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Types of Crabbing Boats

From Alaska to Mississippi, crabbing has been a form of food gathering, work and fun for years. Crabs can be caught with bait or with nets. Either way, the fisherman will need a sturdy boat that can handle the weight of the crabs pulled in. The best way to decide what type of crabbing boat you need is to become familiar with the weather and water conditions of the area where you will be crabbing, then decide how much room you will need inside your boat.

Flat Bottom
- This type of crab boat has a flat bottom and square front. It is best for shallow, calm waters and doesn't do well in rough seas.
Semi V
- This type of crab boat is very stable. It rides better than a flat bottom boat in wind and rough seas, but there is less room inside the boat because of the pointed bow.
V Boats
- This type of crab boat handles best in rough water. However, because of its deeper draft (the amount of boat below the surface of the water) it is not suitable for crabbing in very shallow water.
Cabin on Stern
- On this type of boat, the captain can see the whole deck, but the deck is not sheltered from wind and spray.
Cabin on Bow
- On this type of boat, the cabin acts as a shield against wind and spray for the crew working on deck.

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