Best Types of Boats for Lakes in Grand Haven
Published on Jan 07, 2026
Whether you’re enjoying the boating lifestyle on Lake Michigan, Spring Lake, or Mona Lake, you want to be sure you’ve got the right vessel for the job. Maybe you’re with your coworkers hoping to enjoy a relaxing day on the water or maybe you’re a family of watersports enthusiasts looking for thrilling rides. No matter your desires, you need a boat designed for the recreational activities you’re interested in.
Best Boat Types for Lakes
Cabin Cruisers
If you’re planning a day on Lake Michigan, though, you’ll want a boat that’s capable of handling choppier waters. Enclosed cabins, galleys, heads, refrigerators, ice makers, and multiple holding tanks provide everything you need for long days and even overnight stays. You can plan various activities during the day, then kick back inside the cabin, break out some board games, and have a relaxing evening.
Pontoon Boats
With unmatched deck space, pontoon boats are popular boats for lakes of all sizes, especially if you want a smooth ride. Many boaters prefer pontoons for their plush seating, which are certain to provide hours of family fun. Ideal for the calm waters of Spring Lake or Mona Lake, residents of Grand Haven love pontoons for fishing, swimming, or simply unwind on the water.
Fishing Boats
When you think of lake boats, you likely think of fishing or bass boats. Especially well-suited for inland lakes, such as Spring Lake, these small boats often have a trolling motor, electronics, rod holders, ample storage, prep station, casting platform, side entry doors, and are designed specifically for fishing. So, if you’re a fan of lake salmon, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch, you’re sure to get a lot of use out of a purpose-built fishing boat.
Jet Skis
It wouldn’t be a complete list without mentioning jet skis and personal watercraft. If you’ve got a family of thrill seekers who want speed, maneuverability, and excitement, jet skis can’t be beat. As a way to explore lakes and narrow channels, their small size gives them a distinct advantage over other boats, which are often a lot larger and less equipped to get into (and out of) secluded hideaways and small islands.
Wakesurf Boats
We’ve blogged about how to shop for a wakesurf boat before, so it’s probably not surprising that we’re big fans of water sports here at Gull Lake Marine. Designed with a V-shaped hull to create perfect waves, quality wakesurf boats also have powerful engines, which make all the difference when you’re trying to get the most out of your time on the lake.
Need Help Finding the Right Boat?
At Gull Lake Marine, we offer the largest selection of lake boats in Grand Rapids, Richland, Kalamazoo, and beyond. If you’ve been looking for the perfect boat for your adventures on the lakes, you can rest assured that we’ll help you find it. Be sure to check out our selection online and, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
