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
340 New and Used River Boats
$37,998
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
44.0 ft.
|
YEAR:
1974
LOCATION:
Texarkana, Texas (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
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...
$64,500
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
21.0 ft.
|
YEAR:
2016
LOCATION:
Waldport, Oregon (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
POP Sells
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-stroke engine and a...
P.O.A.
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
25.16 ft.
|
YEAR:
2021
LOCATION:
Racine, Wisconsin (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
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 ...
$94,625 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
29.99 ft.
|
YEAR:
1930
LOCATION:
CA (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
During my 30 year career as a classic boat broker I have sold Lady Isabelle 3 times and twice to the same person. She is now based in California and wanting this special little ship to return t...
$17,600 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
14.76 ft.
|
YEAR:
2008
LOCATION:
Kingston on Thames (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
She seats five comfortably and has a reasonable turn of speed. Comes complete with covers and hood, fenders etc but no trailer. The brightwork was revarnished in winter 22/23 and she presents i...
$49,900
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
39.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
1996
LOCATION:
San Diego, California (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
POP Sells
Holiday Mansion 39 Barracuda! Spacious interior with plenty of storage! Is this your next adventure? 1996 Holiday Mansion Barracuda 39 Houseboat has a light and roomy feeling a...
$75,637 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
25.0 ft.
|
YEAR:
2019
LOCATION:
Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
Furthermore being a fan of electric propulsion our client was adamant that a current state of the art system by installed and this was done by Henley Technical Services using a 4kw system. Asid...
$6,950
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
13.12 ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
Palm Beach, Florida (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Nautical Ventures
Customizable Boat: Palm Beach The Whaly 435 is a nearly indestructible and unsinkable polyethylene tender or work boat with a maximum power rating of 30 HP. Its double-walled ...
$141,000
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
54.99 ft.
|
YEAR:
1990
LOCATION:
Peoria, Arizona (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
POP Sells
Very nice 1990 Skipperliner 55 Houseboat! Your home on the water awaits! 1990 Skipperliner 55 X 15 houseboat has been remodeled with some items still needed to be completed. Th...
$6,950
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
13.12 ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
Tampa Bay, Florida (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Nautical Ventures
Customizable Boat: Tampa Bay The Whaly 435 is a nearly indestructible and unsinkable polyethylene tender or work boat with a maximum power rating of 30 HP. Its double-walled p...
$6,950
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
13.12 ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
Sarasota, Florida (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Nautical Ventures
Customizable Boat: Sarasota The Whaly 435 is a nearly indestructible and unsinkable polyethylene tender or work boat with a maximum power rating of 30 HP. Its double-walled po...
$44,095 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
23.2 ft.
|
YEAR:
1961
LOCATION:
Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
This particular boat was subject to a rebuild by its previous owners Jan and Mike Stanton who are known to many as the voice of the Traditional Boat Festival. When they moved away from the Tham...
$88,253 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
39.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
1936
LOCATION:
THAMES (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
The builders were named Frasier and their yard was in Megavissey where the Maritime Museum is now located. It was built of pitch pine on oak as a private motoryacht although much of the yard's ...
$6,950
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
13.12 ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
Stuart, Florida (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Nautical Ventures
Customizable Boat: Stuart The Whaly 435 is a nearly indestructible and unsinkable polyethylene tender or work boat with a maximum power rating of 30 HP. Its double-walled poly...
P.O.A. *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
2000
LOCATION:
Leicestershire (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
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...
$24,602 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
18.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
1960
LOCATION:
Henley on Thames (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
How do we know about the origins ? A piece of newspaper was found on board from the early sixties and an overseas visitor to the Thames Traditional Boat Festival immediately identified her as h...
$6,950
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
13.12 ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
Nautical Ventures
Customizable Boat: Fort Lauderdale The Whaly 435 is a nearly indestructible and unsinkable polyethylene tender or work boat with a maximum power rating of 30 HP. Its double-wa...
$41,500
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
27.99 ft.
|
YEAR:
2005
LOCATION:
Sunny Isles, (United States of America)
OFFERED BY:
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.
$88,316 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
33.99 ft.
|
YEAR:
1894
LOCATION:
Venice (Italy)
OFFERED BY:
Henley Sales and Charter
Subsequently the boat was resold to a customer in Venice starting a charter business with electric boats. He had the boat fitted with a state of the art electric propulsion system and Lady Bett...
$5,040 *
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
United Kingdom
OFFERED BY:
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...
$69,328 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
27.82 ft.
|
YEAR:
1962
LOCATION:
United Kingdom
OFFERED BY:
Private seller
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 BoatBuilt in 1962 by Johnson and Jago of Leigh-on-Sea, Esse...
$12,610 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
2021
LOCATION:
United Kingdom
OFFERED BY:
Acaster Marine
River 420XR This is a well equipped version complete with. Sports seats Console A Frame 500 Extreme Bunked Trailer 25 HP EFI Tohatsu (4 Years Warranty) 30 hours only Boat Cover Engine Cover "Ri...
$18,477 *
CONDITION:
New
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
2022
LOCATION:
United Kingdom
OFFERED BY:
Acaster Marine
River 460 XR "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, functionality an...
P.O.A. *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
1990
LOCATION:
Leicestershire (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
David Mawby Boat Sales
Wanted modern inland waterways cruisers, must be in original condition, cash waiting for right boats, quick decision made, can collect anywhere in uk. Also boats for sale.Please call.
$5,993 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
14.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
LOCATION:
Oxfordshire (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers
Wooden Ships Comments on this Electric River Launch Iain Oughtred Grebe rowing boat, professionally built by a retired boat builder in 1996 for his own use but never launched. Purchased by th...
$119,851 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
35.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
2018
LOCATION:
East Farliegh, Kent (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Network Yacht Brokers
Remarks : 2018 River Pod for sale in Kent This is a very rare opportunity to buy a River Pod 35 houseboat which, subject to separate negotiations is available with an annual river mooring that h...
$24,602 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
20.01 ft.
|
YEAR:
LOCATION:
United Kingdom
OFFERED BY:
Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers
Wooden Ships Comments on this Varnished River Launch Built in 1950 by Allday Austin, Guildford as a work vessel for the River Way Conservancy. Major professional refit in last 3 years with ...
$25,233 *
CONDITION:
Used
LENGTH:
ft.
|
YEAR:
2000
LOCATION:
Windsor (United Kingdom)
OFFERED BY:
Boat Discovery
Boats urgently required for purchase. Cash or bank transfer as you prefer. Quick decision. Anywhere UK. Anything considered. Free collection. Polite/prompt service. Please call mobileanytime.
* 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.