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

278 New and Used River Boats

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Used

29.99 ft.

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1930

Newport Beach,CA (United States of America)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

21.0 ft.

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2016

Waldport, Oregon (United States of America)

POP Sells

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New

25.16 ft.

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2021

Racine, Wisconsin (United States of America)

Worldwide Yacht Sales Inc

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Used

44.0 ft.

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1974

Texarkana, Texas (United States of America)

POP Sells

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Used

21.0 ft.

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2023

Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

ft.

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2000

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

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Used

14.76 ft.

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2008

Kingston on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

39.01 ft.

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1996

San Diego, California (United States of America)

POP Sells

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Used

25.0 ft.

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2019

Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

18.01 ft.

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1960

Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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New

13.12 ft.

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2022

Stuart, Florida (United States of America)

Nautical Ventures

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New

13.12 ft.

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2022

Tampa Bay, Florida (United States of America)

Nautical Ventures

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New

13.12 ft.

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2022

Sarasota, Florida (United States of America)

Nautical Ventures

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Used

54.99 ft.

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1990

Peoria, Arizona (United States of America)

POP Sells

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New

13.12 ft.

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2022

Palm Beach, Florida (United States of America)

Nautical Ventures

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Used

39.01 ft.

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1936

THAMES (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

23.2 ft.

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1961

Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)

Henley Sales and Charter

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New

13.12 ft.

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2022

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (United States of America)

Nautical Ventures

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Used

35.01 ft.

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2018

East Farliegh, Kent (United Kingdom)

Network Yacht Brokers

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Used

33.99 ft.

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1894

Venice (Italy)

Henley Sales and Charter

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Used

27.82 ft.

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1962

United Kingdom

Private seller

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Used

ft.

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1990

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

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New

ft.

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2022

United Kingdom

Acaster Marine

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New

ft.

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2022

United Kingdom

Acaster Marine

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Used

ft.

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2021

United Kingdom

Acaster Marine

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Used

20.01 ft.

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United Kingdom

Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers

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Used

14.01 ft.

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Oxfordshire (United Kingdom)

Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers

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New

ft.

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2023

Leicestershire (United Kingdom)

David Mawby Boat Sales

* 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.