator has undergone extensive renovation in her current ownership and is in trul...

boat-cover

Used

34.28 ft.

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1952

Norfolk Yacht Agency (United Kingdom)

Norfolk Yacht Agency Ltd

Martham Judith Class centre cockpit Broads Cruiser - built in 1952 by Martham boat builders - Nanni diesel engine on shaft - 4 berth accommodation, toilet, shower, diesel warm air heating, 240v...

boat-cover

Used

25.0 ft.

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2019

Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

Blue Duck is the result of several months of collaboration between a discerning client and her chosen boatbuilder, Hamish Patterson of PBW in Hawkshead. The client knew she wanted something bes...

boat-cover

Used

ft.

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2000

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

Viking, Atlanta, Mayland and Shetland cruisers For sale and wanted, all come with Hulls polished,new antifouling,new mooring ropes,clean fenders,engine oil changed and fully cleaned,also free d...

boat-cover

Sheerline 950

$104,394 *

Used

31.07 ft.

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2002

Wargrave (United Kingdom)

Val Wyatt Marine

Sheerline 950 fitted with a single Nanni 64hp diesel with shaft drive. This well presented example is the ideal river cruiser offering two forward berths and one aft, large soc...

boat-cover

Barge WIDEBEAM

$310,682 *

Used

78.74 ft.

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2002

Goole (United Kingdom)

Karl Farrant Marine Sales Limited

Widebeam Barge A unique and rare opportunity to purchase a Widebeam Barge of this proportion. Built by French & Peel in 2002 and refitted in 2021/22 by her current owner 'The Pit Stop' has...

boat-cover

Used

29.36 ft.

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2000

Alphen aan den Rijn (Netherlands)

Smitsjachtmakelaardij

Perfect onderhouden Marex 280 Holiday met veel recentelijk gedaan onderhoud. De boot ligt voor u klaar en is gereed om direct mee weg te varen. De huidige eigenaren zijn de eerste eigenaren en ...

boat-cover

New

ft.

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2022

United Kingdom

Acaster Marine

River 420 Open (Boat Only) "River Boats" have been offering high quality boats for Fishing and recreational use since 1995. The award winning modular design focuses on high levels of safety, fu...

boat-cover

Used

29.53 ft.

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2023

Wargrave (United Kingdom)

Val Wyatt Marine

The Intercruiser 29 features the traditional aft helm, familiar with a Dutch sloop, this gives a very social cockpit with seating for 9, an upper galley, fridge and in the cabi...

boat-cover

Used

31.0 ft.

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1951

Norfolk (United Kingdom)

Boatshed

An extremely well presented Clipper River class cruiser that has been professionally rebuilt! The list is as follows: 2016: 20 new ribs with fastenings 300ft of new planking 70ft repl...

boat-cover

Used

40.03 ft.

|

1987

France

Le Boat Brokerage

Equipments - ARM - BATTERY - BIMINI TOP - CONVERTIBLE - CHARGER - HEATING - WATER HEATER - 12V CIRCUIT - CIRCUIT 220 V - 24V CIRCUIT - CONVERTER - COCKPIT CUSHIONS...

boat-cover

Used

37.24 ft.

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1982

France

Le Boat Brokerage

Equipments - ARM - BATTERY - TRANSFORMABLE SQUARE - WATER HEATER - 12V CIRCUIT - CIRCUIT 220 V - CONVERTER - COOKER - OVEN - MICROWAVE - SOLAR PANEL - BILGE PUMP ...

boat-cover

Used

41.34 ft.

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1987

France

Le Boat Brokerage

Equipments - ARM - BATTERY - BIMINI TOP - TRANSFORMABLE SQUARE - CHARGER - HEATING - WATER HEATER - 12V CIRCUIT - CIRCUIT 220 V - 24V CIRCUIT - COCKPIT TEAK - CONV...

boat-cover

New

ft.

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2023

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

For Sale New Viking 26 Wide Beam Golden Crown Edition ( 2 IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE STRAIGHT AWAY), Length 26ft, Beam 9ft 3ins, Built 2023, 6 Berths, LIFT OUT COCKPIT SIDES FOR EASY ACCESS, WARM A...

boat-cover

New

ft.

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2023

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

For Sale New Viking 23 HiLine Spec, Length 23ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Folding windscreen for low bridges, cooker with 2 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge (12 and 240 volt), hot and cold water system, ...

boat-cover

Used

ft.

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2006

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

For Sale Superb Viking 22 HiLine Spec, Length 22ft, Beam 7ft8ins, Built 2006, 4 Berths, Folding Windscreen for low bridges, cooker with 4 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge, shower, cassette toil...

boat-cover

Used

35.1 ft.

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2015

Chertsey (United Kingdom)

Karl Farrant Marine Sales Limited

Broom 35 Coupe with Optional Thames Mooring A stylish semi-displacement sea-going motor cruiser that is also very versatile for inland cruising, finished with a modern and contemporary feel. T...

boat-cover

Used

14.76 ft.

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2008

Kingston on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

Built by Rivers and Tides in Germany fifteen years ago then finished to my specification by Dennetts here on the Thames and with just two owners from new, Moules Frites is a smart and unique 17...

boat-cover

Used

39.01 ft.

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1936

THAMES (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

How many vessels can witness their original builder coming on board aged over 90 at the helm of a boat built by them decades earlier? Merita is one of these rare birds, built in Falmouth and re...

* 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.