Although many different speed boats might share the same characteristics such as a slick, slimline design that is perfect for cutting through the water at speed, you may be surprised to discover how varied they can be between models.

If you are looking for a speed boat that is perfect for wakeboarding, for instance, Axis Boats have the design, styling and performance traits that make it a great choice for that pursuit.

Let’s take a look at the main differences to consider when looking at speed boats.

The V-Hull design is the standard-bearer for speed boat design

The hull design that could be described as the quintessential blueprint for speed boat design is the classic V-bottom hull.

As you would expect from the name, the shape of the boat’s hull is unmistakably v-shaped. A typical high-performance boat with a V-bottom hull shape is usually somewhere between 20 and 50 feet long.

This shape allows the boat to cut through the water at speed. It is often the case that you can use the boat in bigger and deeper seas when you have a longer V-bottom speed boat.

More horsepower with a catamaran

If your top priority is a high-performance speed boat you might want to look at a power catamaran design.

The catamaran design is very distinctive with two hulls and a central decking area. They work by packing air under the hull. This allows a catamaran to deliver more horsepower than a V-hull design.

The ideal boat for fishing trips

Next on the list of design options is a fast center console boat. This is a design that is still very focused on speed and performance but allows more people on board to enjoy the experience.

A center console boat offers a lot more deck space than a typical speed boat and seating options are more varied. If you want to go on fishing trips as a party but still enjoy the thrill of a performance boat the center console design is a good choice.

This design is built for the open seas

There is obviously a world of difference between cruising around a lake at speed and cutting through waves and tackling ocean conditions.

If you are planning on buying a speed boat that will cope with ocean conditions an offshore speed boat is what you should be looking at.

The clue is in the name. It is a larger speed boat that is often between 35 and 50 feet long. This gives you the length and the strength to cope with rougher waters.

As you can see, speed boats are not all built the same. Although the concept of high performance and speed are at the heart of each design they all fulfill a different purpose and cater to a slightly different audience.

Once you decide which type of speed boat is best for your needs and interests you can then start looking at the brands that have focused their designs on delivering a boat that ticks all of the right boxes.

Whether you have a need for speed or want to cruise in style and comfort, there is a speed boat brand and design that will be just perfect and give you everything you want.