Which type of watercraft is considered by the U.S. Coast Guard as inboard vessels?

The term "inboard vessels" refers to watercraft that rely on an engine located within the hull to propel them, rather than on external propulsion devices. Personal watercraft, which typically encompass jet skis and similar craft, may be considered inboard vessels because they feature engines mounted within the structure of the craft.

Sailboats primarily rely on wind power for propulsion and may have an auxiliary engine that is often considered external, while canoes and fishing boats can be paddled or have outboard engines that do not classify them as inboard. Therefore, personal watercraft are correctly identified as inboard vessels in the context of U.S. Coast Guard definitions, as they operate based on an engine that is integral to the craft's hull design.