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10 Best Boats Under $50,000

Ranger Z175

Scouts 231 XS

Roughneck 1760

If you’re new to the world of boating, one of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make from the get-go is – which boat to get. Granted, you want one that’s adorned with all the bells and whistles that add to its appeal. But the one limiting factor you’ll have to contend with is the price.

Boats don’t come cheap. It also doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality either. Otherwise, you might just end up with a lemon you can get rid of.

What most people may not be aware of is the fact that you can become a boat owner with $50,000 or less. That’s right. You don’t have to break the bank to join this exclusive club of water lovers.

This guide explores the 10 best boats under $50,000, as well as some helpful tips you can use to choose the best one.

Winns Horizon 190 (Best Bowrider Boat)

Four Winns is no stranger to the boating world. If you’re looking for an entry-level bowrider boat that fits within the under-50k price range, you can’t go wrong with the Winns Horizon 190 .

The H190 model retails at around $36,000 while the H190 RS goes for around $38,000, which is pretty affordable for a boat with its specs. It can comfortably sit up to nine individuals without feeling too cramped and is pretty stable on the water thanks in large part to its large V-hull. So, you can make some sharp turns at moderately high speeds without losing balance.

Overall, the Winns Horizon offers great value for money and is perfect for a day out on the open water.

● Can comfortably seat a large number of people ● It is pretty stable on the water even when making sharp turns at high speeds ● It is backed by a lifetime structural-hull warranty

● Doesn’t offer sun protection

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage (Best Center Console Boat)

Center Console boats, or CCs for short, are excellent multi-purpose crafts. They have wide walkways that surround the cabin, which makes it easy for passengers to get around without obstructing each other.

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is an excellent option if you’re looking for a functional CC that delivers on both performance and utility. Although the new 2020 model retails for over $200,000 depending on the custom features you want to be installed, it is possible to find older used models that retail for $50,000 or slightly less.

The cabin can comfortably sleep three adults and comes with standard features like a fridge, lockable storage, toilet, and microwave. The Outrage also has standard amenities that include a 30-gallon Livewell, insulated fish boxes, deck rod holders, transom rod holders, and a bait prep station that comes equipped with a sink.

● Fully customizable ● Designed for anglers ● Ideal for overnight trips

● Prices go up the more custom features it has

2021 SunDeck 2200 DC OB (Best Deck Boat)

A great deck boat you can get for under $50,000 is the 2017 Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC OB that costs between $35,000 and $45,000 depending on the features it has. The price of a brand new 2021 SunDeck 2200 DC OB could range anywhere from $61,000 to $80,000 and is fully customizable according to your tastes and preferences.Deck boats look a lot like bowriders except for the seating capacity and the shape of the hull. They can accommodate more people and have a rounded V-hull, which makes them more spacious than bowriders. This makes them perfect for good old-fashioned fishing or entertaining.

Standard features include a half canopy, cup holder, cell phone holder, charging port, keeper netting, helm storage, center-deck bi-fold door, and lots more.

● Large 10-passenger seating capacity ● Features are fully customizable ● The price point of a brand new boat isn’t too bad, either

● Not built for overnight trips

Fishing boats generally come in two flavors – bass boats and aluminum fishing boats. Both of these are fairly similar, although bass boats have uber-powerful trolling motors that allow them to catch largemouth bass. Another difference is the fact that anglers can cast at the front or back to get just the right angle.

A great bass boat to consider is the Ranger Z175 that retails for around $30,000, although the price can go up depending on the add-on features you want to be installed. While it may not be as powerful as some of the premium bass boat models around, this fiberglass craft still delivers outstanding performance at every turn.

It can comfortably accommodate two to four anglers at a go and comes with pretty swanky onboard Lowrance electronics, in addition to fuel, speed, trim, and tach gauges at the helm. It uses a Minn Kota Edge 70 24V trolling motor and has a high-performance anti-feedback steering wheel.

● Great value for money ● Easy to tow and fits in standard garages ● Has an offset full-featured console for ample legroom

● Tends to use up more gas than average

Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk (Best Aluminum Fishing Boat)

Aluminum fishing boats are generally favored by most anglers because of the stability they offer. If you like the idea of a budget fishing boat, then you’ll like what the Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk brings to the table in terms of performance and functionality. It boasts a roomy casting deck and can comfortably accommodate up to five anglers at any given time.

It has a total of 13 storage compartments and even has a central rod locker that can hold up to 15 rods measuring up to 8 inches in length. You might also like the 28-gallon Livewell to store your catch. The 1750 Bass Hawk retails for around $30,000, although the price can go up depending on the custom features you want to be installed.

The price is inclusive of the boat, the Mercury 115 HP EFI 4-stroke engine, and a Shoreland’r Trailer. That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask us.

● Price includes boat, engine, and trailer ● Fully customizable ● Uses less gas than fiberglass models

● Tends to blow around in the wind when not anchored since the aluminum hull makes it quite light

Bennington SX24 Swingback (Best Pontoon Boat)

Pontoons are essentially flatboats mounted on top of hollow tubes or “pontoons” to remain afloat. They come in several different versions ranging from catamaran-type crafts to the inflatable kind – although these tend to be less durable in the long term and don’t come with exciting features worth mentioning. They are, however, pretty cheap and are a great option if you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on a boat.

If you’re looking for a decent pontoon craft with a host of comfort and convenience features, the Bennington SX24 Swingback is a great choice and retails for around $46,000. It has a well-thought-out floor plan that supports dual seating capability. So, passengers can sit facing forward or backward depending on the furniture position.

Standard features include mood lighting, a weatherproof audio system, $50 HP 4-stroke high thrust 20-inch engine, base furniture with Simtex (SX) upholstery, co-captain seat exchange, rod holders, and lots more.

● Fully customizable ● Ideal for fishing, waterskiing, or cruising ● Designed for comfort

● Wide turning radius

Catalina 22 Sport (Best Sailboat)

Sailboats are exactly what they sound like – boats that use sails to harness the power of the wind to propel them and maintain their cruising speed. Some often come equipped with motor engines to help them navigate rough waters, or on days when the wind is not sufficient.

These vessels come in several different flavors, each of which brings a little something different to the table. There are cruisers, racing sailboats, and daysailers, each of which may have a mono-hull, dual-hull (catamarans), or a tri-hull (trimarans). The prices for each vary depending on the comfort, convenience, and performance features it offers.

The Catalina 22 Sport is an excellent option for individuals looking for sailboats in the $40,000 to $50,000 range. It not only looks great but also comes fully-loaded with the latest accessories and gear you would expect to find in a cruising sailboat.

It has an open cabin that can comfortably sleep a small family of four, making it ideal for overnight stays. It handles well and is quite stable even in rough waters, making it ideal for racing too. Overall, the Catalina delivers a ton of value for its price.

● Perfect for day cruising, overnight stay, and racing ● Great value for money ● Comfortably accommodates a small family of four

● Interior upholstery looks slightly dated

Gekko Revo 6.7 (Best Ski Boat)

If you’re crazy about water skiing and are looking for a budget ski boat that’s built for speed and handles well, the Gekko Revo 6.7 might interest you. It looks great on the water and has a solid fiberglass hull that’s designed for surfing and riding.

The best part about it is its price tag, with the 2017 model retailing for between $40,000 and $45,000 depending on the specs. Standard features include an infinity sound system, digital dashboard for speed settings, CIPA 360 vision mirror, fast-fold tower, and a Boatmate trailer.

It also comes with Sirius Satellite Radio and an iPad/iPhone control. The Revo 6.7 also delivers a ton of fun in marine sports.

● Great value for money ● Multiple speed settings available ● Fully customizable

● May not be ideal for fishing

Bay boats essentially bridge the gap between small flats boats with shallow drafts and large vessels with deep hulls built for open waters. So, what you end up with is a hybrid boat that can navigate inshore water bodies but stable enough to handle deeper offshore waters.

When looking for the best bay boat, the keyword to remember is versatility . You want a craft that can do just about anything, whether you’re using it inshore or offshore. The Scouts 231 XS bay boat fits the bill perfectly. A brand new one retails for around $78,000, although it is possible to find a used model that costs between $50,000 and $65,000.

Keep in mind that because of the hybrid nature of bay boats, most of them come with a hefty price tag attached. So, finding a new one that costs under $50,000 is nearly impossible. If you can find a used one that’s in great shape and save tens of thousands of bucks in the process, go right ahead!

Standard features of the 231 XS include a self-bailing cockpit, bow storage, flush mount cup, and rod holders, an aerated baitwell, console rod racks, lockable storage boxes, and lots more. The hull is made from 100% hand-laid fiberglass, which makes it one of the most durable bay boats we’ve come across.

● Comes with tons of features ● Fully customizable ● Can be used for fishing, skiing, and a variety of other water sports

● A brand new 231 XS costs more than $50,000

As far as basic utilitarian boats go, the most recognizable ones of the bunch are Jon boats. They are typically made of aluminum, although there are few you’ll come across that are made of fiberglass or polyethylene.

They are simple, with most having nothing more than a few built-in bench seats and a motor at the back. Of all the different types of boats that exist, these are the least expensive. This, however, comes at the expense of comfort and convenience.

If you’re not looking to spend more than $10,000 on a boat, the Roughneck 1760 might be just the thing for you. It has a passenger capacity of five people and an outboard HP range of between 15 and 50. It has a tough all-aluminum construction with a Mercury 4-Stroke engine that comes with a factory-installed steering console.

It also comes equipped with a pedestal fishing seat assembly, a Livewell for your catch, and is available in a host of colors ranging from dead grass green to Mossy Oak camouflage. Standard Roughneck 1760 Jon boats retail for $9,800.

● Easy to transport ● Virtually maintenance-free ● Affordable

● Doesn’t have any comfort/convenience features

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Boats

With so many different types of boats out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. If you are a first-time buyer, you’ll need to figure out all the different types of vessels that exist, what they are used for, and where you’ll use them.

The type of boat you’ll need to zoom through the open ocean is vastly different from the one you would need to cruise along leisurely on a tranquil lake or harbor. The same applies if you intend to go wakeboarding , or if you plan to find a nice quiet spot to hunt for tuna.

Whatever boating activity you intend to engage in, you’ll need the right vessel for the job. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the popular boat styles you may want to consider.

1. Bowriders

Bowriders are designed to have a comfortable seating area in front of the cockpit or the “bow” as it is commonly called. It’s exciting to sit up there, particularly when the boat is cruising at high speeds. It almost feels as though you’re flying through the water.

The great thing about them is how versatile they are. So, you can use them for a relaxing afternoon spent catching up with friends over drinks and light snacks, or for water sports.

2. Center Console Boats

Center consoles or “CCs” are designed with the control station at the center of the boat to provide easier access to the sides of the boat, as well as the bow and stern. If you’ve ever hooked a big catch that’s given you quite a bit of trouble when trying to reel it in, then you know –  fish don’t care about which side of the boat you prefer to work on.

A boat with a side console will likely get in your way at some point in the process. Center console boats, on the other hand, allow you to move around freely without any hindrance. They also come with plenty of storage for your catch and fishing equipment.

3. Deck Boats

Deck boats look and work a lot like bowriders, except that they have a lot more room in their general layout, thanks in large part to their wide bow design. While you can use them for water sports like water skiing, they likely won’t perform as well as the vessels specifically designed for these activities.

Deck boats are mainly for leisure and entertainment.

4. Bass Boats

Contrary to what you might believe, bass boats have nothing to do with music – if that’s what you were thinking. They are used specifically for bass fishing due to their sleek shape and low profile. This allows them to move through the water with minimal disturbance.

Most models can only hold between two and four people at a time and are built for recreational fishing, high performance, professional/competitive angling, or multi-purpose fishing expeditions.

5. Aluminum Fishing Boats

These are fishing boats that have an all-aluminum hull. They are favored by a wide range of anglers because of how rugged, lightweight, and easy to transport they are.

6. Pontoon Boat

If wide-open deck space and stability matter a great deal to you, then a pontoon boat might be just what you’re looking for. The boat is essentially a deck that sits on top of two cylindrical hollow tubes (pontoons) that give it buoyancy.

They tend to be cheaper than other boats, provide excellent stability, and are great for entertaining. They don’t do well in rough waters, though.

7. Sailboat

Sailboats have a sail to harness the power of the wind for propulsion. These require a certain level of skill to know which way to point the sail to move the boat in the direction you want. Most of them also have a built-in motor for better handling in rough waters and on low-wind days.

8. Ski and Wakeboard Boats

If water sports are your thing, then ski, and wakeboard boats are what you need. They are purposefully designed to create wakes for the skier and wakeboarder, as they displace water along their path.

Ski boats provide flatter wakes while wakeboard crafts provide larger surfing wakes. These types of boats are generally difficult to use for anything else other than water sports.

9. Bay Boat

Bay boats are hybrids that can be used both inshore and offshore. So, you can use them in the shallow waters of lakes and harbors, as well as in deeper ocean waters. They are suitable for a wide range of waterborne activities like fishing, skiing, and a wide range of water sports.

10. Jon Boat

Legend has it that these boats were once called Jack boats. But, as time went on, people started calling them Jon boats since the name “John” is a common variant to “Jack.”

A Jon boat is the general name for all flat-bottomed boats with a square-cut bow. These boats aren’t stable in choppy waters, so they may not be ideal for use in the ocean. They are designed for calm and shallow waters.

They are usually quite cheap and therefore don’t have all the comfort features you would expect to find in other more luxurious boats. Most people use them for fishing.

Function Trumps Price – Always

There you have it – the best boats under $50,000. While it may sound like a lot of money – it’s not. Not in the boating world anyway.

As much as price plays an important role in your decision, it shouldn’t be the primary reason for buying a particular boat. What you intend to use it for should be the main determinant. Any of the boats discussed in this guide would be a great starting point. Happy boating!

In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a new wakeboard boat, check out our comprehensive review on the best wakeboard boats for 2020 .

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

DAWN FAIR on May 6, 2022

I’m going to be a new boat owner and Im considering a 21 ft, 2021 Hurricane SD 217 … Outboard motor Suzuki 175. Its nice, but I am worried that I’ll be in the open ocean alot, not too far from shore tho, with all day trips (5 hrs or so) up and down the coast. Is this boat acceptable for that? Ive heard different opinions that deck boats should not be in the open ocean.

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17 Popular Boats Under 50,000 (with Pictures & Prices)

Thinking about getting a boat? There are plenty to choose from and one of the best ways to narrow down your choices is to go by price range.

We’ve done some of the research for you by compiling a list of great boats that will run you anywhere from $30,000 to about $50,000.

Table of Contents

3 Bowriders Under 50 Grand

A bowrider is a type of power or motorboat which has a seating area near the bow (or the forward portion of the boat).

They’re generally used for recreation but can vary in style and amenities other than in regard to their seating. Most of the boats in this category are strictly for relaxing with your friends and family (water skiing, inner-tubing, sunbathing, etc.).

1) Four Winns Horizon 190 ($40,000)

Four Winns Horizon boats have been popular for a long time. But did you know you can own one for less than $40,000? A 19 foot Four Winns Horizon 190 fits just in our price range.

It can seat up to nine people comfortably but that doesn’t mean that it sacrifices power for comfort. It has a Stable V Hull which will allow you to make some mighty tight turns without losing stability. You can choose a range of engines with the fastest getting up to 270 horsepower.

Yup, we’re talking about a Volvo Pento engine.

The bucket seats with wrap-around back ensure that you’re as comfortable as your passengers as you park it right out in the middle of the lake so your guests can slide right off the swim platform and climb right back up again on the deep swim ladder.

You’ll also have plenty of storage for your cooler and gear. Just don’t forget the sunblock.

2) Yamaha SX210

For decades, Yamaha has been known for making quality products. One example of this is the Yamaha SX210. It’s a great bowrider that has both premium amenities and power (which should come to no surprise to anyone who has ever owned a Yamaha vehicle (two wheels, four wheels, or propelled boat). The SX210 comes with two 110-horsepower engines.

It can definitely get up and go.

In addition to all of its power, it also has comfortable seating, a two-tiered swim platform, cupholders, backrest cushions, hinged storage compartments, and can accommodate up to ten people. It comes in a variety of different colors and includes and matching painted trailer with a swing-away tongue and disc brakes.

It’s got style, power, and comfort. What more can you ask for?

3) Bayliner 215 BR ($33,600)

The Bayliner 215 BR bowrider is a spacious and powerful boat at 20 and a half feet. It is built for relaxation, fishing, or water skiing. The comfortable bucket seats and the large L-shaped settee is great for relaxing and soaking in some rays.

Not to mention, it has a large sunbed (in the aft) as well as the convertible sunbed in the bow.

You can lay back and wait for the fish to bite or just lay back with a book.

Meanwhile, the powerful engine can easily handle any sort of water sport you want to throw at it. The 215 BR is a jack of all trades.

4 Center Consoles Under 50 Grand

Center console boats are named after the central location of the steering column. These little boats are great for runabouts or relaxing. But if you want to use it at its full potential, center consoles make great fishing boats.

The deep V-hulls make for smooth rides, even if you’re far away from shore. The outboard motors are durable and can handle its fair share of choppy waves. These normally have some great seating as well.

Some of the styles come with a cover to help in the hot sun, which comes in handy no matter what you’re doing out in the water.

Center console boats are generally pricier than $50,000 but can fall in our price range when we look at used boats. We’ve scanned a few of the listings online to see which pre-owned center console boats are on the market for under $50k.

4) Boston Whaler 28/290 Outrage (~ $40,000 to $80,000)

This is a great multipurpose fishing boat that was in production between 1999 and 2003. It has wide walkways that circle the cabin, which make it easy for passengers to get around without bumping into each other. Her forward seat is cushioned, as is the foldaway transom seat. There is a functional cabin below-deck which can sleep three.

Other features in the cabin include an electric toilet, microwave, storage locker, and a fridge. As for the rest of the boat, common amenities include a standard factory hardtop, rod holders, bow pulpit (molded), two insulated in-deck fish boxes, a 30-gallon live well (lighted), bait prep station with sink, transom rod holders, gunnel rod holders rod storage in the cockpit, tackle drawers, deluxe helm seats with flip-up bolsters, a transom door, and trim tabs.

5) Pursuit 3070 (~ $40,000 to almost $100,000)

The Pursuit 3070 was in production between 2001 and 2007 and was one of the most popular 30-foot center consoles in that time frame. These boats are a great mix of performance and quality. Even for a 30-foot boat, she feels much roomier because of her oversized cockpit, a large and uncluttered deck layout, and her large console.

She’s a fishing boat at heart, however, with her 40-gallon baitwell in the transom, cockpit bolsters, fish/storage boxes under the seats and aft in the deck, lockable gunnel rod storage, and a transom rigging center that is complete with a cutting board and a sink.

Inside the console house, you’ll find an electric toilet, a hand-held shower (when you get to fish all over you), a sink, and a holly and teak sole.

6) Grady-White 263/273 Chase

Both the Grady-White 263 and 273 Chase models were in production between 1994 and 2011. When you get a chance to look at one of them, you’ll see why they were in production for so long. These trailer-able center console boats had the quality that Grady-White was known for, as well as a versatile layout.

The Chase has a pretty conventional layout for her deck with the console head compartment with a Porta-Potti, a freshwater sink, and some forward seating.

It’s a fisherman’s dream with a 32-gallon lighted live well in the aft port portion of the cockpit, and a large 185-quart insulated fish box right in the transom. There are also two 104-quart fish/storage boxes forward, under the bow seats. The electronics console at the helm pops up, which is a pretty handy feature. The fiberglass insert fits in the middle of the forward seats. This helps form a casting deck.

Some of the other standards include a leaning post with backrest, rod holders, cockpit bolsters, lockable rod storage, foldaway stern seat, and transom door.

7) Juniper 27 Open (> $50,000)

You’ll have to do some searching, but you can find a few Juniper 27 Open’s under our $50,000 limit.

It’s easy to see why it’s so desirable and why the asking prices are so high (even for boats which were in production between 1998 and 2006), when you see the amenities it comes with.

The 27 Open is a center console from Juniper, which is one of the most well-known brands in the business.  are known for their well-built boats and the Juniper 27 is no exception. The console is oversized and houses a head with sleeping berth — which is pretty unique, especially in a small boat like this one.

It also boasts of a unique construction which uses no wood in the hull. Not to mention, the bottom incorporates a lifting pad which stretches from the stern forward. This helps with high-speed efficiency.

The Jupiter 27 has a few different amenities which you can rarely find on smaller boats including two big electronics boxes at the helm, an in-deck insulated fish box just forward of the transom, forward seating, a 40-gallon transom live well, Lenco trim tabs, transom sink, electric head with holding tank, three in-deck storage lockers, bait rigging station, pop-up cleats, and transom door.

She is powered by a Yamaha 225s which top out at over 45 knots.

Deck boats are somewhat similar to bowriders because they’re both fairly sleek.

However, deck boats have even more seating . The other difference is the rounded V-shaped bow, which allows it to have more space.

This makes it perfect for fishing, entertaining, or just plain relaxing.

8) Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC OB (used ~ $32,900)

We found the 2017 Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC OB for just under $33,000 in Florida. The SunDeck 2200 DC OB has a great helm dash with an instrument panel that has fog-resistant gauges to help keep you safe while you’re out on the water.

It also comes with an exterior anchor locker ladder, stern telescoping lighting, bow telescoping ladder, stainless steel protective boots, a half canopy to keep the sun off of you while you’re cruising along, and an entertainment center with Infinity Bluetooth color screen, and four speakers.

We’re going to talk about two different types of fishing boats: ‘

• The bass boat
• and aluminum fishing boats.

You can easily find these boats for sale between our price range of $30,000 and $50,000.

Bass boats and aluminum fishing boats can be fairly similar. However, the difference between a regular fishing boat and a bass boat is that these high horse-powered boats have strong trolling motors to help them catch largemouth bass . You can also cast in the back or the front in order to get just the right angle for the fish.

The low profile designed bottoms allow bass boats to move swiftly in shallow water.

Usually, there is some sort of built-in storage for tackle and rods as well. Not to mention extra floor space for fishing chairs.

Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $50,000

Aluminum fishing boats are great for avid (hobbyist) fishermen who just want to get out on the water. These boats are sleek and streamlined . They generally have outboard motors that are easy to steer. In turn, the boat moves swiftly and easily through the water.

There generally isn’t a lot to these boats. By that, I mean that there aren’t a not of bells and whistles.

It gets you from the shore, out to your favorite fishing spot, and back.

They’re durable and strong, which means that you don’t have to worry about the boat.  You can just worry about the fish.

Aluminum fishing boats are at the cheaper end of the fishing boat category. They can be anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000. This, of course, depends on what sorts of amenities and extra fishing gear you want to put in the water with you.

9) Lowe 22 Bay (> $50,000)

Lowe is a company known for making some great aluminum fishing boats. The Lowe 22 Bay is just under $50,000, once it’s fully rigged (complete with a dual-axel trailer).

Included in this are:

• Twin live wells (a 30 gallon in the aft and a 16 gallon in the bow),
• a built-in tackle stowage,
• a Motorguide VariMax V55SW (which is a type of electric trolling motor),
• a seven and a half foot locking rod box, fore and aft casting decks,
• and a Lowrance Hook2 fishfinder.

You’ll definitely be able to catch a couple of fish in this baby.

10) Smoker Craft 162 Pro Angler (< $30,000)

Just like the Lowe 22 Bay, the Smoker Craft 162 Pro Angler is right in our price range after it is kitted out. This beautiful aluminum fishing boat is just as gorgeous as the fiberglass boats out on the market right now. If you opt for the motor with the higher horsepower from the dealer and get the Helix Graph 5 GPS, Fisherman’s Top, Integrated Gunnel Track System with accessories, you’ll be right in the middle of our price range.

It also comes with two seats with movable seat pedestals. It can seat 5 total and has a swim platform with a 3-step ladder and two live wells. A stern aerated 25 gallons and a 15-gallon bow live well.

11) Nitro Z19 Pro ($41,895)

The Nitro Z19 Pro is a great, high-performance bass boat. It is one of the most popular upgraded versions of the Z-series line which Nitro offers. The Z19 Pro comes stock with a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor in order to get you out on the water in no-time, while not causing a lot of waves.

Another thing which comes stock on a Z19 Pro is the Humminbird HELIX fishfinder, to help you catch the fish that’s been eluding you all morning.

The NITRO Vortex Technology (NVT) hull is shaped perfectly to make the boat faster, gives it better life while on a plane, and helps aid in turning on the fly.

It also has six drink holders, four stainless steel pull-up cleats, four grab handles (one at each seat), fold-down stainless steel reboarding ladder, and comes with a horn and paddle.

Pontoon Boats Under 50 Grand

Pontoon boats are flatboats which rely on pontoons to float . There are many versions of pontoon boats, from personal inflatable pontoons to catamaran type boats that can accommodate many people and can even accommodate fishermen. Pontoons are often made of some sort of abrasion resistant PVC and/or nylon that has steel, plastic, or aluminum frame.

12) Bennington SX 24 Swingback ($40,000)

The Bennington SX 24 Swingback costs around the same price as the Four Winns (up above) but has a few different features for you. First of all, it’s a pontoon boat which means that it’s great for sightseeing and for water sports. You can either lounge and take in the scenery or you can bust out the water skis and inner-tubes and go for a ride.

The seats boast of blue two-tone vinyl with stitching that’s incredibly detailed. The vinyl flooring looks posh while also being easy to clean. It has a mercury 150- horsepower outboard motor to help this beast move along the water. To help it along is a 24-gallon fuel tank. With 24 gallons, it can take you about 100 miles at a cruising speed of 15 mph. It also handles well and is a great versatile boat for any family.

2 Sailboats Under $50,000

Sailboats are just that: boats with sails. They use the wind to maintain speed while out on the water. Some sailboats have an inboard or an outboard motor to help them power through rough waters.

Some have mono-hulls, others have two hulls (these are called catamarans) and yet others have three hulls (these are called trimarans). In addition to these differences, there are also categories of daysailers, racing sailboats, and cruisers.

They’re often used for cruising around overnight (they always have cabins or sleeping quarters unless it is a small pocket sailboat. They are also used for day-sailing, and competitions.

13) Bristol 40 ($29,000 – $49,000)

The Bristol 40 might be a little older compared to a few other boats out on the market now, but if they are taken care of, these sailboats are as strong as they are beautiful.

The early Bristol 40s came with an Atomic 4 gas engine. But the Westerbeke diesel was also an option. Other versions were re-powered with a Yanmar diesel.

They generally have matted and woven roving and have a ballast of 6,5000 lbs.

14) Island Packet ($35,000 – $50,000)

Island Packets are wonderful sailing yachts. They are strong and well-constructed. The deck is made of polyester resin and micro-balloons (PolyCore) instead of a balsa core. This means that it won’t rot and there is no fear of delamination. It is unique and beautiful. The sail area is roughly 531 square feet and it has a beam of 11 and a half feet.

Floating House/Cabin Under $50,000

At the time of this article, we were ecstatic to find a couple of great floating houses on the market, which fit just under the $50,000 cap.

15) A 432 square foot Floating Home in Lake Cumberland, Kentucky ($49,900)

Yes, okay, this one just made the cut-off at $49,900. But this beautiful college (with a queen bedroom and fold down bunk and loft beds) is a great home for someone who wants to live a simple life on a floating home.

There is also a full bath, microwave, a two-burner stove, electric fireplace, a 28-gallon water heater, 160-gallon waste holding tank, composite decking, beautiful cedar siding, and is wired for cable and satellite TV.

16) A 450 square foot Floating Cottage in Norris Lake, Tennessee ($34,900)

This compact little floating home is complete with a full bath (with an incinerator toilet) and electric refrigerator, a double stainless since, a four-burner oven (electric), a queen bet, a window air conditioning unit, a 20-gallon hot water heater, and Styrofoam floatation. It is quite the steal at under $35,000. If you’re looking for your first floating home, this is a great place to start.

You can move in, use it as a vacation home, or even just use it as your office (a unique touch to help aid you in wanting to go to work).

17) A 400 square foot Floating Cabin in Norris Lake, Tennessee

Tennessee seems to be home to a lot of great floating houses for sale. This one comes with a bunk bed, a full bath, fridge, oven, microwave, a double sink a 32’ HDTV, Blu-ray player, surround sound, a patio set (table and chairs), and a covered patio (with some shades for privacy).

This is a great home away from home. If you want to drop all of your material possessions and move into this houseboat, we wouldn’t look down on that. Living minimally on a houseboat sounds like the perfect dream.

How much do boats normally cost?

When it comes to the price range for most boats, it can vary by design, style, size, manufacturer, and features (just to name a few).

It can be difficult to calculate but—as a jumping-off point—here are a few numbers to get us started:

• Bowriders: $15,000 to $50,000
• Cabin Cruisers: $100,000 to $500,000
• Cuddy Cabins: $100,000 and up
• Deck Boats: $20,000 to $50,000
• Fishing Boats: $9,000 to $100,000
• House Boats: $100,000 and up
• Pontoon Boats: $15,000 to $100,000
• Sailboats: $4,000 and up
• Speedboats: $75,000 and up
• “Yachts”: $300,000 and up

By definition, yachts are medium-sized sail, powered (or otherwise small ship or) boat which is equipped for private cruising, racing, or for official use.

This can encompass a lot of boats. The boats covered in this article are colloquially considered too small to be a yacht but not in its technical sense. However, they are not considered yachts in the public eye because they are not luxurious enough.

Here’s an extensive guide we’ve made with prices for each boat type . It covers each boat type in more depth.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve covered the different types of common boats and the models that come in this price range, it’s time for you to decide which type of boat is right for you. If you’re having trouble deciding, consider some of these questions:

• How much are you willing to spend on a boat?
• What are you going to use a boat for?
• What sorts of amenities are you going to need for yourself? Will your guests need anything specific as well?

Buying a boat is a big investment. It isn’t just about splurging and buying the first boat you see. It’s about finding out what boat works for you.

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16 of the Best Luxury Yachts for Charter Priced under $50,000

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• 16 Charter Yachts under $50,000

Here are 16 of the best luxury yachts for charger for under $50,000:

1. golden girl.

Delivered in 1986 by Broward Marine, Golden Girl was refitted in 2013. Luxurious interior features comfortably accommodate seven guests in three beautifully furnished cabins. These include a master suite which comes complete with its very own Jacuzzi in the en-suite area. The 28m motor yacht, Golden Girl, certainly has the wow factor. An elegant main saloon oozes charm. The dining area has a grand piano as well as an intricate Art Deco cocktail bar close by, wonderful for entertaining.

If you like nothing better than relaxing in the sun with a cocktail, the motor yacht Golden Girl delivers. Her roomy deck has two al fresco dining tables, a small lounge and sun pads.

2. Lady Cope

Lady Cope, a 24.4m yacht was completed by Lazzara in 2006 then had a lavish refit in 2012. She’s the ideal luxury yacht for couples who want to get away from it all on a relaxing vacation. Accommodation consists of three queen size cabins and there’s a good choice of dining options on board too. For socialising, two stylish saloons are the ideal place to relax, have a drink and maybe play board games.

When it comes to deck space, the Lady Cope has plenty for guests who enjoy sunbathing. For water toy enthusiasts, there’s also a huge array of water toys. These include a new towed Everglades tender, great for hitting the waves.

3. Lady Thuraya

Delivered in 1982 the Lady Thuraya benefitted from an extensive 18-month long refit in 2009. This elegant vessel still maintains her classic style and good looks. For those people searching for adventure on the seas, there’s the opportunity to charter the Lady Thuraya in the exotic Maldives.

This 31m sailing yacht can cater for up to eight guests and has all the latest amenities you would expect to find on board a luxury charter yacht. For entertainment, there are flat screen TVs and inbuilt stereos throughout the yacht.

To make the most of the Maldives’ crystal clear waters, the Lady Thuraya has an exciting collection of water toys, diving equipment, towables and water skis. She also boasts a Laser sailing boat and Optimist dingy, just the ticket if you want to get your children interested in sailing.

4. First Home

Are you after a luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas? Check out the First Home. This 28m luxury yacht is just right for two families that wish to have a vacation together. There’s comfortable accommodation for up to eight guests in two twin cabins and two master cabins. Perfect for couples who have children.

On board features include a welcoming galley bar with a laid-back atmosphere all of its own. The friendly crew of four will go out of their way to make you feel quite at home. Delivered in 1988 by Cheoy Lee, this vessel was last refitted in 2013 and now has a modern beach club feel.

First Home’s charter record is very impressive and a firm favourite with guests from around the world.

When most people think of luxury yacht charters, what generally comes to mind are million-dollar-a-week megayachts. Prospective guests picture a large team of crew members, champagne by the case and caviar at every meal. This is not always the case, there’s another side to yacht charters. Luxury yachts like the Il Capo cost less than $50,000 dollars a week. It offers all the advantages you would expect from a private, custom-made trip and makes for a wonderful vacation.

Il Capo at 33.53m has plenty of space. The interior can quite easily host up to eight people in four well-furnished cabins which include a full beam master suite with a his and hers personal bathroom, awesome! You won’t fail to be impressed by her sun deck with its Jacuzzi, sun pads, barbecue, al fresco dining area and a cocktail bar. Order your favourite drink from the bar where there’s additional seating and room for private parties. On the lower deck, you’ll find a dining table with a bar and a TV.

The Il Capo’s main saloon is fantastic for socialising. Enjoy the comfy sofas, a cinema screen, a bar and large windows to see panoramic views. Delivered by Broward Marine in 2004, the yacht underwent a refit in 2016.

Kampai is a Mangusta 92 and was refitted in 2015. Euro-styled and sleek the Kampai has accommodation for six guests in three double staterooms. This includes a full-beam master with king berth, exquisitely decorated and furnished.

With a crew of four, your every whim will be taken care of throughout your luxury charter yacht vacation. Dine under the stars in the air-conditioned salon which has a sunroof that opens. How about al fresco dining at the teak cockpit table? The long foredeck with its huge sun pad also has a pop-up dining table, perfect for use when at anchor. What’s more there’s another pop-up table in the cockpit’s sun pad.

You won’t be disappointed with the on-board water toys. To keep guests active and to get the adrenalin flowing, there’s a wave runner, towables and water skis. The Kampai even has a 28ft Everglades centre console as well as a 15ft Williams tender, now you’re talking! At a cruising speed of 26 knots this superyacht can cover a lot of ground.

7. Gale Winds

One of the best luxury yachts to charter for under $50,000 is the 32.3m Lazzara Gale Winds. New to the charter yacht market, she was delivered in 2004 and was recently refitted. The friendly owner is used to the charter market so this beautiful vessel is a wonderful option for a very relaxed charter vacation. There’s accommodation for up to eight guests in four bright and airy cabins. This comprises a master suite, two double cabins and one VIP stateroom.

With a dedicated crew of four, you’ll experience the ultimate in luxury yacht chartering. Gale Winds has impressive leisure and entertaining facilities too making her a premium choice for yacht charter. It’s all about unforgettable memories with family or friends on a holiday of a lifetime.

Elegant and style are two words that aptly describe the Westport 112 Oasis superyacht. After a complete refit, this sleek yacht now offers four superior state rooms for eight guests. One is a full-beam master with king berth and bath, one provides a private access VIP suite with a queen and the other two are convertible cabins amidships. These two cabins can be set up with a queen size bed or twin beds.

The experienced crew of five will be more than happy to get out the water toys. There’s a 29ft Sea Vee tender with twin 250-hp outboards, a Jet Lev, a flyboard and two Wave Runners – impressive! You’ll also find glass bottomed kayaks, Seabobs, towables and paddleboards, so something for everyone to try. Take time out to relax on the upper deck of the Oasis. There’s a spa tub for chilling out with a glass of champagne or a cocktail. Alternatively, have a drink at the well-stocked bars on the main aft deck and sun deck.

9. Livernano

At a weekly rate of around $47,000, the 29.4m Livernano is an affordable yacht charter option. She is available for the summer season only for cruising round Florida, the Bahamas and New England.

Completed in 2010 by Princess Yachts, cabins are modern and stylish. Sleeping up to 8 guests in four cabins including a full beam master suite, they are decked out in American dark cherry wood. The main saloon is perfect for relaxing and dining in. Mouth-watering food is freshly prepared to an acquired taste for all guests.

The bridge deck has a wet bar, lounge area, sun pads and dining for up to eight people. Spend some time on the aft deck which comprises of a bar and comfy seating in stylish surroundings.

10. Ptarmigan

For sailing enthusiasts, it really doesn’t get much better than the Ptarmigan, a Nautor’s Swan luxury yacht. This vessel is the seventh Swan 82S built with a combination of a racing heritage and luxurious interior. Yacht charter buffs will love the twin steering wheels, deep bulb keel and powerful masthead sail plan. Ptarmigan is so fast and responsive, it’s almost like being on board an America’s Cup yacht.

This beautiful yacht was designed by German Frers and accommodates up to seven guests in three stunning state rooms. There’s the master with a queen berth as well as two twin cabins, one of which has a Pullman. The light and inviting saloon has plenty of space for relaxing, entertaining and dining. Alternatively, there’s the cockpit which is fitted with two tables for snacks or delicious al fresco meals when at anchor.

The fold-down transom “beach” has access to the tender where water toys await you. After an hour or two water skiing, chill out on the hammock which is on the foredeck.

11. Oceans Seven 2

So, you’re interested in a luxury yacht charter holiday? Look no further than Oceans Seven 2, a 31.8m charter yacht. The elegant furnishings and expansive deck make Oceans Seven 2 a firm favourite with guests. This yacht was delivered by Tréhard in 1998 and has had two refits in 2004 and 2010. The extensive refits have made Oceans Seven 2 one of the best charter yachts under $50,000 especially in terms of high levels of comfort and performance.

On the lower deck, there are four cabins which can easily accommodate up to eight guests. There’s the option of twin beds or king size depending on your preference. Enjoy dining with a glass of champagne before retiring into the lounge to watch a movie.

For al fresco meals, take a seat at the large dining table in the middle of the deck, it’s what yacht charter sailing is all about. There’s plenty of space on board to relax, recharge your batteries and sunbathe. For easy access to the water, use the swimming platform for a cool swim.

12. Watershed II

Completed by President Yachts in 2007, Watershed II, a 26.52m yacht offers three state rooms for up to six guests. The forward VIP cabin has a queen size bed, the full beam master a king berth and the third cabin twin beds. One of Watershed II’s many impressive features is the sky lounge. It has a full bar, mini-galley and day head not forgetting a fantastic vantage point. Enjoy a meal here or formal dining in the saloon.

The vessel is serviced by three crew who will make your charter vacation all the more special. Guests looking for space can enjoy those quieter moments on one of the four decks, main, lower, fly bridge or sky lounge. On the shaded aft deck, Watershed II offers the very best in al fresco dining. There’s even a foredeck sofa that converts to a sun pad, wow!

Sun beds and a barbecue can be found on the sky lounge aft deck, great for socialising. Water toys include a two-person kayak, stand-up paddleboards, an assortment of towables and a 15ft inflatable tender. Have fun!

13. Seaquell

What could be better than looking forward to a luxury yacht charter for under $50,000?

She is the ideal option for anyone chartering on a budget. Sleeping up to six guests in three elegant cabins, Seaquell is available to take holidaymakers on vacation to exotic destinations in the Caribbean. Completed in 1992 by Alloy Yachts this 32.9m superyacht has it all. There’s a swim deck Jacuzzi, lots of sunbathing spots, an al fresco dining area and for spectacular views, even a crow’s nest.

Enjoy intimate dining below deck with friends or family around the dining table in the main saloon. There are comfortable sofas to relax on, watch a movie or play board games. The study area offers wonderful ocean views and another lounge, just the place for afternoon tea and keeping in touch with friends.

If you wish to experience the delights of San Francisco and beyond, take a look at the 29.9m Emrys. New to the charter world, this iconic luxury yacht offers fantastic value for money.

The Emrys has a flexible layout, great for two couples sharing. She has a master suite on the main deck, a full beam VIP cabin as well as two twin cabins. One of Emrys’ talking points is her upper deck. It has a retractable sun roof so you can chill outside whatever the weather conditions.

There are four experienced crew members who will look after you from the moment you step on board until you disembark. During your San Francisco voyage, enjoy all the luxuries associated with luxury yacht chartering.

15. Equinox

The Equinox is available for charter and is small but idyllic. She is 24.68m in length and can be chartered in the Bahamas all year round.

With eight years of on board charter experience, the friendly crew of four will look after all of your needs. As part of the crew, the husband and wife have lived in the Bahamas for 20 years. Their knowledge of this tropical paradise guarantees you an unforgettable vacation.

There’s accommodation for up to six guests in three cabins. All cabins are bright, airy and have a welcoming interior. Equinox is an ideal option for those who want to swim in the crystal-clear waters off the Bahamas. Her extensive water toy box includes a paddleboard, fishing equipment and Sea-Doos. For fun and games there’s also an 8m Novurania tender.

16. Cristobal

Imagine sailing on a luxury yacht around the Bahamas at Christmas and on Boxing Day! Make your dreams come true by chartering Cristobal, a 28.9m yacht. During the Christmas festivities, the Bahamas holds the Junkanoo parades, exciting street parties and parades with music, dance along with bright costumes. This fancy-dress parade is a sight to behold during a yacht charter vacation on board the Cristobal.

She was delivered by Princess in 2009 and offers accommodation for eight guests in four cabins. There are three double cabins and one convertible twin. Rest assured her enthusiastic crew of four make sure you have a wonderful festive season.

On board, there will be plenty of time to enjoy some winter sun, so lie back, relax and catch those rays. The fly bridge has a huge Jacuzzi and a spacious area for al fresco dining for trying culinary delights.

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The Best Boats For Your Money

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There's a big difference between cost and value. We spotlight the boats that give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Photo: Thinkstock.com/Thomas Northcut

If you've been boat shopping lately, then you know it's hard to sort through the huge range of runabouts, the copious crop of center-consoles, and the plentiful packs of pontoons. It's even harder to determine the ones that are merely cheap and the gems that represent real value. Never fear, dear boater. We're here to help. In this issue, we'll break down trailer boats into four basic classes: bowriders/runabouts, watersports boats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats. Then we'll identify top values in four different price categories: those costing less than $15,000, those less than $25,000, those less than $50,000, and those less than $100,000. We'll be sure to provide some boat-shopping insights along the way as well as tease you with you some additional options to dream about, too. Ready? Let's look at some of the best buys for boaters.

Bowriders/Runabouts

These are a popular choice among family boaters, and it's no wonder. They can be used for everything from waterskiing to fishing to pulling up on a quiet sandy beach for a picnic. They're the do-everything boat for people with diverse needs and desires. Think of them as the SUVs of the modern trailer-boating family.

Less Than $15,000

It's quite difficult to find a bowrider for less than $15,000, but one that comes in under the wire and deserves recognition for its exceptional stability and interior spaciousness is the Bayliner Element. This is one of the most unusual bowriders to hit the market in recent years, because instead of riding on a common-V or semi-V hull, it rides on Bayliner's M hull, which is essentially a cross between a V and a tri-hull and helps explain the boat's extraordinary stability. It easily handles small chop, although the downside to this hull design is a bit of a bumpy ride in waves larger than a foot. Such a hull isn't very responsive to trim, either. But because this design carries the beam well forward, it also makes for a surprisingly large bow cockpit.

Bayliner Element

LOA: 16'2" | Beam: 7'5" | Weight: 1,570 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 12 gal. | Price: $14,742

When we ran the Element (with the stock 60-hp outboard, two people aboard, and half a tank of fuel), we broke 30 mph and found that a cruising speed in the mid-20s netted more than 7 miles per gallon. The Element, with seating for four in the stern and two more in the bow, comes well-equipped right out of the box. The Mercury four-stroke outboard, swim platforms on either side of the outboard (one with a telescopic ladder), multicolor hullside graphics, two-tone vinyl cushions, and a single-axle trailer are all included in the standard package. Beverages can be chilled in a 25-quart Igloo cooler that slides neatly under the aft sunpad, and you'll find stowage compartments under the bow and aft seating. What won't you find? Another competitor in this price category that's this well-equipped, much less one with comparable stability and interior volume.

Less Than $25,000

Coming in just $549 under the wire, the Four Winns H180 OB provides a relatively low-cost option with exceptional attention to detail and finish work — plus a bit of customization. While many boats in this price range have unfinished stowage compartments, in the H180 OB they're carpeted. Other competitors leave the swim ladder exposed, but Four Winns covers it with a hatch. The average inexpensive bowrider has a plain gelcoat dash, but on this model, you'll discover top-stitched vinyl accents. And if you order the boat instead of buying off the showroom floor, you even get to choose the gelcoat and interior color schemes. Few competitors give you any sort of opportunity to semi-customize a boat at this price point, yet Four Winns will go so far as to color-match the trailer to go with your boat.

Four Winns H180 OB

LOA: 17'11" | Beam: 7'7" | Weight: 2,150 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 24 gal. | Price: $24,451

Four Winns doesn't strip the H180 OB to keep the price low, either. Big-ticket standards include the swing-away tongue, welded-tube trailer, an Evinrude 90-hp E-TEC outboard, a full-sized walk-across swim platform, courtesy lights, a tilting steering wheel, and a Bluetooth-capable stereo with iPod/MP3 port and two speakers. The H180 OB also gets a full complement of engine gauges, which is an area in which some builders skimp to save a buck or two.

Tahoe 450 TS

LOA: 18'5" | Beam: 7'10" | Weight: 3,025 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 24 gal. | Price: $23,595

Close competitors include the Tahoe 450 TS Outboard, which shaves about $1,000 off the price but also cuts off your ability to choose the hull and cushion colors. The Rinker Captiva 170 OB is another price-conscious bowrider that shoppers in this category may want to consider.

Less Than $50,000

A unique construction technique that improves the boat's strength and rigidity — and thus its ride — is what propels the Larson LX 225S IO into the leading position for bowriders under $50,000. Yes, you can get more LOA at this price. Sure, you could get a boat with more power than the stock 200-hp MerCruiser 4.5 liter (although you can upgrade the LX 225S to a MerCruiser 6.2 liter with 300 horses and still squeeze in at just under $50,000). What you can't get anywhere else is Larson's VEC construction. VEC is a closed-molding system that vacuum-infuses the hull and stringers into one single piece. The net result is felt when you smash into waves; VEC-built boats simply do less smashing than the others.

Larson LX 225S IO

LOA: 23'1" | Beam: 8'4" | Weight: 3,100 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 36 gal. | Price: $43,267

The 225S can't top the charts based on one feature alone, of course. But its comprehensive standard features list goes well beyond the norm, including items like a Shorelander trailer with disc brakes, canvas bow and cockpit covers, an iPod/MP3-compatible stereo, and multiple gelcoat color and stripe options.

At this pricing level, we wish the stock powerplant came with a Bravo III drive, and we'd recommend upgrading to it (remember, the price tag does leave some wiggle room), because the dual counter-rotating props of the Bravo III vastly improve handling and provide a better hole shot, which make for a better boating experience.

Chaparral 223 Vortex VR

LOA: 22'3" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 3,500 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 52 gal. | Price: $46,895

Those considering the 225S may also want to look closely at such other stout models as the Chaparral 223 Vortex VR and the Monterey 224FSX.

Around $100,000

For $100K, you expect a lot — and the Cobalt R5 delivers. It may be a bit surprising to see a Cobalt included in a roundup of boats that are big on value because for many years, Cobalt has had a reputation as a top-shelf boat, but one that cost a lot of money for the LOA. Yet the R5, which is 25'8" long, starts off right at the $100,000 mark. Several similarly sized competitors cost notably more. The bigger surprise?

LOA: 25'8" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 4,880 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 50 gal. | Price: $100,318

The R5 lives up to Cobalt's reputation, and if the company cut any corners to make this price point, we sure can't figure out where. Take a look at the some of the yacht-like details, and you'll understand why this boat delivers a bang as big as 100,000 bucks. How many bowriders include a thru-hull anchoring system with a stainless-steel scuff plate? A custom-stitched helm brow and dash perimeter detailed with Makassar grain accents? A black leather and stainless-steel steering wheel? Plus, Cobalt doesn't lowball you with a wimpy powerplant, but instead starts with a potent 6.2-liter MerCruiser.

The ski pylon, removable bow- and aft-cockpit carpets, portable MSD, and stereo are all included as base equipment. And that stock stereo provides another great example of Cobalt's quality level. It has a remote at the dash and iPod/USB/MP3 compatibility, like most, but while your average standard stereo comes with a pair of speakers, this one includes a six-speaker system. The bottom line? The Cobalt R5 delivers top-shelf quality while barely exceeding the $100,000 mark.

Formula 240 Bowrider

LOA: 25'4" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 5,000 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 55 gal. | Price: $105,030

If you find this model interesting, also take a good look at the Sea Ray 250 SLX, the Chaparral 257 SSX, and the Formula 240 Bowrider.

Power Curve

While the basic bowrider design has remained more or less the same for decades, the systems that power these boats have gone through many changes. Sterndrives continue to rule the roost in this type of boat, but outboards have been making inroads. Due to the latest EPA regulations, sterndrive manufacturers have had to add catalytic converters to their engines. That raised costs substantially, sometimes by as much as 5 percent of an average bowrider's sticker price, instantly making outboards a less expensive — and thus more attractive — alternative. As a result, in the past few years we've seen a population explosion of outboard-powered bowriders.

There are both plusses and minuses to having an outboard on a bowrider. They commonly post a higher top end, have improved slow-speed handling (single-propeller sterndrives tend to wander and require lots of course corrections), and are exceedingly reliable. On the flip side, mounting an outboard on the transom means you lose the full-beam swim platform, and fuel efficiency often drops in comparison with an identical model with a sterndrive.

Towing Trends

The current news in watersports boats has to do with a new propulsion system, Volvo Penta's Forward Drive. By putting a pod-like forward-facing drive unit on a sterndrive, the prop gets moved several feet forward and under the boat, tucked away from surfers and boarders. And because the drive unit can be trimmed, it can also be used to help shape the wake. This development has allowed a number of builders who produce sterndrive runabouts, like Bryant, Chaparral, Cobalt, Four Winns, Regal, and Monterey, to adapt existing platforms into watersports-specific models.

If these Forward Drive boats are so good, why didn't any win as our top picks? Hey, that's the way the cookie crumbled — we had a huge number of great boats from which to choose. And as it turns out, many of these Forward Drive boats fall into the $60,000 to $80,000 range. We noted several Forward Drive boats that, had we established a $75,000 category, might not have been overshadowed by pricier competitors.

If you like sterndrive propulsion and you want a watersports boat, you'll definitely want to further investigate Forward Drive.

Watersports Boats

If you're young, or young at heart, it's tough to beat the thrill of being towed through the water at high speeds. But whether it's waterskiing, wakeboarding, or the newly popular wakesurfing that appeal to you, you'll be needing a new watersports-specific boat. Hang on tight — this is going to be a wet-and-wild ride.

At this price point, you're certainly not going to be able to afford a fancy watersports boat with ballast tanks and tow towers. You can, however, get yourself an excellent tow-sports platform in the form of the Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230. This is one of the industry's few PWCs designed specifically for towing. It has must-have features like a three-position tow pylon, an aft-facing observer's seat with grab handles, and a board rack. But it also takes things a step further by incorporating modern performance perks that enhance watersports, such as multiple preprogrammed acceleration profiles for skiers and preset variable trim for fine-tuning the ride and acceleration.

Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230

LOA: 11'7" | Beam: 4'0" | Weight: 894 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 15.9 gal. | Price: $14,499

True, using a PWC for watersports does create some limitations. Your crew is maxed out at three, you can't create those big ripping boat wakes for surfing, and you're probably going to be wet whether you're the tower or the towee. There are, however, some additional advantages to consider. Given its dry weight of less than 1,000 pounds, you can trailer your vessel with just about anything larger than a Smart Car. Launching and retrieving will always be a piece of cake, and the small fuel tank and low operating costs make for some seriously cheap thrills.

Waverunner VX

LOA: 11'0" | Beam: 4'0" | Weight: 707 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal. | Price: $9,599

A strong option to consider is Yamaha's Waverunner VX, which doesn't have a pylon or the acceleration profiles but does have a towing eye on the stern.

The Scarab 165 is a jet-driven towing machine powered by a 150-hp Rotax 4-TEC engine. That means it has plenty of pulling oomph, and unlike most boats of this size, it also has a full-beam integrated swim platform. Most boats this inexpensive have an outboard slung on a transom and a miniscule swim platform off to one side.

LOA: 15'9" | Beam: 7'1" | Draft: 1'0" | Weight: 1,600 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 20 gal. | Price: $21,238

Another advantage of the jet drive: the propeller, or rather, the lack thereof. Obviously, climbing in and out of small boats with exposed props can lead to problems, but it's a nonissue in this case. We also like the aft-facing seats built into the transom. While we wouldn't condone riding in them while underway at high speed, they do provide an excellent lounging spot for coving and relaxing after a long day of shredding water.

But no boat is perfect, and while the Scarab 165 is our top pick in this range, we do see room for improvement. An option to trade in the ski-tow eye for a pylon would be nice, and adding a windshield would make captaining the boat more comfortable. To make the 165 a dedicated watersports boat, you'll want to order the $2,900 tower with board racks. Luckily, there's still some room in the budget after paying this boat's MSRP of $21,238.

What about some other choices? Truth be told, there aren't many watersports-dedicated boats in this price range; you could make do by stepping back down to a large PWC or opting for a small bowrider or center-console that's designed for other waterborne activities.

Around $50,000

The 212X is Yamaha's "high-performance wakeboard edition" runabout, and although it isn't particularly large for the price point, it does represent big value. It has the features found on high-end watersports boats, many of which cost literally twice as much as the 212X, including a folding tower with wakeboard racks, a cruise-control system that maintains preset towing speeds, and, most impressively, twin ballast tanks that can be flooded to weight down the boat and kick up an enhanced wave.

Yamaha 212X

LOA: 21'3" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 3,605 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 50 gal. | Price: $57,999

Another big advantage the 212X holds over the competition is its power package. This is a twin-engine boat, with a pair of high-output 1.8-liter four-stroke jet engines. Can you think of another boat of this size, type, and price with twin engines? We didn't think so. Yet another big surprise is the stock trailer, which is a tandem-axle model. Virtually all competitors come with a single-axle trailer. Meanwhile, the Yamaha 212X enjoys those same jet-drive advantages found on our prior pick: the elimination of prop worries and the full-beam swim platform.

Other solid choices include the Scarab's 165's bigger brother, the 215, or, perhaps, the Four Winns H200RS equipped with a tower.

Pay attention to your wake when circling back to retrieve a skier. Arriving at your skier as your wake comes crashing back on you could put your skier at risk of having the boat come down on top of him or her.

Less Than $100,000

We're really glad the MasterCraft X20 doesn't break the $100,000 mark because this boat deserves to make our list. For starters, it's a MasterCraft. MasterCrafts enjoy excellent resale value, and when you consider how much more you can recoup when reselling it as compared to most other boats, in the long run, it isn't as expensive as it seems. Then note that it has the inboard V-drive power system preferred by hardcore watersports jocks. At 20 feet it's not large for a watersports boat, but it does have wrap-around seating in the cockpit and bow plus a pair of aft-facing seats built into the transom with stowage underneath.

MasterCraft X20

LOA: 20'0" | Beam: 8'2" | Weight: 4,800 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 49 gal. | Price: $91,270

And the X20 also gives you the ability to customize. We're not just talking about the boat — sure you get to pick from a huge variety of interior and exterior color patterns and yes, you get to choose the graphics, but you also get to customize the watersports experience. Thanks to the wake-generating Gen 2 Surf System (which integrates hull design, surf tabs, the 2,000-lb. ballast system, and touch-screen controls to create four different wake "zones") you can make those waves rip, curl, and build as you like.

When towing anyone behind your boat, have at least one spotter on board to keep track of the skier and relay instructions to the driver.

We should caution that many features you may want on the X20 are considered optional. Although you can take the boat home for under $100,000 it would be easy to add a lot of goodies and break the bank. Beyond that, you won't find much to complain about on this boat. MasterCraft has a well-deserved reputation for building top-shelf watersports boats and the X20 is no exception.

Super Air Nautique 230

LOA: 23'1.5" | Beam: 8'4.5" | Weight: 4,650 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 47 gal. | Price: $101,454

Those interested in the X20 will probably also take a peek at the Super Air Nautique 230 and the Supra SR.

Speedy Developments

The recent growing popularity of pontoon boats has led to some very interesting developments in the genre, and a slew of monstrous pontoons in the 28- to 32-foot size range have hit the market in the past couple of years. A 31-foot Premier Encounter with a full cabin was introduced at last year's Miami International Boat Show, and the 31-foot Dodici on display sported triple 300-hp Evinrude G2 ETEC outboards. You can find double-decker pontoons with waterslides aiming at the lake from atop 12-foot-high top decks as well as party platforms with the capacity to carry up to 24 people (yes, there are enough seats for everyone).

With size comes power, and as pontoons have grown larger, their builders have worked to beef up the structures to accommodate massive amounts of horsepower. At the same time, they've been experimenting with strakes, steps, and foils that can be welded onto the pontoon's running surfaces. The net result is increased speed, and though they're quite pricy (commonly eclipsing our self-imposed cost restrictions of this article) you can find trailerable pontoons like the Aqua Patio AP 250 XP, which can break 60 mph with a Yamaha F350 on the transom. Or the Harris Grand Mariner 250, which can blast past 63 mph thanks to a pair of 350-hp Mercury Verados.

In one documented case, a PlayCraft PowerToon Xtreme even broke the 100-mph mark, hitting 104 at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. True, the owner had added performance-enhancers like an 8.8-liter Dart block and twin Whipple superchargers. And no, we don't think the average pontooner should have any need or desire to go that fast. But if you do feel the need for speed, today's pontoons offer just as much capability as virtually any other type of boat.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats have been one of the strongest segments of the marine market in recent years, and it's no wonder — these boats are amazingly comfortable, versatile, and easy to operate. They're equally at home on lakes, rivers, and coastal bays (with relatively small waves; many pontoon boats don't handle large waves particularly well). And though their boxy shape may look rather untraditional to the nautical eye, that same shape makes for a huge amount of deck space in comparison with V-bottom boats of the same LOA.

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX is our top pick in this category. Don't let the name fool you: This pontoon is only minimally fishy, and the only fishing feature other than rod holders is a 9-gallon livewell that will work just fine as a stowage compartment. But this model does come with a bimini top, a forward console seat, two folding chairs, an aft L-lounger, interior courtesy lighting, a 20-hp Mercury outboard, and a single-axle trailer, for the eye-opening low price of $14,390. All the other small, inexpensive pontoons we looked at that came in under the $15K mark excluded the trailer or the engine — and trailer-boating without either of these two features is extremely boring. Added bonus: The 16 DLX comes with an impressive 10-year warranty, which is far better than the warranty on many boats that cost twice as much.

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX

LOA: 16'0" | Beam: 7'1" | Weight: 1,090 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gal. | Price: $14,390

There aren't many other pontoons on the market that come in below this price cutoff, but the Qwest Edge 7514 CR does make the mark. The Lowe Ultra 160 Cruise does as well, but it has a short list of standard features that excludes the trailer, stereo system, and courtesy lighting and, realistically outfitted, will cost a bit more.

We're betting you didn't think you could get a 25-footer for under $25,000. We didn't either, until we came across the Lowe SS250 RFL. For providing a shocking size without one iota of sticker shock, the SS250 RFL is the clear winner in this category.

Pontoon boats are known as party barges, and this boat has everything needed for a waterborne shindig: 15 person capacity, two bow loungers, a chaise lounge, an L-couch (it really is a couch, not a seat), a Jensen MS30 Bluetooth stereo with two speakers, a bimini top, a pedestal table, and drink holders. Lots and lots of drink holders.

Lowe SS250 RFL

LOA: 25'7" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 1,940 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 28 gal. | Price: $21,497

Note that the trailer isn't included in the MSRP, and getting one pushes its price tag close to the $25,000 cutoff, but otherwise, the SS250 RFL is fairly well equipped. One more caveat: The stock engine is a mere 25-hp. For many pontooners who do their boating on inland lakes and rivers, jogging speed is plenty fast, and this will be enough power. If you want to get up on plane and travel more than a few miles, however, you'll want to upgrade.

What other choices are out there? Boaters who can't take the slowpoke speeds of 25 horses on a 25-footer will want to trade in the LOA for more power; they should look at a boat like the Princecraft Vectra 21, which posts a similar MSRP with 150 horses on the transom. Another option would be the Cypress Cay Seabreeze 210, with a 115-hp outboard.

In the pontoon-boat world, $50K gets you some serious juice, and we found the Bennington 22GL the juiciest. With a 140-hp Suzuki four-stroke and Bennington's Sport Performance System — which includes an under-deck wave shield, lifting strakes, full-length keels, and a third center tube — you'll see speeds in the low 40s. Yes, that engine and performance package does put us slightly over the mark, but why argue over a few bucks when spending $50,000? Besides, this model goes the distance when it comes to luxury, with such touches as pillow-top upholstery, a pop-up privacy enclosure for use with a portable MSD or as a changing room, a four-step boarding ladder, and a bimini top with a boot.

Bennington 22GL

LOA: 24'0" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 2,384/3,120 lb. (without/with Sport Performance System) | Fuel Capacity: 24.5/54 gal. (without/with Sport Performance System) | Price: $40,107/$52,097 (without/with Sport Performance System and 140-hp Suzuki outboard)

We also need to call attention to some of Bennington's construction techniques. Cross-members are on 16-inch centers, while those of many competitors are on 24-inch centers. Cleats and corner casings are stainless steel, while many other builders use aluminum or even nylon. And electrical connectors are of the waterproof, sealed Deutsch variety. You can feel the quality difference as this boat runs through the water: Many pontoons feel loose underfoot, as though one tube is trying to go to port while the other is trying to go to starboard. And quite often you hear endless rattles and vibrations from the aluminum fence, gate latches, and bimini supports. But these aren't problems on the Bennington.

Other pontoons that run in similar waters are the Harris Solstice 220 and the Manitou 23 SES.

Spending $100,000 on a pontoon boat sounds like a lot — and it is — but there are plenty of premium pontoons that offer large sizes, rather extreme performance, and total luxury. The boat that sets itself apart from the crowd, however, is the Marker One M25. Virtually every pontoon boat has marine-plywood decks; the decks on the M25 are entirely fiberglass. Virtually every other pontoon boat has aluminum fences ringing the boat; this one has all fiberglass. Virtually every other pontoon boat has rotomolded furniture bases; this one has all fiberglass. And virtually every other pontoon boat has frame-and-fabric pop-up changing room/head compartments; this one has a rigid fiberglass swing-up head compartment with folding doors.

Marker One M25

LOA: 25'9" | Beam: 9'3" | Weight: 5,520 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 55 gal. | Price: $96,345

Marker One is the only builder to combine a molded fiberglass topsides with the pontoon hulls, and out on the water it makes a huge difference. There are no creaks, groans, or rattles, which are commonplace on most pontoon boats. Seat bases, the entertainment centers, and the helm console all feel more firmly fixed to the boat's structure. And though it may be mere looks, the boat's gelcoated sides are slicker and glossier than any aluminum finish. The boat's detail work lives up to the promise of its exterior visual appeal, too, with touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a stainless-steel framed windshield, and illuminated switch panels.

Two downsides to the fiberglass topsides: First, the interior seating arrangement is what it is, and you can't choose the placement of different loungers, chairs, and settees as you can with most pontoon boats. Second, the fiberglass is quite weighty and thus requires more power to attain the speeds of some other pontoons. With the standard F200, you'll see speeds in the 30s, which many pontoons of the same LOA can attain with 50 fewer horses. If you're willing to break our price cap by a few thousand dollars, upgrading to a 300-hp Verado will take top-end speeds into the 40s and add a lot of zing to your day on the lake.

While there aren't other fiberglass-topsides pontoons to comparison-shop against the Marker One, the Harris Crowne DL 250 is another high- end luxury pontoon with slick, unbroken sides. And some major parts on the Aqua Patio 250 WB (such as the console and furniture bases) are constructed from fiberglass.

Fishing Frenzy

While the range of fishing boats is so vast that it's hard to nail down specific trends or developments that affect all of the available genres, it's possible to point to one development that's had some impact on how all anglers use their fishing boats: the advancements in fishfinder technology. While fishfinders used to look only down, they now look out to the sides. While they used to make blips and blobs, they can now paint shockingly detailed pictures of the structure below; wrecks, roadbeds, submerged trees, and the like are now completely distinguishable. And most recently, 3D fishfinding has become a reality.

The real surprise, however, may be just how affordable all this fishfinding technology really is. Whether you're looking at boats in the $15K, $25K, $50K, or $100K range, it's a sure bet that the fishfinder you can afford to put on it will be surprisingly advanced. The Humminbird Helix 5 included as a standard feature on our least expensive fishing boat pick, for example, has a 5-inch color 800- by 400-pixel LCD screen and puts out 400 watts of power. Add a mere $100 to the cost, and you get a GPS/chartplotter built in. Just $50 more expands the screen from 5 inches to 7.

Even making the leap to 3D modeling is relatively inexpensive, with the Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3, a 3D module, and transducer going for about $2,250. Five short years ago, anglers paid a whole lot more to get a whole lot less.

Fishing Boats

The world of trailerable fishing boats is massive, with literally thousands of choices ranging from species-specific boats to general-purpose boats in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and construction materials. Yet for many anglers, the choice is actually made easier by the type of fishing they do. A bass aficionado, for example, doesn't need to look beyond bass boats. A dedicated redfish angler living along the Gulf Coast will almost certainly be most interested in bay boats. And offshore anglers will gravitate toward large center-consoles.

To focus on highly specified models would greatly reduce the number of trailer-boaters who would find our top picks useful, and for this reason, we're going to stick with generalists: the boats you or I could use for chasing largemouth bass on one day, then striped bass the next. Or maybe it would be trout today and sea trout tomorrow. You get the picture.

Thanks to the popularity of simple utilitarian aluminum fishing boats, anglers have a huge number of options even at this low price point. And the field is amazingly competitive; five models within a few hundred dollars of each other vied for the pole position. But we narrowed the field down to just one: the Lund 1600 Rebel, because this boat delivers everything you need to pull away from the dealership and go directly to your favorite hotspot, all at a very low cost.

Lund 1600 Rebel

LOA: 16'5" | Beam: 6'5" | Weight: 710 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 6 gal. | Price: $13,225

Beyond the boat, motor, and trailer, prerequisites for most anglers are going to be rod stowage, a livewell, a bow-mounted electric trolling motor prewiring, and a fishfinder. The Lund comes outfitted with all of these must-haves, as well as features like vinyl flooring, carpeted raised decks, three fishing-seat bases, and a side console with a relatively tall windshield — all for $1,000 below our budget cap. That console is a big deal, too. Many boats in this price range are steered with tillers, which means the captain doesn't get any protection whatsoever. And many that do have consoles offer tiny wind deflectors that are almost irrelevant.

This deal also includes a 40-horse Mercury outboard, which is notably more potent than the 20-hp and 30-hp powerplants included with most packages in this price class. While 20 horses may sound like enough for a 16-foot aluminum boat weighing a mere 710 pounds, when you get a couple of husky buddies and gear aboard, it'll struggle to get on plane. No such worries with the 40 on the transom.

We note that the Lund's hatches have simple pulls and don't dog down. And we're not thrilled with the reboarding ladder, which is a two-step model of nylon strap; it should be more robust. These complaints aside, this is a turnkey fishing machine at a price virtually any trailer-boater can afford. Closely competitive is the AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS, the Tracker Pro Guide V-16 SC, and the Princecraft Resorter DLX SC.

In this category, the Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC is a clear winner because it's small enough to fish shallows and protected lakes and bays, seaworthy enough to head out into open water, and performs well beyond its means. Mako's Inverted V hull (think of a powercat hull with a narrow tunnel and a third, smaller V running down the middle) eats up chop and also enhances stability. Like a cat, it compresses an air/water slurry to cushion the blows and help produce lift.

Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC

LOA: 19'4" | Beam: 7'9" | Weight: 1,900 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 27 gal. | Price: $21,995

Although it may be difficult to quantify, when we first ran this hull we felt it reduced wave impacts by around 20 percent to 25 percent in comparison with an average monohull of a similar size and weight. Meanwhile, unlike many price-conscious packages, the Mako gives you a stock 90-hp Mercury that has more than enough juice. It'll provide top-end speeds in the neighborhood of 40 mph and will cruise in the mid- to upper 20s.

Though the Inverted V's ride and stability both exceed expectations, there are, of course, some downsides to this design. The boat turns flat instead of banking, and trim range is reduced.

But these are small prices to pay. Along with the unusual hull design and that potent 90-hp outboard, you also get a welded, tube-framed, hot-dipped galvanized trailer. The list of standard fishing features is well above par, too, including a 25-gallon livewell with a high-speed pickup, an 85-quart helm cooler seat, raised fore and aft casting decks, and six vertical flush-mounted rodholders. The one item not included that we feel is a must is the bow-mounted electric trolling motor. But you can add that for $1,625 without busting the budget. Comparison shoppers definitely will want to investigate boats like the Key Largo 180 CC and the Bayliner Element F18.

At this price point, is it possible to get a boat that's incredibly rugged, capable of handling both inshore and offshore runs, and comes fully equipped for targeting just about any species? Robalo says yes with the R222, our top pick in this price range. Robalos are built with Kevlar reinforcement, composite cores, poured ceramic transoms, encapsulated closed-cell foam, vinylester resins, tinned-copper wiring with Deutch-style waterproof connectors, chrome-plated stainless-steel fasteners, and 36-ounce vinyl (not the standard 28-ounce vinyl). In short, these boats are built like tanks but priced like Jeeps. You can spend a lot of time looking for another 22-foot center-console that's this well built, but you'll fail to find one.

Robalo R222

LOA: 21'6" | Beam: 8'6" | Weight: 3,700 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 90 gal. | Price: $41,395

On this type of fishing machine, a T-top is a feature most of us will want, so add $3,622 to the MSRP. Beyond that, the boat's well equipped in stock form, including a 15-gallon livewell, hydraulic tilt steering, a four-speaker Bluetooth stereo system, six vertical rodholders, four gunwale-mounted rodholders, under-gunwale rod racks, a portable MSD for the console compartment, cockpit­coaming bolsters, a raw-water washdown, and a three-step telescopic boarding ladder.

Wait a sec. What doesn't the R222 come with? Not much; the options list is shockingly brief. You could upgrade the standard F150 Yamaha outboard to a 200-hp model, but we'd say it's not necessary. The 150 gets you a top-end speed right around 40 mph and a cruising speed of 30 mph, and the 200 only bumps these numbers up by 3 or 4 mph.

Note: The R222 doesn't come packaged with a trailer. Fortunately, even after adding a T-top, there's plenty of wiggle room left in the budget to pay for one. Close competitors include the Cobia 220CC, the Sportsman Open 212, and the Sea Born LX22-CC; check them out.

If you spend the big bucks, you want the big capabilities, and the Pathfinder 2600 HPS delivers. Yes, it's officially marketed as a bay boat, but we spent an entire day fishing offshore on the 2600 HPS in 4-foot swells and found it eminently capable of handling open waters and large waves. Sure, it's a whopping 26 feet long, but it can still float in a mere 16 inches of water and creep into the backcountry creeks and cuts where the redfish thrive. Yes, it's a big boat to power with a single engine, but (in no small part thanks to a twin-step hull design) the stock 300-hp Yamaha F300 nets a top end of almost 60 mph and a cruising speed beyond 40 mph. Run to the canyons, run to the mangroves, or run to anything in between and the Pathfinder 2600 HPS will prove itself capable.

Pathfinder 2600 HPS

LOA: 26'2" | Beam: 8'10" | Weight: 3,350 lb. | Fuel Capacity: 78 gal. | Price: $88,965

Most anglers will love the fact that this boat is geared 100-percent toward fishing, with a 48-gallon aft livewell and a 15-gallon well in the bow, integrated tackle-stowage trays, a cast-net locker, a raw-water washdown, and the like. But this single-minded focus does lead to one potential knock: Despite its expansive size, the 2600 HPS doesn't make room for a head inside the console. To get that — and a number of other family-friendly features — you'll have to opt for the TRS version, which costs around $10K more than the HPS. And like many other boats of this size and nature, the trailer isn't part of the package. Plan on adding several thousand dollars to the MSRP to get a road-ready rig.

Examining Price vs. Cost

Hang out long enough at a boat show, and you'll hear a tire-kicker exclaim to his or her spouse or just a random passerby, "Who pays this much for a boat?" Usually he or she is standing in the vicinity of a flashy center-console or a luxury-filled motoryacht. And the answer is, well, no one does.

When shopping for boats, some consumers fall into the trap of equating the price of a boat with its cost. But the true cost of a boat is the difference between what you pay for it, and the money you get when you sell it, plus the operational and finance costs of ownership — not what it says on the sticker.

Most of us won't ever keep a boat for anything close to its lifetime, on average trading up or in within five to seven years. And to be fair, when you're trying to buy a boat, the last thing on your mind is the day you'll sell it. But sell it you will. So it pays (literally) to think about resale value before you buy.

Price is just one factor in the cost equation, and in fact, it's easy to envision a scenario in which a boat with a lower price ends up costing you more. We'll assume for the moment you're comparing two boats of roughly equal size, so most of those operational costs are so similar as to be a wash, and you can write them off as sunk and ignore them for comparison purposes.

Imagine a $90,000 model from a well-respected builder that holds its value very well. In a few years, you might be able to get $70,000 for selling such a boat. But also consider a $74,000 model from a less-desirable builder. In a few years, you might get $50,000 for selling that boat. So if you're comparison shopping between the two, you might think you're "saving" $16,000 when, in fact, you've cost yourself $4,000 in resale value.

Of course, it's not this straightforward. Most of us finance our boats, and the monthly payment on a cheaper boat is likely to be lower. But there are also price breaks at which the interest rate available on a loan is lower for a higher dollar amount than it is for the lesser amount. In fact, one online loan calculator showed that the monthly payment on a $74,000 loan would be $566. But on a $90,000 loan, it would be $563. Confused yet? Loans on larger dollar amounts can also often be stretched over a longer time span. The second loan is a 20-year note versus a 15-year note on the first.

I hope by now you're convinced you can't tell a boat's cost by the price on the sticker. But what can you do to compare costs effectively when boat shopping? Arm yourself with these three things before you head to a show or dealership:

1. Get an idea of the depreciation rate for common models from the brands you're interested in. The easy way to do this is to use BUCValu or NADA Guides online tools and compare across several years for the same boat model. Prices that are closer together are good. A larger spread is bad.

2. Research the terms and conditions for a boat loan online, paying special attention to interest-rate breaks and the length of available terms for your price range. Once you've done that, plug some specific scenarios into an online loan-calculator tool like the one available at BoatUS.com/BoatLoans .

3. Plan to walk away. Passion often trumps reason in boat sales. Walking away allows you time to factor in costs for insurance, maintenance, and storage, and such finance quirks as whether the model you're considering can be written off as a second home on taxes; then you'll have a realistic picture of the ownership costs of each boat you're considering. Once you know the numbers, you can let passion guide your decision, but at least you'll walk in with your eyes open.

— Michael Vatalaro

A Word About Warranties

For most people, the biggest advantage of buying a new boat is the warranty that comes with it. Simply put, the warranty is the manufacturer's promise to stand behind its products by providing service and repairs after purchase.

Because marine warranties vary widely in their coverage, compare them before you buy. Look for multiyear warranties for hull and engines, as well as coverage for osmotic blistering — a common problem on fiberglass boats that's expensive to fix. Find out whether the warranties transfer to subsequent owners — a crucial determinant of resale value.

Written warranties must be made available to you before you buy. New boats usually come with separate warranty coverage from the engine and boat manufacturers as well as the makers of other major components. Buying from a dealer who services both the boat and the engine can save a lot of frustration down the road. Make sure you fill out warranty registrations to ensure you'll get service when you need it.

— Charles Fort

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New Boats, Fishing & Electronics Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Top tech writer and accomplished sports fisherman, BoatUS Magazine Contributing Editor Lenny Rudow has written seven practical boating books, won 30 awards from Boating Writers International — many for his marine electronics articles – and two for excellence from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He judges the NMMA Innovation Awards, and is Angler in Chief at FishTalk, his own Chesapeake-based publication. A great teacher and inspirational writer, Lenny hosts many of BoatUS Magazine’s very-popular how-to videos, which can be found on the BoatUS YouTube channel, or at BoatUS.com

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10 Sailboats Under 50 Grand

• By Dan Spurr
• Updated: April 4, 2018

My wife used to subscribe to a magazine titled Budget Traveler, which features low-cost vacations and tips like turning your sport coat inside out to prevent wrinkles in the suitcase. I didn’t care for the name because it implied its readers were cheapskates. I know what I can afford and will be the judge of that. Would you subscribe to a magazine called Budget Sailor?I didn’t think so. You also know what you can afford. Not all of us earn six figures and can purchase boats that cost as much. As an interesting exercise, we decided to see what cruising boats one can buy for less than $50,000. Turns out, quite a few. I ought to know; I’ve never bought one costing more. Just a few years ago I set out to buy an older sailboat with just that budget — I mean max price.For this survey, the hundreds of choices were narrowed to a mere 10 affordable sailboats — no easy task. Our criteria: cruising priorities such as tankage, stowage, manageable rig, tracking, etc.; at least average or above-average quality of construction; enduring design; and resale value. Many good boats ended up on the cutting-room floor. And I will admit to my prejudices. For what it’s worth, here’s my list.

Boats built in the 1960s are getting long in the tooth, but if they’ve been maintained well, they are still serviceable. And many Bristol 40s date to later years.

Designed by Ted Hood and built by Clint Pearson after he and cousin Everett sold Pearson Yachts, early Bristols have many similarities in design and construction to early Pearsons. The dominant design rule then was the CCA (Cruising Club of America), which favored short waterlines (long overhangs) and modest beam. The rule-beating idea was that when heeled, the waterline lengthened, increasing speed. A narrow boat has less form stability than a beamier hull, but is less likely to remain upside down in a capsize. A long keel with attached rudder was the accepted underwater configuration for stability and tracking.

Construction is standard for the time: mat-and-woven roving. Over time, leaky portlights and hull/deck joints became commonplace, but they can be fixed by a handy owner.A Bristol 40 won the 1983 Marion-Bermuda Race that featured close-reaching in moderate winds, which shows it’s capable of a decent day’s run. Performance also depends on rig — sloop, cutter or yawl — and keel or keel/centerboard configuration.

Early Bristol 40s were fitted with the venerable Atomic 4 gas engine for which parts may still be obtained from Moyer Marine . A Westerbeke diesel was optional; others have been re-powered with a Yanmar diesel.

Narrow beam and short waterline translate to a comparatively small interior, albeit retaining the essential separate cabins, sea berths, closed head and divided galley aft.

Roger Hewson founded Sabre Yachts in South Casco, Maine, and launched his first model, the Sabre 28, in 1970. Whatever his qualifications as a yacht designer, he did a respectable job with the 28. The proportions are correct (beam versus waterline length, cabin height versus topsides, etc.), the deck-stepped rig conservative, the layout standard and construction quality above average. Periodic refinements were made during its 16-year production run, notably in 1976 (Mark II) and 1983 (Mark III), but the basic structure remained the same. Later models gained a few hundred pounds, which might mean the company finally got around to actually weighing a boat off the line. More than 500 were built.

At 28 feet, it’s on the small side for cruising, but of course that depends on one’s ambitions. A good indication of hull volume is the displacement/length ratio (D/L), which for this Sabre is a moderate 278, meaning decent stowage and, combined with an average sail area/displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.6, decent performance under sail. Not exciting, but no surprises either. This is an easily handled boat despite the foretriangle being somewhat larger than the mainsail.

Some potential buyers might be skeptical of the swept-back externally ballasted keel, which at the time was thought to be more efficient than a vertical appendage. I’m sure there are Sabre 28 owners who can tell how it takes the ground and if it’ll sit upright on its keel (it depends on the center of gravity, which is not shown in the drawings).

Construction is standard hand-layup mat and woven rovings. Glass finish work is very good, and there’s a lot of teak below. Through-hulls have bronze seacocks. Early boats had Atomic 4 gas auxiliaries, and later models small Volvo or Westerbeke diesel engines.

Cape Dory 30

Andy Vavolotis founded Cape Dory Yachts in 1962 with a couple of dinghies. He commissioned Carl Alberg, a Swedish-born U.S. Coast Guard naval architect, to design most of his subsequent larger yachts, including the Cape Dory 30, introduced in 1976.

This is a small 30-footer, owing to its relatively narrow beam and short waterline; the lovely, long overhangs take space from below. Vavolotis once told me that with every new model he begged Alberg to add a few inches of beam. Alberg would give him an inch or two and then say, “If you want more, find another designer. I don’t think it’s right.” That went for fin keels and spade rudders too.

Yes, it’s the full keel with attached rudder and attendant advantages (stable tracking, safety in grounding and collisions with underwater objects) that recommend the design for cruising. The downside? Increased wetted surface area translates to slower speeds, and the fat keel won’t point as high as a foil. But it’s about the journey, not speed, right? The original 30 was designed as a ketch; later renditions offered cutter and sloop rigs.

The other reason folks love Cape Dorys is robust construction. Nothing fancy: solid single-skin hull, balsa-cored deck (Aren’t they all? Well, no.), heavy bronze hardware from Vavolotis’ Spartan Marine foundry and generous exterior teak that once upon a time signified a classy yacht. Hard to believe, but true.

The Cape Dory 30 is not without a few shortcomings. The hull/deck joint is not continuously through-bolted, and some deck hardware does not have backing plates. If you’re set on a Cape Dory, I’d look for the Cape Dory MK11 updated by Clive Dent, or the 33 or 36. The latter generally sells for more than $50,000, but not by much, and it’s a roomier, more powerful design.

Island Packet 31

Boatbuilder and naval architect Bob Johnson shares a distinction with Cape Dory’s Andy Vavolotis as being two of the only company bosses to have offered traditional full-keel cruising boats in small sizes.

Island Packet is located in Florida, and the designs are geared for those waters, meaning shallow. To compensate for shoal draft (a 4-foot keel and 3-foot keel/centerboard were offered), the 31 has a wide beam of 11 feet 6 inches, which gives it good form stability (but not if it capsizes). Boats with wide beam and shallow draft are more likely to achieve inverse stability than narrow boats with deep keels. Ballast of iron ingots set in concrete doesn’t help. This hull form isn’t great upwind. That said, the 31 does not heel quickly and is ideally suited to Florida and Bahamas cruising grounds.

Construction is generally good. The hull is solid glass (no core), and the deck is an exception to the usual end-grain balsa core; a mixture of polyester resin and microballoons called PolyCore forms a chemical bond between the two skins of the “sandwich,” eliminating the possibility of rot and delamination. Like many builders of series-produced boats, Island Packet incorporated a large molded liner or pan that forms the cabin sole, berth flats, galley and other “furniture” features. It saves labor costs but can cause condensation, increase noise and vibration compared to plywood, and make access to parts of the hull potentially difficult. What it does do is discourage radical customizing, which may be a good thing, given the weird stuff some guys cobble together (think a Barcalounger in place of a saloon settee).

It’s too bad more of these able cruisers haven’t migrated farther from their origin on the West Coast. While rather plainly finished, construction is solid and the pilothouse with inside steering is unusual. The sweeping sheer, flush cambered deck and low-profile pilothouse make what could be an ungainly profile actually quite handsome.

As with so many models produced over a decade and longer, changes were made to the Gulf 32 over its 400-unit run, in part because it was built by two different companies: Gulf Marine Products and Capital Yachts. For example, the drawings show an offset double berth forward, while others were delivered with the more conventional V-berth. While the interior features a lot of warm wood finishes, including bulkheads, the large interior liner is startlingly evident in places such as the forward cabin. Noteworthy is the sail area/displacement ratio of 11.6 and displacement/length ratio of 563. These are motorsailer numbers.

Prospective buyers should carefully check the cored side decks for delamination; this is a good time to state unequivocally that a boat with extensive deck delamination is probably not worth repairing. The cost to have a yard perform the repairs is very likely more than the boat is worth. A competent DIY repair is difficult; drilling numerous holes in the top skin and injecting epoxy over a large area is unlikely to do the job. The radical alternative is to remove the inner skin and core and then replace the core and skin, all while working upside down. I know of a person who tried this, using spring-loaded curtain rods to hold backing panels in place — they don’t call him “Resin-head” for nothing.

Islander 36

Once upon a time in Costa Mesa, California, the mecca of early fiberglass boatbuilding, Islander Yachts was a worthy competitor of Columbia and Cal. Australian designer Alan Gurney drew this fast, International Offshore Rule-influenced hull with pinched ends, fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. A word about skegs: It’s widely believed that they protect the rudder, but the degree to which they succeed depends on the internal structure of the skeg. If it’s simply a piece of molded glass tabbed to the hull, it will likely tear away on impact. If, however, it has, say, a metal backbone well connected to the hull, that’s stronger. In either case, a skeg also is a simple means to provide a lower bearing for the rudder, add some lateral surface for tracking and reduce bending moment. The IOR hull type goes upwind well, but can be squirrelly off the wind, especially with a spinnaker. Rig dimensions varied over the years.

Construction is conventional: solid fiberglass hull but plywood in the deck, as opposed to the more common end-grain balsa wood. It’s heavier and more prone to rot. Different engines were offered. Tankage for fuel and water is on the small side, so consider adding a bladder tank for longer periods aboard.

With the Islander 36, naval architect Robert Perry credits interior designer Joe Artese with revolutionizing sailboat accommodations — no longer a “boy’s cabin in the woods.” Artese took advantage of the boat’s wide beam to increase sole area; drew a wide, low companionway; designed a foldaway table; and specified contemporary fabrics. Somewhere close to 1,000 were sold.

Endeavour 37

The design of this boat is a great example of the ingenuity and craftiness of the fiberglass boatbuilding industry. Endeavour founders Rob Valdez and John Brooks, both of whom had worked for Vince Lazzara at Gulfstar, got started when Ted Irwin gave them the molds for the Irwin 32. The Endeavour 32 sold well, so in looking for their next model, they found the derelict mold of the Creekmore 34 on the Miami River, cut it in half, added 3 feet and voilà! The Endeavour 37!

And there is a sort of Frankenstein look to the boat. Most were sold as sloops, though a ketch rig was offered. It’s a heavy, slow boat, but comfortable and solidly built, with single-skin hull and plywood interior components (no fiberglass pan). Workmanship is generally quite good. If a previous owner hasn’t switched the gate valves on through-hulls to seacocks, add it to your work list. Ballast is internal. The standard engine was the workhorse Perkins 4-108 diesel.

Two interior plans were offered: the A layout, with convertible dinette forward and two aft cabins, and the B layout, with V-berth forward and a single aft cabin. Having slept in one of them I can say that they are not easy to get in and out of. Better to consider them larger-than-usual quarter berths.

Upwind sailing performance is poor — it doesn’t point well — making you appreciate the strong diesel auxiliary. Motion is comfortable; like the Gulf 32, the D/L and SA/D are motorsailer numbers.

Designer Robert Perry is proud to tell fans that during George Day’s circumnavigation in the 1990s, the former Cruising World editor said he saw more double-ended Tayana 37s “out there” than any other model. It’s no wonder: some 650 were built, and it is indeed a strong, well-designed cruiser.

The first boats produced in Taiwan were called the CT 37, changing to Tayana 37 around 1979; Perry says they are the same. Early Taiwan yards were never into racing yachts, but rather heavy, low-tech cruising boats. The Tayana 37 has a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck. The potentially leaky hull/deck joint is a hollow box section that forms the bulwark.

As with nearly every model produced over a long period of time, there were variations in accommodations, rig, deck and more (many were never officially documented in literature, so don’t be surprised if what you see in brochures is not what you behold in real life). Builder Ta Yang offered free or inexpensive customizations of the 37.

While Perry specified the 90-gallon (341-liter) fuel tank to be located amidships, early boats placed them under the V-berth, which, combined with heavy ground tackle, can trim the boat down by the bow.

The high-aspect-ratio rig, aided by a bowsprit to increase foretriangle area, gives the boat plenty of power. It was offered as a ketch or cutter, and most owners opted for the latter.

As with most boats from Taiwan, the interior is richly executed in teak, built up in plywood. Much of the hardware are knockoffs of U.S. and European products, and of varying quality. All in all, the Tayana 37 is a well-built world cruiser.

Tartan Marine has built three 37-footers over the years, the first in 1965 designed by Ted Hood; the 3700 designed by in-house designer and then general manager Tim Jackett; and the most numerous, the Tartan 37 designed by Sparkman & Stephens, of which nearly 500 units were sold. It’s a handsome boat with perfect proportions. Somewhat influenced by the IOR, the ends are narrow and the transom is small and V-shaped. That’s about all that hasn’t withstood the test of time.

Construction quality is excellent: balsa-cored hull and deck, teak trim and teak-veneer plywood, external lead ballast. The bulkheads are tabbed to the deck, which is worthy of comment. Boats with molded fiberglass headliners cannot have the bulkheads tabbed (several layers of fiberglass tape or strips that overlap the deck and bulkhead). Instead, there are usually grooves molded into the headliner into which the bulkheads fit and are then variously bolted or glued — or not. This is considered less desirable than tabbing, which locks in the entire structure and eliminates the possibility of slight movement or working of those with molded fiberglass liners.

Most 37s were delivered with the keel/centerboard option; the deep keel performs better but may limit where you can go. Performance Handicap Racing Fleets around the country rate it at 132 to 144; for comparison, a J/30 rates 144, as does the Islander 36 described above. So, the Tartan sails fast and handles well, leaning more toward a club racer/cruiser than all-out cruising.

C&C Landfall 38

Hull design and construction for coastal cruising may certainly favor higher performance models, and few companies knew the recipe better than C&C Yachts. In many ways, C&Cs exemplify the racer/cruiser genre. The few Landfall models, including the 38 here, tipped the scales more toward cruising, while retaining excellent sailhandling and speed.

A few years into production, 1,700 pounds were added, but performance is still sparkling, and similar to the original 38. The fin keel has a flat bottom that can be considered a cruising fin for its moderate surface area and ability to sit on the bottom. As for the spade rudder and the criticism it takes for vulnerability, note that circumnavigator and boatbuilder Steve Dashew says it gives superior control hove-to in a gale. Something to think about.

C&C was a pioneer in composite construction, that is, end-grain balsa coring in the hull and deck to increase stiffness and reduce weight. Other notable features: through-bolted deck hardware with backing plates, bronze seacocks and, in the 38, a keel-stepped mast that doesn’t sit corroding in bilge water. Yanmar diesels were standard.

Albeit modified from the IOR-influenced C&C 38, the Landfall 38 still has a large foretriangle; a 150 percent genoa measures 580 square feet, which can be a handful for a couple. Big self-tailing winches will help when trimming the beast.

The interior, elegantly finished in teak, is somewhat unusual; like the Endeavour 37, it incorporates a double-berth aft cabin, but think of it more as a wide quarter berth.

Compared to heavy full-keel designs, the Landfall 38 will point higher, reducing the number of tacks between points A and B, which, combined with greater boat speed, means getting to port faster.

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15 Best Boats Under $50k

Explore the top 15 boats under $50k with detailed photos, lengths, & prices. Perfect for travelers seeking value & adventure on the water.

You may be in the market for a new boat to replace one that is getting a little tired, a little small, or doesn’t meet your needs. You may be shopping for your first boat and need a little direction about styles, features, and performance that fit into your budget. We are here to help.

Boats come in many different styles from an array of different manufacturers. Navigating the literature, search results, facts, and figures can be intimidating. We have taken our knowledge of the boating world to give you what we believe to be the 15 best boats in several different styles.

Of course, our reviews are not exhaustive. You must do a little work on your own. We can provide an overview of what we consider to be outstanding features and values. From there, you can continue shopping to find the boat that best fits your needs and budget.

Bowriders are undeniably the most popular boat style on the market today. With their open-forward cockpit design, powerful engines, and sleek designs, these boats appeal to families who want performance for various waterborne activities.

Yamaha 195S

Yamaha Boats

Yamaha has packed a lot into a 19-foot boat with the 195S. Considering that the base boat comes standard with two captain chairs, a ski locker, tilt steering and teak-style marine mats, you can already see why Yamaha is a market leader. You also get a Bimini top, tow hooks, and stainless-steel hardware throughout the boat.

The standard Yamaha engine is a four-cylinder super vortex high output engine coupled to a saltwater-rated corrosion-resistant driveline. This package drives a three-blade stainless steel impeller through the 160MM impellor assembly.

Forty gallons of onboard fuel storage means you can boat all day without returning to the marina for fuel. Speaking of convenience, the touchscreen display gives you all the information you need to operate your boat safely and efficiently.

For those who want the best wakeboarding and water-skiing experiences, a folding wakeboard tower is standard equipment, as are windshield mirrors. You can add the optional wakeboard racks to the wakeboard tower for even more convenience. The stern-mounted swim platform gives swimmers and skiers easy access to the water and back to the boat.

Base Price:  $47,499

Length:  19 feet 5 inches

Bayliner VR6

Bayliner Boats / YouTube

The VR6 is the largest bowrider model offered by Bayliner, and it still comes in under $50,000. These boats are designed to run efficiently with the 200 HP Mercury engine. Bayliner’s BeamForward design brings high gunnels to provide a drier ride in heavy seas and more under-seat storage. This design makes a more pleasant and safer ride when conditions become a little rough.

The U-shaped rear lounge area allows the cockpit to become an entertainment area for great days on the lake. You also enjoy an enclosed changing room in this design.

Most boats in the class and size can’t provide this kind of convenience. An integrated swim platform on the stern finishes the classic touches to make the VR6 a true family-friendly boat.

A long list of standard features makes the Bayliner VR6 an outstanding value in bowrider-style boats. Touches like a choice of interior and exterior colors, bucket seats, and the waterproof AM/FM stereo system complete with Bluetooth connectivity give these boats an air of elegance that belies the price.

Base Price:  $45,850

Length:  22 feet 7 inches

Glastron GTD 180

SkipperBud's / YouTube

Glastron is one of the most recognizable names in recreational boating. This company’s long history of building economical and reliable boats makes it an easy choice for this list. The GTD 180 is a great entry-level boat for families who want to “get their feet wet” with their first boat. These boats offer great value, have a tradition of long life, and provide a wide range of options and upgrades if you want to customize your boat.

You won’t find many boats in the eighteen-foot category with a capacity rating of ten people. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that an entry-level boat must be bare-boned. Glastron includes numerous features you might not expect to find on comparable boats costing thousands of dollars more.

Such items as a swim platform, all stainless steel through-hull fittings, u-shaped cockpit seating, in-floor storage lockers, and a horsepower rating of up to 150 HP. Each Glastron GTD 180 features a built-in fuel capacity of 32 gallons, letting you spend hours on the water without worrying about finding a marina with gas. You can add a tow sports package with a removable tow pylon, wakeboard racks, and a wakeboard tower and still be under the $50.000 mark.

Base Price:  $35,687

Length:  18 feet

Bay boats feature relatively shallow drafts that make operating in coastal bay areas feasible. These designs also provide the hull formation to venture offshore for reasonable distances easily, bay boats are very popular along the coastal regions with fishermen and families. Bay boats are typically considered niche designs but have rapidly gained popularity.

Bayliner T20CX

Ken's Sports

The design of the Bayliner T20CX offers one of the most spacious bow configurations available on any bay boat on the market. This design delivers safety and a dry ride despite the roughest conditions on the water. The large bow area is easily convertible from a spacious casting area to a comfortable lounge area in minutes.

Both captains and crew alike will benefit from the self-bailing cockpit and the enclosed head compartment built into the center console. Rod storage is built into the gunwales to keep your precious tackle safe and out of the way. Every Bayliner T20X comes standard with a Mercury outboard motor rated for 175 HP to get you where you want to go economically and quickly.

Optional accessories include towing packages, fishing packages and upgrades to almost every system component on the boat. However, the base configuration is more than enough to get you on the water whether you are interested in coastal fishing or family recreation. With a 55-gallon fuel capacity, you can find those distant fishing spots without worry.

Base Price:  $43,000

Length:  20 feet 6 inches

Crestliner 2000 Bay

Crestliner Boats

If you prefer a metal boat to a fiberglass model, the Crestliner 2000 Bay is an excellent alternative. The Crestliner Multi Mod-V hull is designed as a modular construction with extruded hull sections, including fore and aft rakes, for extra strength and rigidity. The huge fore and aft casting decks conceal massive amounts of storage space.

These boats are built primarily for fishing but can easily be converted to a family boat for a day on the lake or bay. Two folding jump seats on either side of the rear bench seat provide ample and comfortable space for up to 6 people.

The wide decks provide plenty of room if everyone wants to fish. The flared transom lines make water access easy if your day includes water sports.

Each Crestliner 2000 Bay includes a 115-horsepower Mercury EFI 4-stroke engine and a Karavan trailer. The fuel-efficient Mercury 4-stroke engine will get you where you want to go in the shortest possible time. It can also keep your family happy playing on the water with skis, wakeboards, or innertubes.

However, fishing is where the Crestliner 2000 Bay excels, allowing you to safely access Shallowater or venture through the breakers to enjoy deep water fishing close to shore.

Base Price:  $36,168

Length:  20 feet 5 inches

Sportsman Masters 207 Bay Boat

Sportsman Boats / YouTube

By all accounts, the Sportsman Masters 207 Bay Boat handles and drives like a much bigger boat. This bay boat design incorporates a deep v-hull with generous curves that provide a stable and comfortable ride through waves most boats just can’t handle. The construction of these boats means never having to worry about the hull’s integrity, no matter the seas you encounter. These boats are rated for up to 150 horsepower to provide all the get-up-and-go you need.

The Masters 207 also performs like a much bigger boat with plenty of storage space throughout the boat, under gunwale rod racks, 3 separate live wells, and above-average electronics as standard equipment. You also get dual batteries, a swim platform and an LED interior lighting package that makes your batteries last much longer.

The bow casting deck is complete with cushions to make additional seating. Under the bow deck, you will find ample storage, including a convenient bow anchor locker and a molded anchor catch that holds the anchor securely. Each boat is pre-wired for your trolling motor with connections inside the anchor storage hatch. You won’t run out of room, even carrying a maximum of 7 passengers.

Base Price:  $48.670

Length:  20 feet 4 inches

Think bowrider with more deck space. That would be a good description of a deck boat. These water generally have longer interior dimensions and are built to maximize deck space. These are recreational boats, without a doubt. But don’t make the mistake of thinking they are sporting or exciting. These designs can also provide the performance you want for all your on-the-water activities.

Bayliner DX2200

Boat Trader

If your motive for buying a deck boat is to have an on-the-water entertainment location, you won’t do better than the Bayliner DX2200. Bayliner set out to build a family-friendly line of recreational deck boats, and they have accomplished their goals. The sculpted lines of these boats will appeal to your aesthetics, while the wide V-hull and high freeboard provides a safe, comfortable, and dry ride for anyone on board.

Bayliner puts comfort at the top of the list. Each DX2000 includes a wet bar with a sink, prep area, and grocery locker. An enclosed storage area can be outfitted with a portable head to round out the complete day-long entertainment package. This boat has ample lounging room with companion seating and sun pads for enjoying the summer weather on the water.

With the standard 150-horsepower Mercury EFI outboard, these deck boats provide plenty of excitement for any water-related activity. The convenience of the swim platform, boarding ladder and extension make this the perfect way to spend a day in or on the water. The 55-gallon fuel tank will keep you running up and down the lake all day, entertaining your family and friends.

Base Price:  $46,700

Length:  21 feet 7 inches

Boating World

If you want to buy a lake-ready deck boat package, you need to find a Tahoe dealer. First, Tahoe has a No Haggle, No Hassle national pricing policy. You won’t find markups, dealer deals, or hidden charges.

The price you see advertised for these boats is the price you pay. Second, when you pick up your Tahoe deck boat, you only need to put fuel in the tank and back into the water. Tahoe has so many features that other boat builders consider options that the price seems almost incredible.

Consider the refreshment center that includes a wet sink, a five-gallon freshwater tank and a pull-out sprayer. Or the stowable table can be placed either forward or aft, depending on your preference. Massive storage compartments, a dedicated anchor well, a ski pylon, rod holders, and in-hull ski storage make these boats a dream for anyone who wants to entertain on the lake.

The No Hassle No Haggle price includes a custom-fit trailer and a 150-horsepower Mercury Pro X Four Stroke outboard motor. A swim platform at the bow with a boarding ladder pre-installed also serves as a convenient fishing platform. Drawing only 17 inches of water, the Tahoe 2150 lets you fish many spots other deck boats can’t approach.

Price:  $45,995

Length:  21 feet 1 inch

Glastron GTD 200

Glastron is a premier brand for deck boats. You can easily customize a deck boat from Glastron with three different deck configurations to fill your family’s needs and desires.

You can choose from a single console layout, a dual console setup, or configure dual consoles with a full windshield for the best comfort and protection while on the water. Comfort and safety are always a mainstay factor with Glastron boats.

These Glastron boats are meant for a lifetime of enjoyment and recreation. All deck fittings are stainless steel. The lighting is low maintenance and has low-draw LEDs. Each deck boat has a swim platform at the bow and the stern. The helm features digital readout gauges that include a GPS. You will also find a stereo entertainment system that is Bluetooth-compatible.

Glastron rates the GTD 200 for engines up to 200 HP. The 40-gallon onboard fuel capacity can feed the largest motor you select easily. The basic configuration from the factory gives you a 115 Horsepower Mercury EXLPT Four stroke engine. Every Glastron GTD 200 also comes with a custom-fit trailer to make getting your boat to and from the lake an easy haul.

Base Price:  $44,047

Length:  20 feet 3 inches

Pontoon Boats

Did you ever wish you could take your patio to the lake? Pontoon boats offer you much the same sort of atmosphere and opportunities. Imagine a large flat deck space that requires only inches of water to float even when fully loaded, with the comforts of your patio onboard for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you don’t have to invest much money to get these features and functionality.

Harris Sunliner 250

Harris builds its Sunliner pontoon boats with one goal in mind. Your family’s safety, enjoyment, and experiences on the lake should be directly related to the quality of the pontoon boat you own. To this end, Harris puts exceptional quality and style into its boats, ensuring that wherever you put your Harris Sunliner 250 into the water, heads will turn, and memories will be made.

If there is ever a pontoon boat that seems like an extension to your home, it is the Harris Sunliner 250. From the pillow-top upholstery on the wraparound seating to the generous amounts of storage throughout the boat, luxury is the takeaway.

These pontoon boats from Harris have a capacity of 15 – 15 persons and are rated for up to 300 horsepower engines. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your pontoon boat can’t be sporty, exciting, and elegant.

Onboard fuel capacity is a generous 37 gallons, allowing you to cruise all day to your favorite spots with plenty of range left over. You can easily beach these pontoons boats as well. Harris pontoon boats typically need only 12 inches of water to float, and the tough aluminum tubes are perfect for easy beaching.

Base Price:  $45,446

Length:  25 feet 10 inches

Sun Tracker Sportfish 20 DLX

Pro's Choice Marine / YouTube

If fishing is part of your on-the-water experience, Sun Trackers Sport Fish 20 DLX could be just what you need. A pontoon boat set up for fishing can give you more opportunities and a more comprehensive range of fishing options than a specialized bass boat or a bay boat. You can access shallow water in comfort and style that most other styles of boat can’t deliver.

Each Sun Tracker Sport Fish 20 DLX has under-seat stowage for all your fishing and recreational equipment. In addition, vertical rod holders at the rear sit next to a special tackle storage area that keeps your fishing gear neatly organized and easily accessible.

Two fishing seats round out the package to make your fishing trips comfortable. A 16-gallon aerated live well provides ample space for your bait.

When the family is along for the day, the 10-foot powered Bimini top provides shade and protection, and the Bluetooth stereo system keeps them entertained all day. The aft-mounted L-lounger provides plenty of seating. These pontoon boats are rated for a 10-person capacity and can handle engines up to 90 HP.

Base Price:  $33,995.00

Length:  21 feet 11 inches

Seadoo Switch Cruise

Boating Magazine

Seadoo has an amazing reputation for personal watercraft. Few people realize that this company also offers some of the most innovative pontoon boats on the market.

Seadoo provides a rich package of standard features to make these pontoon boats some of the best values on the market. Unlike the other pontoon boats on our list, the Seadoo Cruise is an inboard engine model with a jet drive.

The standard setup on the Seadoo Switch Cruise is a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that powers a Seadoo jet. The rated top speed of the Switch is 34.3 miles per hour which are quite lively for a pontoon boat.

You can invite up to 9 of your best friends and family to enjoy a day on the lake, and with 29 gallons of onboard fuel storage, you won’t be making constant trips back to the gas pump.

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Seadoo Switch Cruiser is the endless possibilities you can enjoy in arranging the furniture and fittings. The seating can be easily arranged with the quick detach and attach options to customize the layout of your deck to fit your needs. Add the massive amounts of under-deck storage, and you have a versatile and functional boat.

Base Price:  $39,599

Length:  21 feet

Bass boats are more of a niche product than any others we have covered in our list. Serious fishermen have a long list of preferences that make bass boats more geared for fishing than recreational boating. However, it is not unknown for a fisherman to occasionally tie on a tow rope and take the family for a spin around the lake for fun.

Skeeter ZX150

Skeeter Boats

Professional bass fishermen want a boat that is smaller, faster, and more maneuverable than their competition. Serious weekend fishermen also want the same features. Skeeter delivers on these wants with the ZX150. Log a choice for professional bass fishermen, anyone can enjoy the benefits and features of these bass boats on their favorite lake.

The Skeeter ZX150 is loaded to make your fishing trip successful and pleasurable. A 28-gallon live well with independent fill, recirculating/drain modes and a pump-out feature keeps bait fresher longer.

A 30 qt cooler mounted forward in the deck keeps you and your fishing buddy well-supplied. Each Skeeter bass boat comes complete with a Minn Kota 70 trolling motor and a Hummingbird 70 helix 5 mounted on the dash.

The ZX150 has two lower pedestal seats mounted fore and aft for fishing. You won’t need to worry about anyone beating you to your favorite fishing hole when you crank up the Yamaha V Max VF 150 engine. The onboard 32-gallon fuel tank will keep you fishing all day long without worrying about a trip back to the marina. You can take yourself and 3 of your best fishing buddies without a problem.

Ranger Z185

It's Brad / YouTube

Ranger has a long history with bass boats and an enviable record among bass fishermen for producing championship boats. The Ranger Z185 is an almost perfect blend of performance, features, and price available to every bass fisherman. The solid construction, attention to detail, and unmatched performance make Ranger bass boats some of the most competitive craft on the water.

The Ranger Z185 boasts a 96-inch beam making it one of the widest bass boats on the market, giving you more room to fish. Dual rod boxes have gas-assisted lids with triple seals to protect your valuable tackle when it is safely stored.

Ranger features Minn Kota trolling motors on their boats and fits each boat with a recessed trolling motor pedal. The aerated live wells are timed and divided to make tournament fishing hassle-free.

You won’t be late to your fishing hole. The Mercury 150L Pro XS FourStroke engine will have you gliding across the water in seconds. With 33 gallons of fuel on board, fishing all day without a break is a possibility. The four-person capacity of the Ranger Z185 means that you and your buddies can fish to your heart’s content.

Base Price:  $42,995

Length:  18 feet 8 inches

Triton 179 TRX

Triton bass boats look like they mean business just sitting on the trailer. Once they are in the water, there is no mistaking that you are at the helm of a thoroughbred. These watercraft are fast and agile without sacrificing stability or safety. If you are worried about a lack of features, put your fears to rest. Triton seems to have thought of everything to support a day of outstanding fishing.

You can expect your Triton 179 TRX to include bucket seats for you and your fishing partner. The aerated live well can circulate up to 800 gallons of water per hour to keep your catch and bait in the best possible condition.

The gunwale and under-deck storage are convenient and ample to protect your valuable fishing gear. Fishing from the Centric II pedestal seats allows you to enjoy hours of rod time comfortably.

The standard engine from the factory is a Mercury 90 horsepower four-stroke outboard. As an option, you can choose the 115-horsepower Mercury ELPT Pro XS four-stroke engine. A Minn Kota 70 trolling motor rounds out the propulsion systems. The included trailer has a spare tire, waterproof lighting, and ratchet trailer tie-downs.

Base Price:  $36,995

Length:  18 feet 6 inches

Kit Evans is a seasoned marine journalist and naval architect, bringing over 20 years of multifaceted experience in the boating industry to his writing and consultancy work. With expertise ranging from boat design and marine surveying to charter operations and vessel restoration, Kit offers unparalleled insights into all aspects of maritime life. When he's not penning articles for top boating publications or hosting his popular YouTube channel, Kit can be found sailing his lovingly restored 1960s Columbia 29 on the Chesapeake Bay, embodying his commitment to both preserving nautical heritage and embracing modern innovations in boating.

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best boats under £50,000: Our top 10 picks from the secondhand market

• Peter Poland
• October 13, 2022

Peter Poland shortlists the best boats under £50,000 in a growing stock of pre-loved sailing yachts, featuring varied design trends…

Choosing the right second-hand yacht to suit your needs as the years fly by can become ever more challenging. Unlike cars that fail MOTs and finally cease to be worth repairing, well-maintained GRP yachts seem to go on forever.

There’s an ever-growing stock of elderly but basically sound yachts. However, the changes in each generation’s new designs can make the selection of a good used yacht more difficult.

Do you prefer the handling and motion of a moderate beam yacht with a long keel ? Or do the later, wider beam designs with flatter hull lines appeal, thanks to their greatly increased space below… even though their handling and motion can become more demanding as the wind and seas get up?

The yacht’s engine will eventually become clapped out and need replacing. So it makes sense to look out for a boat that has been re-engined.

But if you can’t find one, it’s relatively simple to get a new engine fitted . And much the same applies to the mast and standing rigging and the sails if they are in poor condition.

Article continues below…

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Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?

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Osmosis can also rear its ugly head, but this can be rectified. It’s just a matter of consulting your surveyor, doing the sums and negotiating a price that takes account of necessary replacements and work.

Second-hand yachts available in the £40,000 to £50,000 price bracket cover a wide variety of ages and therefore design trends. Up to the early years of the 21st century, a succession of yacht racing handicap rules also had a major influence.

The old RORC rule, late ‘70s International Offshore Rule (IOR), Channel Handicap System (CHS) and now the International Rating Certificate rule (IRC) all had major influences on yacht design.

From any angle, the She 36 is a beautiful yacht. Photo: Peter Poland

Harking back to the late 1970s, the She 36 is worth considering. This Sparkman & Stephens design started life on the drawing board in 1974/5 in the US as the Three Quarter Ton cruiser-racer Northstar 1500 and was subsequently renamed the Northstar 50 then the Hughes 35.

In the UK, British builder South Hants Engineering introduced another take on this design, calling it the She 36.

The She 36’s dimensions are LOA 35ft 6in, LWL 29ft 6in, beam 10ft 6in, draught 6ft 4in and displacement 14,500lb. Her fin and skeg underwater lines are as sweet as they come and her profile is enhanced by a sleek, low coachroof, balanced fore and aft overhangs and typical S&S tumblehome on the topsides. From any angle, she’s a beautiful yacht.

What’s more her lead keel (so much better in so many ways than cast iron) gives a 37% ballast ratio, a DLR of 253 and a high comfort ratio of 31.41.

The owner of a She 36 that I test-sailed told me: “Back in 1987 I was looking for a Contessa 32 until a yacht broker told me that these attracted a big premium and – for not much more – I could get a She 36, which wasn’t as well known then as it is now.

“My teenage son voted we spend Dad’s dosh on a better boat rather than a bigger house, saying: ‘You don’t only get a good racing boat; you get a lifeboat!’”

He was referring to the infamous 1979 Fastnet Race when Alain Catherineau rescued Griffin’s seven crew members from a liferaft in his She 36 Lorelei . Catherineau said you could ask the impossible of the boat and he won the RCC Seamanship Medal that year.

Alan Tabor’s painting of the rescue of Griffin captures the sheer chaos of the Fastnet disaster

The test She 36 owner added; “I also remember the Sadler advert with the headline ‘beat them racing during the day, and then entertain the other crew in the evening’. The She 36 met this requirement well. Even if by modern standards the accommodation is a bit cramped, it is comfortable.”

However it’s as a weatherly cruising yacht that the She 36 has really excelled. Her owner, Richard Burnett, told me: “Over the years we have cruised to Ireland, Brittany, the Channel Islands, the South Coast, the Scillies and recently northern Spain. One overnight passage from Santander to La Rochelle was memorable. It was clear with the moon racing the clouds in a Force 4-5 just forward of the beam.

“With one reef in the main and a few rolls in the genoa, she was very comfortable and noticeably quicker than with full sail, cracking on at a steady 7+ knots, steered by the Vicar the whole way”.

The Vicar being a moniker for the self-steering system, the owner added, “because it never drinks, smokes, swears, sleeps or eats while guiding us down the True Way”.

She might be all GRP on the outside, but this She 36’s interior has all the hallmarks and charm of a classic timber yacht. Come fair weather or foul, this makes a welcoming and cosy environment. The galley and chart table areas are extensive and designed to be used at sea.

Ample stowage and secure working space for both chef and navigator are typical of this generation of yacht, designed for serious offshore work.

And the same goes for the saloon. A snug pilot berth to starboard and the owner’s successful modification of the port side of the saloon to a dinette with U-shaped settees and lowerable dining table make this a spacious yet snug living area.

She 36 saloon – with a pilot berth to starboard above and outboard of the settee berth. Photo: Peter Poland

The forecabin V-berths also work well, while the amidships heads compartment (offset to port) is surprisingly voluminous for a yacht of this era. All in all, the accommodation is excellent for a 36-footer, even if it doesn’t have a fat transom, aft stern cabin and aft heads compartment.

Under power, the new Beta engine gave plenty of push via a folding prop. And of course the reduction in drag that this affords adds appreciably to speed under sail.

I’m at a loss to understand why owners of sailboats (modern or classic) don’t consider one of the new generation folding or feathering props. They’re worth every penny.

If you have a yen for a good looking and well-built GRP ‘classic’, you could consider a She 36. I have little doubt that a trial sail will win you over.

Albatross’ owner summed her up perfectly, saying; “I’m still in love with the Fibreglass Wife. I can sail single-handed, short-handed or with three or four friends; which is all very comfortable.

“But above all, she gives you that go-anywhere confidence.” Current brokerage prices are around £40,000, depending on condition.

Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40. Photo: Lester McCarthy/Yachting Monthly

Sun Fizz 40

Jumping ahead a few years to the early 1980s, a past Editor of Yachting Monthly drew my attention to a splendid 40-footer rejoicing in the name of the Sun Fizz 40.

James Jermain posted on the YBW forum: ‘Jeanneau and Beneteau generally produce boats to a good average standard but among the general uniformity both companies have produced the odd absolute gem, and in my opinion, the Sun Fizz 40 is one of them.

‘It’s very solidly built and, based on an offshore racing design by Briand, fast and beautifully mannered. She has a huge, flexible interior.’

Praise indeed from a prominent yachting journalist who has seen it all. His post prompted other glowing reactions such as: ‘I sailed one back to Poole from Mallorca for a friend. Lovely sailing boat.

‘We got clobbered in winds of 55-65 knots and large seas for 48 hours and the boat was brilliant’, followed by ‘Recently buddied up with a Sun Fizz round Almerimar, Menorca and Mallorca. Only ever saw the stern as he disappeared over the horizon, leaving us in his wake!’

James Jermain concluded: ‘On the downside the spacious interior is a little dark and she was designed at a time when it was usual to fit in as many bunks as possible – up to 11.

‘But there are versions with fewer (eight is the least) and even then, the extras can be useful for stowage. There are no serious problems with the construction other than those normal for boats of this age and type.’

This elegant 1980 Briand design has a V-berth in the forepeak, an amidships heads compartment, a wide saloon with settee berths, two pilot berths outboard, a spacious galley and chart table, an aft heads compartment and two aft sleeping areas.

Its vital statistics are LOA 40ft 4in, LWL 33ft 6in, beam 12ft 8in, draught (deep fin version) 6ft 5in, displacement 16,100lbs, ballast ratio 41%, DLR 191 and comfort ratio 23.89. Prices vary between £38,000 and £43,000.

Gin Fizz 37 was a success story for Jeanneau – this is Guppy that 16-year-old Laura Dekker sailed round the world. Photo: Uwe Moser

Gin Fizz 37

The smaller (so usually much cheaper) Gin Fizz 37 was another success story and over 350 were built between 1974-1980.

Designed by Michel Joubert, its unusual interior offered a forecabin and forward heads compartment, saloon with settees and pilot berths, aft chart table and galley, a quarter berth and a separate two-berth stern cabin accessible from the cockpit. And it all works a treat.

US sailor and writer, John Kretschmer wrote: ‘Next to the Contessa 32, the Gin Fizz was the boat that most influenced my development as a sailor.

‘It was in this boat, a beamy sloop called Epoch , that I made my first offshore passage. Epoch led me to my first tropical island landfall. I’ll never forget a storm-tossed ride to Bermuda and a magical passage south to Marigot.

‘When I moved on to other boats, my mother and her partner sailed Epoch around the world. Amazingly, two young brothers who later bought the boat sailed it around the world again.

‘The fin-keel, partial spade rudder hull shape and the 15,600lb displacement seemed radical back when we bought the boat in 1981, especially for an offshore boat. Times change. Gin Fizz’s shapes and numbers run right down the middle of the road compared to today’s boats.

‘The draught is 6ft 2in – a stumbling block, literally, for selling the boat on the shallow side of the pond. Early boats were almost all ketches, and later models were sloops.’

Kretschmer went on: ‘Jeanneau has always employed a curious mix of modern design thinking blended with traditional construction techniques.

‘This was especially true of the older models. The Gin Fizz hull is solid fibreglass laminate. I remember drilling a plug for a new transducer and being impressed with the thickness of the hull. The deck is balsa cored, a potential problem on all old boats.

‘Jeanneau did a good job of using end-grain balsa and isolating potential delamination with resin edges. The hull and deck are joined on a flange, and in addition to the normal bolts and chemical bonding agents, Jeanneau fibreglassed the joint. After 50,000 bluewater miles, Epoch showed no evidence of hull-and-deck joint leaks or wear.

‘There is no doubt that the Jeanneau Gin Fizz has been rediscovered, and this renaissance makes perfect sense. The boat is a capable cruiser with ideal accommodations for a couple or small family. It is well built, looks nice when you row out to her on the mooring and is extremely affordable.

‘If you have been searching for a modestly priced cruiser, and can live with 6ft draught and 6ft headroom, check out the Jeanneau Gin Fizz [also built by Gib’Sea].’

And if you need further proof of this Jeanneau‘s seaworthiness, Laura Dekker completed a solo circumnavigation in her extended Gin Fizz Guppy at the tender age of 16.

Sun Legende 41

Moving on to 1984, the Doug Peterson-designed Sun Legende 41 is an elegant performance yacht with more beam (12ft 11in) than the earlier Sun Fizz 40 and an updated interior layout featuring a larger heads compartment and aft double cabin.

By the time production ceased in 1994, 580 had been built. Current prices vary from around £40,000 to £54,000.

One happy owner wrote in an American thread: ‘I bought a used Sun Legende 41 six years ago. I have sailed it from Washington State to Mexico and back through Alaska.

Jeanneau Sun Legende 41 Solus . Photo: sailingscenes.com

‘I have put more than 15,000 miles on mine and over 1,000 hours on the engine. I couldn’t be happier with this boat. It tracks well going down wind, points to 35° consistently and is good on all points of sail.

‘If money is no object, buy a Swan. But for an affordable boat that sails well, is comfortable to be on for months at a time and is safe, you won’t be disappointed.

‘The rig is very simple. I have roller furling and lazy jacks and can single-hand it easily even with the chute out. She cruises comfortably at 7 knots and stands up straight in a following sea with 25 knots of wind on her tail.

‘I’ve been in full gales a few times with 15ft seas with a short fetch and have always felt safe. This boat balances easily and tracks well. She sails easily in light winds too!

‘Sure, I wish it held 200 gallons of diesel and 500 gallons of fresh water, but I have never run out of either. I use an autopilot and run Garmin equipment. If I had to do it all over again, I would buy this boat again… and again!’

To get an assessment of more recent Jeanneau models that can sell for between £40,000 and £50,000, I contacted Jeanneau distributor Nigel Colley of Sea Ventures who said: “There are two stand out models with which we were hugely successful in terms of units sold… the Sun Odyssey 34.2 and Sun Odyssey 37.

“Both would fall within your budget criteria and they both sail nicely, and are proven to do what it says on the tin!

“The 34.2 was produced from 1997 to 2000 and the 37 in the early 2000s. My personal choice would be the 37, as it has a higher hull volume with a really nice three-cabin or two-cabin layout with traditional L-shaped galley. The 34.2 had a linear galley.”

Moody 34 interior

Designer Bill Dixon came up with several successful Moody designs that now sell in the £40,000 to £50,000 price bracket.

Between 1983 and 1991 he designed a series of spacious and attractive centre cockpit cruisers with stern cabins ranging from the Moody 34 and Moody 346 up to the Moody 37 and Moody 376.

From the outset, the young Dixon established his own, distinctive Moody ‘look’ and the Moody 34 has a crisper and more contemporary profile than the equivalent centre cockpit Westerlys of the same era.

The bow overhang is elegant and nicely balanced by a relatively short (but broad) stern overhang. And the superstructure, especially the roof over the stern cabin, succeeds in looking sleek rather than bulky. Which is no mean feat for a centre cockpit boat of this size with generous freeboard.

The accommodation is very spacious. The Moody builder, Marine Projects, was by then producing an attractive internal finish with plenty of teak on view.

The 34’s layout incorporates a twin berth forecabin. The saloon is excellent and there are decent sized galley and navigation areas at its aft end.

The heads compartment (with shower) is amidships, just aft of the navigation area. The long galley extends into a passageway, which also includes plenty of stowage areas, that leads to the stern cabin with a double berth, settee and wardrobe.

For a 34-footer of its era, this Moody offers a lot. And it sails well. By now Moody was wisely offering a choice of fin and twin keels .

With a displacement of 11,200lb and a ballast ratio of around 40%, the fin keeler (drawing 5ft) in particular is capable of giving a good showing in club races. In just three years, 165 Moody 34s were produced.

For a 34-footer of its era, the Moody 346 offers a lot of accommodation. Photo: Yachtsnet.co.uk

Hot on its heels came the upgraded and even more successful Moody 346. The one significant change is the extended stern that incorporates a vestigial bathing platform and boarding ladder.

But by now Marine Projects’ production methods had become more modern and elements of internal trim and finish had changed and improved.

In most respects, the 346 is an evolution of the 34. But it sold even better than its forebear, with an impressive 254 examples built between 1986 and 1990.

So these two Dixon-designed 34-footers achieved over 400 sales between them and it’s not surprising that they remain much sought after to this day.

A 34-footer is a great size for a couple to handle easily and cruise in comfort; yet it still has plenty of space to accommodate family and friends when they decide to join in the fun.

The Moody 34/346 models are among the best of the breed and I found 346s on offer for between £45,000 and £48,500.

Moody 37. Photo: sailingscenes.com

Moody 37/376

If the Moody 34 and 346 ‘family’ was a success, the considerably bigger Moody 37 and its Moody 376 development did even better. Built between 1985 and 1991, 313 of these two models were built, which is a serious number of boats of this size and price at that time.

It seems that in its market sector, the Moody 37/376 was more than a match for the equivalent sized Westerly Corsair and Sealord when it came to numbers sold.

Much of this success could be attributable to the fact that Moody’s 37 footers had a twin keel option (whereas some bigger Westerlys often did not).

The combination of Dixon’s sharp and contemporary styling with the design’s capacious interior and perhaps an extra edge in the performance stakes also helped boost the 37’s appeal. I found examples priced from £49,500 to £50,300.

The Westerly Corsair 36 makes an excellent, seaworthy family cruiser and long-distance passage maker. Photo: sailingscenes.com

Westerly Corsair 36

The Westerly Corsair 36 and Corsair 36 Mk2 designs by Ed Dubois were replacements for the ageing Conway and produced between 1983 and 1989.

Most had a fin keel but bilge keels were offered with the Mk2 versions, as was an alternative ketch rig . The heads compartment (with shower) is amidships and the stern cabin has an athwartships double berth. Later versions also have an en suite heads for the aft cabin.

Depending on age and condition, I found asking prices varying between £38,000 and £54,950. Just make sure that the Westerly weakness of dangling or un-glued vinyl inside older hulls and on headlining panels is not in evidence!

With a weight of 15,500lb, ballast ratio of 42.6%, DLR of 245.8 and comfort ratio of 25.9 the Corsair 36 makes an excellent and seaworthy family cruiser as well as a reliable long distance passage maker.

The owner of Corsair 36 Equinox sailed far and wide and wrote: “On the way from the Azores to Ireland in 2011 we experienced a period of gales that lasted for five days. We were sailing anywhere from a close reach to almost a beam reach.

“It was uncomfortable but not as wet. On the last day we came onto the continental shelf off Ireland and the waves increased in size from 15ft to 30ft with winds in the 35-40 knot range.

“It was uncomfortable and tiring. The boat rolled to the point that the spreaders went in the water three times on the last day. Once in the lee of Ireland the seas and the wind diminished and the sailing became great. The boat did fine and nothing broke.”

He added: “The Corsair sails well. We were called the rocket ship by a fellow on a 38ft Freedom in the Eastern Caribbean.

“That is a bit of an exaggeration but for an overloaded cruising boat we have no complaints. We stay with and pass many other cruising boats; both our size and larger.

“Our best sail for speed was the passage from Belize to the Dry Tortugas. We had about 18 knots of wind on a close reach and had four days in a row covering 168 miles. We have never sailed so fast for so long. There was no current to speak of. This was just boat speed.”

Moody Eclipse 33. Photo: Ann Berry

Moody Eclipse 33

A cruiser with a deck saloon can extend your sailing season as well as transform a wet and windy summer passage from an ordeal into a pleasure.

The Moody Eclipse 33 is probably the most numerous of this type in the UK. The concept of inside and outside steering and a snug raised saloon with panoramic views on the outside world was a hit.

What’s more Bill Dixon created a clever new style that succeeded in making a deck saloon yacht look sleek. The Mk1 Eclipse 33 had inside and outside steering; but this was changed on the Mk2 version to an optional remote control autopilot replacing the inside steering wheel.

Which was a shame – although the removal of the inside helm did free up extra space in the saloon, especially at the navigation station. But the similar sized Hunter Horizon 32 wheelhouse cruiser that competed with the Eclipse always retained its inside wheel steering and outside tiller steering.

And many a happy hour was spent sailing, motoring or racing (with surprising success) the boat from the snug warmth of a dry inside steering position while rain or spray flew outside.

The Eclipse 33 offers two twin berth cabins, fore and aft. The capacious heads compartment (with shower cubicle) is just aft of the forecabin. The exceptionally light and airy main saloon has a table with wraparound settees to port and the galley situated to starboard. It all works very well.

From a performance point of view, the Eclipse 33 is no slouch. She’s certainly not a ‘50/50’. She sails well (with fin or twin keels). Eclipse 33s command high second-hand prices to this day.

This is because the deck saloon formula has great appeal (especially in our climate) and few similar boats are now built. Why? The simple reason is because they cost a lot more to build than conventional cruisers.

I found Eclipse 33s ranging in price between £39,000 and £57,000 depending on age and condition. Similar deck saloon yachts such as the Westerly Riviera 35 and Westerly Duo tend to cost less and are also worth looking at.

Hunter Channel 31. Photo: Yachtsnet.co.uk

Hunter Channel 31

Last but not least, I should mention the David Thomas-designed twin keel Hunter Channel 31. Michael Schmidt & Partner brokerage said: ‘Which leads me on to what should be at or near the top of anyone’s list: the Hunter Channel 31 (if you can find one!).

‘It’s the perfect modern cruising yacht with an ergonomic, modern and attractive interior. It’s beautiful to look at and offers easy handling coupled with great all round performance.

‘It’s THE benchmark… we recently sold a late build model for north of £50k in immaculate condition.’

The Beneteau First 31.7 is one of Michael Schmidt’s recommendations for a boat under £50,000

Michael Schmidt and Partner suggested the more recent Beneteau First 31.7 (around £49,000), Oceanis Clipper 311 (around £42,000), Elan 333 (around £43,000), Bavaria 32 (£46,000 to £52,000) and Maxi 1000 (around £40,000).

These are more modern designs with space and performance to match. If you are in the market for slightly larger models from the same brands but within a similar budget, you may need to look at earlier build dates.

When looking at elderly yachts it’s important to employ the services of a surveyor when you’ve made your final selection. It can also help if you study the relevant owners’ association website.

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10 Most Affordable Bay Boats

Center consoles are great platforms for all kinds of fishing, but the specialized versions called bay boats (or flats boats) are the hands-down best for shallow water, light tackle action—and if that’s the type of angling you enjoy most, you’ll be interested in these 10 most affordable bay boats. Not one of them breaks the $50,000 ceiling and some cost half that amount, yet each and every one of these models will prove perfect for chasing those tailing redfish, casting in the mangroves, tossing topwater to stripers, and probing the bay for black drum.

Which will be ideal for your fishing grounds? That’s debatable. But if a bay boat lays in your future, be sure to check out these 10 affordable models.

Explore All Bay Boat/Flats Boat Brands & Models

1. Bayliner T18Bay

The Bayliner T18Bay has Bayliner’s “M-hull,” which rides atop an uber-stable M-shaped design. And it carries an uber-low price tag, with a $22,573 starting point that shakes out to a monthly payment barely north of $200. Affordable? You bet it is. What’s more, the base package includes a 90 HP Mercury FourStroke outboard and a single-axel galvanized trailer with a garage-storage length of 22’6” overall.

Serious anglers may want to spend another $1,000 or so to get some optional fishing features like the bow fishing seat, Lowrance Hook2 4X fishfinder, forward livewell, and trolling motor bracket, but stock goodies include a livewell in the aft casting deck, under-gunwale rodracks, aft jump seats, a swing-back cooler helm seat, and six vertical rodholders in the console.

Visit Bayliner to learn more.

2. Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay

Blue Wave is one of the original bay boat builders and has experience crafting shallow water fishing machines that dates back for decades. The 2000 Pure Bay is their smallest offering, and its $45,687 starting price (with a Suzuki DF140A) puts you into a finely honed shoal water fishing boat that’s rigged with high-end perks like digital gauges, tilt-steering, and a leaning post with super-comfy Llebroc seats. You’ll also find that fittings and hardware ranging from rodholders to the gas fill cap are stainless-steel, rather than the plastic pieces and parts found on some affordable bay boats.

One of the biggest enhancements, however, is the stock 10” jack plate which locates the motor aft of the transom and eliminates the splashwell. That means the aft casting deck has a lot more useable space than most boats of its size. The 2000 Pure Bay also has a pocket designed into the hull for running in super-skinny water and drafts (see What is Boat Draft? ) a mere eight inches.

Visit Blue Wave Boats to learn more.

3. Carolina Skiff 162 JLS

While one could technically argue that the Carolina Skiff 162 JLS is a skiff, it surely qualifies as a bay boat, too, thanks to fore and aft casting decks and a six-inch draft . And with a starting price of $18,972 there’s no argument about this boat’s affordability. Fishing features on the stock model include six console rodholders, an 18-gallon livewell, trolling motor pre-rigging, inwale rodracks, and pedestal-mount fishing seats.

Note that unlike older Carolina Skiff J-series boats this is a fully-linered model, which looks a lot sharper than the historic spackle-finish interior seen on un-linered boats.

Visit Carolina Skiff to learn more.

4. Crestliner 1800 Bay

The Crestliner 1800 Bay is an aluminum bay boat option which starts at $25,973 with a 115 HP Mercury FourStroke outboard and a galvanized trailer. One of the big advantages of owning an aluminum rig is its lighter weight, and with a displacement of just 1,216 pounds, the 1800 Bay will be easy to haul even with a midsized SUV or pickup.

It’s also well-outfitted for action, with a 21-gallon livewell, six vertical rodholders on the console plus inwale racks, a 48-quart cooler in the console seat, flip-up jump seats in the aft casting deck, and a leaning post with a fold-down footrest.

Visit Crestliner to learn more.

5. Mako 18 LTS

If you want a bay boat that can do double-duty as a flats boat, the Mako 18 LTS will be a top contender. It has 13 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a 1,752-pound displacement so it’s certainly able to take on some seas, yet it also has a bow that’s almost entirely decked to maximize casting space. A pocket in the transom allows for hopping up onto plane in extremely skinny (shallow) water .

Base model fishing features include six console rodholders, an 18-gallon console livewell, and a 72-quart flip-back cooler helm seat. Packaged at just under $30,000 including prep and freight with a 90-horse outboard or just over $30,000 with a 115 HP powerplant (which gets you top-end speeds in the 40 MPH range), the package also comes with a single-axel trailer with Sure Lube hubs and a swing-away tongue.

Visit MAKO to learn more.

6. NauticStar 215 XTS SB

With a sticker price of $46,227, the NauticStar 215 XTS SB is unique among its peers. The “SB” in the model name denotes that this boat has a tunnel in the hull for shallow-running abilities. Plus, with a standard 150 HP outboard on the transom it has plenty of power. The forward casting deck is unusually extensive with side wings stretching back to the front of the console, and from a fishability standpoint this boat is top-notch.

In fact, the list of standard fishing features is off-the-charts comprehensive: rodboxes for stowing up to 10 rods in organizers, an insulated bow fishbox, livewells both forward and aft, cast net/bucket stowage under one aft jump seat and tackle stowage under the other, two flush-mount gunwale rodholders, under-gunwale rodracks, six vertical console rodholders, and a leaning post with 94-quart Igloo cooler.

Visit NauticStar to learn more.

7. Pathfinder 2005 TRS

It may not be very big, but the Pathfinder 2005 TRS packs quite a punch considering its $48,193 starting cost (with a Yamaha F115). This is Pathfinder’s smallest offering, but it’s built just as well as their larger boats and its attitude definitely out-does its LOA.

Even though it’s under 21 feet long, the boat has over 120 quarts of onboard cooler space, can carry up to seven passengers, and includes standard features more commonly only on larger boats like hydraulic steering, separate battery switches for the starting and trolling motor batteries, a compass, a toe-kick at the base of the console, and an aluminum leaning post with five rocket launchers and a cooler underneath.

Visit Pathfinder Boats to learn more.

8. Ranger RB200

Another affordable aluminum bay boat option is the Ranger RB200 , which lists at $37,545 with a 150 HP Mercury FourStroke outboard. Constructed from 5052 H34 marine-grade aluminum, it tips the scales at 1,660 pounds and has all-welded construction. Unlike most of the boats in this category, it comes with the bow-mount electric trolling motor factory installed and a Minn Kota Riptide Maxxum 70-pound thrust model is included in the package. The tandem-axel trailer is another high point; most boats of this weight are sold with single-axel trailers, and this one also includes a swing-away tongue and hydraulic surge brakes.

What about the fishing highlights? The Ranger brings with it a Lowrance Hook2 4X fishfinder, livewells in both the forward and aft decks, a pedestal fishing seat with multiple bases throughout the boat, an aluminum leaning post, and six vertical rodholders on the console.

Visit Ranger Boats to learn more.

9. Robalo 226 Cayman

Robalo does make a smaller bay boat that costs less, but the 226 Cayman is the largest of all these competitors to ducks under our price bar (by a little less than $1,000), with a whopping 22’6” length and an 8’6” beam. This is also the most powerful standard-issue model in this round-up, with a Yamaha F200 four-stroke outboard on the transom. And at 3,400 pounds it’s the heaviest contender, too. Add that heft in with the 15-degree transom deadrise and it won’t be surprising to learn that it’s also one of the best for running through big waters. Yes, draft is a bit deeper than the others at one foot even, but the real ace up this boat’s sleeve is its family-friendly nature. The bow can transition between seating (with removable backrests) and casting space, and the console houses a fully enclosed head compartment.

As far as the fishy features go, the boat has twin livewells (30 gallons aft and 20 gallons forward), six rodholders in the console plus two in the gunwales, multiple insulated fishboxes, and trolling motor pre-wiring installed.

Visit Robalo Boats to learn more.

10. Skeeter SX210

The Skeeter SX210 has a NAP price just under $40,000 for the boat with a Yamaha F150 outboard and an aluminum tandem axel trailer, and it comes with an added measure of confidence: a limited lifetime structural warranty, a 10-year transferrable structural warranty, and a three-year limited component warranty. That means less worry for you, while you enjoy high-end features like standard hydraulic steering, Yamaha 6Y5 multifunction gauges, and top-end speeds pushing into the upper-40-MPH range.

The SX210 also has some unmatched fishing features, like a whopping 14 vertical rodholders and the option to have a Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI with side-imaging pre-wiring installed.

Visit Skeeter Boats to learn more.

11. Sportsman Masters 207

Eleven? Wait a sec, weren’t we supposed to be talking about the 10 most affordable bay boats? Well sure, but we can’t stop there because they say the devil’s in the details, and the $35,610 Sportsman Masters 207 proves that the devil can be beat—without breaking the bank.

Take an up-close look at this model and you’ll discover high-end touches that aren’t commonly seen aboard “affordable” boats, like hatches that are fully finished on both sides, raise on gas-assist struts, have gaskets, and have locking latches that dog down tightly. You’ll discover recessed hinges, USB and 12-V plugs at the helm, flip-up helm bolsters and a flip-up transom bench seat upholstered in Sileather Marine silicon-coated fabrics, and livewells finished with a baby-blue interior that calms the fish you drop inside.

There’s no doubt that this builder sweats the details, while also delivering a hefty standard feature list including big-ticket items like a Garmin GPSMAP 942xs MFD, a 20-gallon aft livewell and a 10-gallon forward livewell, and a pair of flush gunwale holders in addition to the six vertical rodholders on the console.

Visit Sportsman to learn more.

12. Wellcraft 211 Bay

Okay, we promise to stop adding boats to this Top 10 list—but not before we spend a moment talking about the Wellcraft 221 Bay . This boat lists at a hair over $46,000 (including a 150 HP powerplant and a trailer) and with 15-degrees of deadrise, has one of the sharper V-hulls in this bay boat mix. What really catches the eye, though, is this boat’s looks because the styling is unlike any other you’ll see.

This boat also has the largest bait-hauling capacity of any in this mix, with a pair of whopping-big integrated 34 gallon livewells.

Visit Wellcraft to learn more.

Yes, we went over the budget for our top 10 list by 20-percent. But the good news is that with each and every one of these options, you won’t have to go over your budget to tow one home. That proves without a doubt that these 10 most affordable bay boats (okay, these 12) put shallow water, light tackle fishing action within easy reach.

Read Next: 10 Most Affordable Center Console Boats

You May Also Like:

• 10 Most Affordable Fishing Boats
• Bay Boats vs. Center Consoles
• Buying a Fishing Boat: Buyer's Guide
• Center Console vs. Walkaround
• Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle

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Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Many bluewater sailboats can be found in great condition for less than $50,000
• Westsail 32, Bristol 40, and Wauquiez Pretorien 35 are a few examples for less than 50k
• Consider your sailing goals for the type of bluewater boat you need before searching
• You may not find a perfect boat so you might need to work on some for a good deal
• Your budget, if under 50k, should be considered when attempting to buy these boats

‍ There are a variety of sailboats that can fit within any budget. So what are some of the best bluewater sailboats under 50k?

The best bluewater sailboats that are under 50k include the Westsail 32, Bristol 40, Wauquiez Pretorien 35, Cape Dory 30, and the Sabre 28. These cruising boats are blue water capable and can likely be adjusted to fit your budget based on your sailing goals.

In my experience, there are plenty of affordable bluewater cruisers on the sailing market if you know where and what to look at. Doing enough research is crucial to finding what is best for you and what you can afford.

Table of contents

‍ Top 18 Bluewater Sailboats Less Than 50k

A variety of factors play into the purchase price of a sailboat such as the condition, age, and the make or model. There are an abundance of bluewater sailboats that can likely fit within your budget if you can figure out what features you would like on the boat.

Westsail 32

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The Westsail 32 is a perfect mid-sized sailboat that is ideal as a bluewater cruiser but the performance can be a little lacking. These boats typically are slow and steady which offers a level of safety when cruising. Depending on many factors you can find these boats anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/bristol-40"}}

Most of the Bristol 40 sailboats were built in the 1960’s and a handful were built a little later. Boat designs were different back then, especially since the waterline lengthened whenever the boat would heel and it was equipped with an Atomic 4 gas engine. A majority of these boats vary in price from $30,000 to $49,000.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

{{boat-info="/boats/wauquiez-pretorien-35"}}

The Wauquiez Pretorien 35 is a great example of a boat that can handle harsh conditions. It does not perform its best in light winds, but it becomes a true beauty when the wind becomes active. A lot of these boats have robust construction and you can begin finding these around $40,000 in good shape.

Cape Dory 30

{{boat-info="/boats/cape-dory-30"}}

Smaller bluewater cruising yachts such as the Cape Dory 30 feature a full keel that helped improve its stability on the water along with a spade rudder. These are great for coastal cruising, especially since it has an increased wetted surface that affects its speed. Expect to find these in the price range of $10,000 to $33,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/sabre-28"}}

The Sabre 28 had a little over 500 boats that were produced and is a quality boat for ocean crossings. It might be a slow boat, but they used a fin keel with a skeg mounted rudder to help with a modest performance under sail. These boats typically hover in the range of $7,000 to $27,000 in price.

Island Packet 31

{{boat-info="/boats/island-packet-31"}}

Island Packet is most famous for their 31 model since it provided a full keel in a smaller boat at the time of their production. These are perfect for shallow waters for those that need a shallow draft to enter various locations around islands or docks. You can still find many of these shoal draft boats in the price range of $35,000 to $50,000.

Islander 36

{{boat-info="/boats/islander-36"}}

The Islander 36 is regarded as a recreational keelboat, meaning you can do just about anything you desire on this boat. Many improvements were made over the years to the design and allowed an increased performance, as around 1,000 were sold. The condition on these will vary but you can likely find them between $22,000 to $49,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/capital-yachts-gulf-32-pilothouse"}}

The Gulf 32 is a good bluewater cruiser that has had some adjustments over the years. These cruising boats actually had two different designers over the years and a handful of changes were made to the design, which might make it a headache to make repairs on the deck and other areas. The price ranges for these vary modestly between $24,000 and $39,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/tayana-37"}}

The Tayana 37 has been a popular sailboat used for circumnavigation over the years. This is a performance cruiser that features a tough fiberglass hull and has had various changes made over the years to improve its solid build. Many sailors should be able to find these ranging between $34,000 and $49,000.

Endeavor 37

{{boat-info="/boats/endeavour-37"}}

The Endeavor 37 was first built in 1977 with approximately 476 boats manufactured and is best known for it being a slow, heavy boat that is sturdy to last. Motion is desirable when sailing, but the upwind performance was a bit lacking. These can be found starting around $20,000.

C&C Landfall 38

{{boat-info="/boats/c-c-landfall-38"}}

C&C boats were considered pioneers in composite boat building, with the Landfall 38 being a prime example for how well they built boats. You can typically sail a little better with these, as they point higher and make it less likely that you will need to tack as much. Depending on condition and interior features, these can still be found around $33,000 and up.

{{boat-info="/boats/sparkman-stephens-tartan-37"}}

One popular Sparkman & Stephens boat design is the Tartan 37 , which is an excellent bluewater racing boat under the right conditions. It is typically easy to handle and has top-quality construction throughout. The prices on these vary, as ranges are $22,000 to $49,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/valiant-40"}}

It may be difficult to find a Valiant 40 since roughly 200 of them were ever built, making them a highly sought-after bluewater boat. Ocean crossings are much more tolerable due to its heavy displacement, fin keel, and a great build compared to other boats with a solid fiberglass hull. Prices can start near $45,000 for older ones, but will likely be more due to condition and age.

{{boat-info="/boats/shannon-38"}}

There were two styles of the Shannon 38 built that featured an aft cockpit or it utilized a pilot house that makes it appealing to those that are used to having a forward cabin. These are arguably hard to find in comparison to the Valiant 40’s since only 100 were ever built. These can be either a ketch rig or cutter rig and the prices will vary around $40,000 and up.

{{boat-info="/boats/hinterhoeller-niagara-35"}}

Many sailors have enjoyed the Niagara 35 over the years since it had two different styles and both were appealing on the interior. These were great family cruisers for bluewater conditions. Nearly 260 of these were ever built and you can likely find them at about $30,000 and beyond.

Prout Snowgoose

{{boat-info="/boats/prout-snowgoose-37"}}

Many boats have been famous for circumnavigation and the Prout Snowgoose is one of those on the list to do it. It features a narrow beam that makes it easier to pass through canals, as well as less room while docking and taking up less space. These will run about $45,000 and up depending on condition.

{{boat-info="/boats/freedom-36"}}

The Freedom 36 is a little bit on the smaller end when you compare it to other bluewater yachts. However, it has plenty of space and sails beautifully in the right conditions. These are still going for about $40,000 and more if you do not mind doing a little bit of work on them.

{{boat-info="/boats/corbin-39"}}

The Corbin 39 created two different designs and they had plenty to hit the market as unfinished kits that sailors would often design as they wanted. This makes things interesting when deciding on one since each boat will likely be different from the next. It still offers a complete sailing package and prices will vary from $40,000 and up.

How to Find Bluewater Sailboats Less Than 50k

When thinking of purchasing a bluewater sailboat, you likely have an idea in mind of what you want to accomplish out on the water. There is an abundance of options to consider when looking for a bluewater sailboat under $50,000.

The location of the boat will make a difference in price, whether you have to travel a long distance to retrieve the boat and tow it back home or have it shipped. There are a few places to look when comparing your options such as the east coast in the United States like Florida or Maine.

Boatyards will look like a used car lot, except with boats, that are usually needing repairs or a place for storage. Restoring a sailboat might be more than it is worth, but if you do not mind getting your hands dirty and have the time, this could be an appealing option. There are some instances where owners had abandoned a boat and you can score one much cheaper.

Boat shows are a great place to check out newer models of motor yachts, bluewater cruisers, or anything you desire to see them in action, if near the water. These will likely be higher priced since these are new boats on display. This is when doing your research in advance makes sense, as you want to go to one that will feature boats for your sailing goals and budget.

Local Marinas or Clubs

If you happen to live near spots on the water that have marinas or boating clubs, this is a great place to see boats potentially on sale by the owner. The harbor master could also recommend someone to you or they may have heard of a good boat for sale. Boating clubs are also nice to check out for a boat that you have in mind and see it in action.

Online Searches

Searching online for a boat is likely your first step in the buying process. This will also save you a ton of time when comparing prices and will allow you to contact people much sooner. You might even be able to find local ads placed online to find the boat of your dreams.

Auctions or Estates

Boat auctions and estate sales are an appealing opportunity to find unique boats for a good price. You are taking a risk when purchasing these boats, as the condition of the boat is likely not going to be known. However, these will likely be going for cheaper than retail prices.

Things to Consider for Bluewater Sailboats Less Than 50k

There are a few things to consider before you conduct research on a boat under 50k. You need to check into your finances to see how you can afford this transaction. There are a few different ways to think about this.

The reason you are likely searching for a bluewater boat under 50k is that you need to stay within a budget. There are many sailors that purchase boats solely on what they can afford and there is nothing wrong with that. Think about your current finances and see what you can work with or plan out for six months or more.

Trading in Old Boat

If you already have a boat and need to get rid of it, then trading your boat in will likely add value to the transaction. Trading in your boat not only helps you avoid meeting with random people, but you can shave the price off your new one. You will need to make sure your boat is in the best shape it can be or want to deal with to see what you can get out of it.

Financing with Dealer

Sometimes dealers will be able to give you deals or incentives for financing a loan through them. This could be lower interest or a cash bonus, but there may not be anything at all, so be sure to check before accepting this deal.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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The best luxury charter yachts for under €50k

Chartering isn't just about the megayachts costing millions a week . Yachts that fall under €50k offer all the enjoyment of a private and highly-bespoke vacation for those keeping to a tighter budget. 

Having recently been refitted in 2019, Helios is one of the few American made, express style yachts over 27 metres currently avaliable for charter. Capable of accommodating eight guests across four cabins, Helios is a Florida pedigree, having been built by Lazzara in 2012 and an ideal option for those looking to cruise Florida and the Bahamas, only drawing a 1.5 metre draft.

Inside, her interiors are contemporary and bright with polished wooden accents and white sofas throughout. Upon boarding, take her midship stairs down to the open plan dining area to find a wet bar. Guests staying in the master stateroom, which features a king bed, a large walk-in closet and Jacuzzi bath will also have their own folding balcony, where they can sit and take in the Florida coastline cruising past.

Helios is available for charter with Denison Yachting from $42,000 per week

If you’re after maximum space on board, then a catamaran may be the way to go, specifically Levante, which boasts a large square saloon with accommodation for eight guests across four cabins. Her interiors are contemporary, bright and minimalist and she boasts a sprawling aft deck and brimming toy box.

Designed and built by Sunreef , Levante is a great pick for families after smooth sailing in either the South Pacific or Southeast Asia and perhaps one for keen scuba divers, as you’ll find all the gear you need to explore the depths.

Levante is available for charter with Edmiston from €50,000 per week.

At 25 metres long, Nisi , may sit at the smaller side of the superyacht spectrum, but thanks to her full beam owner’s suite, light-filled saloon and jam-packed toy box, her amenities can rival that of a much larger vessel. Accommodating up to six guests overnight across three cabins– or 15 guests for day charters – Nisi is the perfect way to explore the famous beaches of Australia’s Whitsunday Island's or perhaps cruise the Great Barrier Reef, while getting the full superyacht experience with three crewmembers on board.

Available on a daily or weekly rate, guests looking to spend their time frolicking in the water will have their pick of paddle boards, Fliteboards, kayaks and an underwater drone in the recently updated toy box. But for those after a more serine time on board, Nisi boasts aft sunpads, a wet bar and a private chef on hand to cook up a storm.

Nisi is available for charter with Yachtsmen International at $8,000AUS per day (approx. €5,400)

Seas to See

Seas to See is the perfect option for families with children in tow. The VIP cabin has a partition that can be fully closed off from the main cabin and converts the seating area to Pullman bunks to create a 'mini cabin'. An enclosed cockpit meanwhile keeps little ones from wandering too close to the edge of the swim platform. The 28 metre yacht for charter carries a Great Tow tender for fishing excursions away from the boat, or guests can take advantage of the cockpit for a spot of trolling while underway. Cruising the Caribbean year-round, her interior is finished with tropical printed cushions.

Seas to See is available for charter with Worth Avenue Yachts from $36,000 per week.

More about this yacht

Yachts for sale.

This 31.62 metre is a beautiful example of a classic canoe stern Benetti . An extensive refit in 2018 saw her receive an extreme makeover offering a thoroughly modern charter yacht with honey wood panelling and playful bursts of blue concealed by exterior traditional styling. Sounion II can sleep up to 10 guests in four cabins with two master suites: one on the upper deck with direct access to an aft terrace, and the other positioned forward on the lower deck. The sun deck is fitted with plenty of sunpads for lounging while family-style lunches are enjoyed beneath the shade of the overhang.

Sounion II is available for charter with Hill Robinson  from $41,800 per week.

Yachts for charter

Vespucci is a one-of-a-kind gentlemen yacht built for none other than Carlo Riva, the man behind some of Italy’s most beautiful runabouts. An extensive and award-winning two-year rebuild saw Vespucci restored to her former glory keeping but a few touches from her past life, including her original lamps. She has four cabins that sleep up to 10 guests and a large sun deck where al fresco lunches are best enjoyed. Vespucci is the perfect option for classic yacht lovers.

Vespucci is available for charter with Northrop & Johnson from €40,000 per week.

Kefi was built by British shipyard Sunseeker and was the only yacht in the series to achieve its MCA large yacht code. She can sleep up to eight guests in four flexible cabins making her perfect for different all sorts of different charter parties. There is a master suite for primary guests, a VIP cabin and two twins that can be converted to doubles as required. Her toy collection includes an 8.5-metre Sea Hunt, four Seabobs, two waverunners, paddleboards, inflatable docks, a floating island, snorkel gear, and fishing equipment.

Kefi is available for charter with Denison Yachting from $49,000 per week.

A prime example of a classic Mangusta yacht, Little Zoe is fresh from a 2020 refit and ready to welcome guests on board. Accommodations are set aside for 10 guests across four cabins, with additional space for four members of crew. Despite her smaller size, the 28.3 metre Little Zoe boasts generous deck spaces, with plenty of room for sunbathing and lounging as well as enjoying al fresco meals served up by her Michelin-starred chef . She also carries a well-stocked toybox with diving and watersports gear as well as Sea Bobs that will keep guests of all ages entertained.

Little Zoe is managed for charter by YPI with a weekly charter rate starting from €43,500.

At 22 metres in length, Enigma is the perfect pocket yacht for a week-long getaway with family and friends. Don't be fooled by her size, she's deceptively voluminous and can host groups up of to eight split between four en suite cabins. An open-plan saloon serves as the social hub on board and is bathed in natural light thanks to supersized windows. Up above, a partially shaded sun deck offers al fresco dining all day long while sundowners are best enjoyed from the foredeck lounge.

Enigma is managed by CSO Yachts starting from €43,000 per week.

Can't Remember

Turning heads in every port with her bottle green hull and superstructure, the 35.6 metre Can't Remember can sleep up to 15 guests in six en-suite cabins with a crew of five. She has a master suite, a VIP, one double with a Pullman berth and two twins, each with a Pullman berth. The sixth cabin can be used for additional guests or as a children's playroom. Delivered in 2004 by The Italian Sea Group and refitted in 2016, she can host barbecue lunches on the flybridge followed by an afternoon of sunbathing and cocktails atop large comfy sunpads. 

Can't Remember is managed by Atalanta Golden Yachts with charters starting from €55,000 per week.

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Best Boats Under 50k

• Updated August 16, 2024

If you’re in the market for the best boats under $50k, make sure to consider the type of boat you need and the brand. We’ve compiled a list of the best boat brands you can check out, with boats listed below 50 Gs. We’ve also curated a handy buying guide to help you narrow down your options.

Boat ownership is a huge expense. The overall cost of boats isn’t cheap. So, deciding which one to get with your set budget might be a daunting experience. Sure, you may wish to have one with all features and gimmickry that bring value, but you will have to deal with budget limitations.

This is not to say you should sacrifice quality, though. You have a lot of options, and among the best ways to narrow down your options is by comparing the price range. There are still budget-friendly models and you can take your boat with you to the lake, river, or sea for as little as $50,000.

Yup, there’s no need to spend more than that price to become a member of this exclusive community of water enthusiasts.

So, we did the diving for you and discovered some of the best boats under $50,000. Keep in mind that these boat prices may change depending on a range of factors such as season, features, and more (we’ll talk about this later).

Below are the top boat brands worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable boat that meets your budget.

The Best Brands for Boats Under 50k

And as a buyer, it may be hard to figure out which brand of low-cost boat is the best and most reputable. Well, here are some names you need to know!

As the brand itself claims, Bayliner is more than just a boat. Bayliner offers boats that provide an unmatched sense of freedom and fun. Bayliner builds crafts that are suitable for beginners while offering endless options.

You can go for something with a wide deck, a stable platform for your fishing trips, or an open-bow boat for weekend cruises.

The brand has had a lot of issues in the past, especially with the construction process and materials. But now, their latest models have been constructed to a higher standard. It can now meet the preferences of even the most discerning boaters.

Despite incorporating better material and production, their most recent models are still affordable. They range in price from $25,000 to $50,000.

The Bayliner DX2250 , for example, is priced starting at $47,780.00. This is a family-friendly sterndrive model. It combines all their DX Series’ most popular features.

Let’s start with its sleek appearance. It features hull shaping and beautiful shear lines. And its interior boasts basic homelike amenities, which are comfy and convenient.

The soft upholstery with black welting, as well as the transitional cockpit and transom seating, provide total lounging relaxation whether facing forward or aft. Its broader V-hull brings stability when you’re underway. And the high freeboard ensures that everyone onboard is safe and dry.

The Bayliner DX2250 includes standard features and extra amenities that allow you to get the most out of your boating experience. It comes with a dedicated wet bar with a freshwater sink, a prep space, and a grocery locker. It also has an enclosed storage compartment with an optional head.

You may also opt for fishing accessories, a cockpit fridge, a Digital Depth Indicator, and other conveniences. But, all the additions come with a higher markup in price, of course.

Hurricane manufactures deck boats in a range of styles and all their models are designed with comfort in mind. In regards to quality and price, we consider the brand as a mid-tier deck boat manufacturer. They make dependable and inexpensive crafts, perfect for anyone looking for the best boats under 50k.

The main feature of Hurricane boats is their ability to accommodate a large number of people. So, if you’re intending to go on a daily afternoon trip to the lake or river, Hurricane is a wonderful choice. You can even customize their deck boats to your style.

Like all deck boats, they are meant for traveling through calm waters and along the coast rather than offshore fishing. These boats are a typical sight in Florida. You’ll see them on the rivers or while beach-hopping.

Hurricane boats are also popular in rental fleets due to their dependability. The boats are known for being low-maintenance, forgiving, and simple to operate, though many people say they experience bumpy rides in rough water. Which is typical of most deck boats.

Their Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC OB has a fantastic helm dash with fog-resistant instruments. It helps ensure safety as you sail out on the water. This boat also includes an exterior anchor locker ladder, stern extendable lighting, and bow telescoping lighting.

Another thing worth highlighting about this boat is the entertainment area with an Infinity Bluetooth color display and four speakers. The boat also comes with stainless steel safety boots and a half canopy that keeps the sun off your back when cruising.

A used one may cost between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on the amenities it offers. If you buy a brand new boat, you’re looking at somewhere between $61,000 to $80,000, and is customizable to your preferences.

Lowe Boats is well-known for producing low-cost, all-welded aluminum fishing boats and pontoon boats for anglers. It’s regarded as an entry-level aluminum manufacturer that builds good quality vessels.

While they aren’t as durable as Lund or any other top-tier aluminum brands, Lowe boats give you a good value for what you’ll pay for.

The brand offers boats that are particularly robust since they are composed of high-quality aluminum. Most of their boats are welded, though some models such as their entry-level Jon boats are riveted. The debate over whether it is superior has raged for decades, with most people believing welding is best.

And while they’re durable, their price points are still pretty affordable.

Their Lowe 22 Bay has to be one of the most handsome stainless steel fishing boats out there. With a starting price of $44,761, this brand-new 22-foot fishing boat can take you wherever you want to go. Its redesigned V-hull allows you to navigate shallow water while also tackling large waves.

We love this fishing boat because it lets you explore even the hardest-to-reach areas. And you can do so hands-free!

It also has a feature-rich premium fiberglass console that allows you to handle the throttle, instrument panel electronics, and more from the center of the boat.

Another feature we appreciate is the functional seating and it’s where the goodies are at. It folds up, revealing storage compartments below. The seating also folds down, providing you with a larger casting deck.

You should keep in mind that, if you go for Lowe, you’re investing your money in an entry-level brand and that you may need to have some hinges or screws replaced. Luckily, the brand has a good warranty and its dealers try their best to uphold it.

Crestliner is another brand for all-welded aluminum boats. It’s been a top choice of both freshwater and saltwater fishermen for many decades. The brand is on par with Lund. But when it comes to price points, Crestliner boats are a superior deal.

There are numerous advantages to Crestliners, including the welded seams rather than riveted ones. Also, you will no longer find wood in their transoms. Crestliner boats also feature a steady and smooth ride with a wide beam. Their hulls make them speedier than most of their rivals.

Another feature you’d appreciate with their boats is the rubberized interior coating. Compared to traditional carpeting, this is gentler on the feet and will not rot.

The Crestliner 1850 Bass Hawk is one of our favorite bass boats from the brand. It’s also one of the most stylish aluminum fishing boats we’ve looked at.

Priced at $41,588, this powerful and adaptable boat features an all-aluminum hull that ensures safety and stability. The boat is not only excellent for fishing, but it also works well for skiing—talk about versatility!

It features a quality console and huge bow decks. So, there’s plenty of room for fishing or relaxing. The boat’s innovative X-hulls stack up. And with a recessed pad design, you can expect uninterrupted water flow to the engine for outstanding performance.

Variable degree deadrise is one of the features we appreciate since it enables instant planning and stability. You see, it’s a reliable and well-designed boat through and through.

Crestliner boats hold their value exceptionally well in comparison to their competitors. Some argue that cheaper boats have less to depreciate from, however, the brand offers boats that are not as inexpensive as some of its competitors. And their larger boats appear to keep their worth better than their smaller vessels.

When it comes to quality and affordable pontoons, Bennington is one of the best. Unlike other manufacturers, the brand uses innovative THRU-BOLT™ technology for its hulls. It guarantees less flex and a solid ride for years of fun and safety.

Compared to most other pontoon boats, Bennington pontoons are built with thicker cross channels. This provides better vertical strength. The design reduces shifting and delivers the most steady, quiet pontoon ride.

Bennington is also known for its long-lasting and elegant interiors—all thanks to the top craftsmen and first-class upholstery. Their lounge seatings are very plush. The secret? It’s in their unique two-tone Simtex vinyl. It is beautifully contoured with intricate stitching and paired with thick foam.

Their entry-level S Series, especially, are made with the best quality materials. One of our favorites is the Bennington SX Line . This boat offers comfort, aesthetics, and efficiency that can be tailored to your specific needs.

The Quad Bench design is one of their most popular floor plans. It increases storage, seating capacity, and lounging space. This boat also boasts a stylish Fastback stern with speakers to enhance entertainment space.

Another thing we appreciate about this pontoon is the intuitive layout and simple helm, with a one-piece composite glass console surrounding you with total control over the boat. This boat is also customizable with different accent colors, fish or depth finder, and steering wheels.

It’s equipped with custom lighting that enhances and sets the ambiance. The soft glow has up to 13 user-selectable colors. It illuminates the water, under the deck, the speakers, the interior, and cup holders.

Each Bennington boat is designed, engineered, and handcrafted with a great level of care and detail. The brand not only builds the best quality boats on the market, but it also offers a good warranty.

And now we have Lund. The brand manufactures mostly fishing boats made of both aluminum and fiberglass. Their boat’s resilience has been demonstrated in both fresh and saltwater, on rivers, lakes, and the sea.

This brand introduces high-quality closed-cell foam into every boat for flotation, even when the hull gets severely damaged. This means you’ll still make it home in virtually any situation in which you take your Lund boat.

In terms of durability, all of their boats are riveted instead of welded. Although welding produces superior seams, many Lund owners on sailing and fishing sites find no difficulties with their rivets. This is due to the high quality of the build process and production monitoring.

One of our favorites is their Lund 1875 Lund Impact XS SS . With a starting price of $41,369, this family fishing boat comes with several handy fishing features. The center rod locker, two live wells, huge casting decks, as well as aft jump seats, an optional ski pylon, and a boarding ladder, are features you’ll appreciate.

This boat is also equipped with a custom console with a windshield, interior LED and navigational lighting, and mercury analog pre-rig with gauges. However, the thick double-plated bottom from the bow to the amidships is the real eye-catcher.

Some builders increase hull thickness in this important part of the boat. And it will inevitably lead to the brunt of the force if you hit anything.

Lund boats are reported to outperform other comparable brands in terms of performance. Their stability, cruising speed, and maneuverability are all often some of the few perks commended by its owners.

One of the downsides about Lund, though, is that some of their boats tend to be on the more expensive side. Luckily, the Impact XS SS is under $50k. Lund also offers a robust warranty.

Choosing the Best Boat Under $50k

Before you purchase that dream boat you’ve been saving for, you should think about what kind of boat you need or want. Here’s a brief buying guide for each type of boat.

The type of boat you should get needs to match your needs or demands. If you’re frequently fishing, go ahead and opt for a durable aluminum fishing boat. For those that are into wake surfing, wakeboarding, or skiing, you may want to go for, of course, wake surf and ski boats.

Let’s have a look at some of the common boats you can get below $50k.

Bowriders are typically small. They are built with a comfy seating space just in front of the cockpit, or the “bow” as it is collectively known. According to many bowrider owners, it’s thrilling to be up in that part of the boat, especially when it’s moving fast, kind of giving you that flying feeling across the water.

The fact that they are so versatile makes these boats a crowd favorite. It allows boaters to use them for water activities or a calm day on the water with friends and family.

Center Console Boats

Center console boats are, as the name suggests, designed with the control station in the center of the boat.  This design allows you to easily reach the bow, stern, and sides of the boat.

They are great for casual fishing days.  If you have ever caught a big fish that has given you a hard time reeling it in, you learn that your catch doesn’t care whichever side of the boat you like to work on.

With boats that have a side console, it will almost certainly get in your way at some time during the trip. But not with center console boats. These boats provide you the freedom to move around easily. A center console boat also offers ample storage space for your catch and fishing gear.

Sailboats feature a sail to propel themselves by using the power of the wind. It may entail some skill to figure out how to position the sail to move the boat in your desired direction. Most sailboats also have a built-in engine for improved navigation in rough conditions and on days with minimal wind.

A small sailboat will be a great boat for beginners and are less expensive to buy and operate than a powerboat. A used sailboat costs around half the price of a new powerboat. The latter’s engines are much more pricey than sailboat motors, and therefore increase the expense of maintenance.

Pontoon Boats

Some boaters prefer open deck space and stability. If you’re one of those people, then a pontoon boat may be just what you’re searching for. This boat is a deck supported by two cylindrical hollow tubes called pontoons. Those tubes provide buoyancy.

Pontoon boats are typically less expensive than other types of boats. They have outstanding stability and are fantastic for partying and casual water trips with friends and family. The downside of pontoons is that they don’t hold up well in rough waters.

Any flat-bottomed boats with a square-cut bow are referred to as Jon boats. Because they are unstable in rough waters, these boats may not be suitable if you intend to sail on the ocean. Jon boats are intended for use in calm, shallow water, which is a limiting factor.

They are often fairly affordable and hence lack all of the convenient elements that one would expect to see in more premium boats. Most Jon boat owners use their boats for fishing.

Deck boats look and operate similarly to bowriders. However, they have a lot more space in their layout owing to their wide bow design. They offer excellent handling like pontoon boats.

Although you can use a deck boat for water sports such as water skiing, it is unlikely to work as well as vessels designed particularly for such purposes. Deck boats are mostly used for recreation and amusement.

With deck boats, you can expect a pleasant ride regardless of speed, and you’ll appreciate the ease of maneuvering in comparison to other boats of the same size.

Wakesurf and Ski Boats

Ski, wake surf, and wakeboard boats are great for water sports enthusiasts. These boats are specifically built to produce wakes for skiers and wakeboarders. They create waves as they push water across their course.

Wakeboard boats produce greater surfing wakes than ski boats. Such types of boats are often challenging to use for activities other than aquatic sports.

What is the best month to buy a boat?

Many people believe that it is best to purchase a boat during fall. This is since most dealers start giving discounts between September and October. As the demand starts to drop, dealers frequently offer consumers perks. And they do so through discounts and drastic price markdowns.

Do boats hold their value?

On average, a brand new boat depreciates for 7 to 10 years after acquisition. In ten years, you may expect your boat to amount to $100 per foot.

Why are boats so expensive?

Boats are expensive because they are generally handcrafted. And this entails considerably higher labor expenses per production. Many labor-saving solutions are just not financially practical for the manufacturers. Especially with very low production levels.

Also, buyers are another major factor in high boat pricing. Most of us simply don’t need to own a boat.

How big of a boat do you need to go in the ocean?

The size of boat you’ll need for ocean cruising depends on the general condition of the water you often traverse.

If you intend to go through oceans and seas in which the waves and waters can be quite rough, you must look into boats 30 feet or larger. This boat size will be able to withstand turbulent and erratic seas and currents. It’s also enough for extended offshore voyages.

What is a good first boat to own?

Bowriders, small sailboats, and runabouts such as deck boats are good choices for beginners. Smaller boats are generally inexpensive. And they are simple to run.

There are numerous outboard, stern drive, and powerboat models available. And bowriders and runabouts are perfect for day cruises and simple watersports. They are also great for casual fishing excursions.

Do you negotiate boat prices?

It depends on the dealer, but you can generally negotiate just how you could in car sales. Whether you’re looking for a new or used boat, you should always try to bargain. Negotiating the price is the only approach to getting a decent deal when buying a boat.

What is a good offer on a used boat?

You can choose a rate that is 5 to 10 percent lower than the asking price. But don’t go so much lower that it insults the seller. While you can go lower, the price point should communicate to the seller that you are interested in purchasing the boat, and not just finding a good deal.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a boat. A low-cost vessel can provide the same level of fun and dependability as a high-priced one. If you decide to upgrade later, you can have your boat fully customized to design a vessel that meets your specific needs. Good luck!

Joshua Wright

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Used Yachts For Sale Between $400,000 and $500,000

32' Yellowfin Center Console 2022

Gulfport, United States

88' Ferretti Yachts 881 2006

Fort Lauderdale, United States

Price Reduction

50' Custom Carolina 50' Ricky Gillikin 1999

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43' SeaVee Express 2013

Barnegat, United States

40' Sabre 40 Sedan 2011

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Dunedin, United States

44' Riva Rivarama 2012

Portland, United States

32' Boston Whaler 2021

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36' Everglades 365 CC 2022

33' Scout 330 LXF 2024

Fajardo, Puerto Rico

33' Goldfish X10 Scout 2024

34' Boston Whaler 345 CONQUEST 2019

Pensacola Beach, United States

Description

Finding a used yachts for sale between $400,000 and $500,000 that fits your needs when it comes to number of passengers, horsepower, inside accommodations, and other features on board can be a challenge with so many options available on the market today. There are many types of boats available between $400k and $500k like  center-consoles ,  cruising yachts , and  fishing boats , with many good options across all length ranges Still, there are plenty of opportunities with brands like  Sea Ray ,  Carver ,  Princess ,  Grand Banks ,  Meridian ,  Boston Whaler ,  Viking ,  Hatteras ,  Bertram , and others. Let the team at United Yacht Sales help you find the right vessel that fits your needs under $500k.

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Best boats under £50k: Secondhand options to expand your horizons

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Used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best boats under £50k from the likes of Sealine, Haines, Fairline and Princess…

The buoyant (if you’ll pardon the pun) used boat market remains a seller’s dream, with many boats reported sold before they even get listed. Good news for sellers, hard work for buyers. And those writing used boat articles!

Nonetheless we’re rather pleased with the selection of four secondhand craft we’ve found, which demonstrate rather aptly just what a wide spectrum of options are available when choosing the best boats under £50k.

From a compact and relatively modern 25ft sportscruiser through a comfortable 31ft river runner to a thoroughbred offshore sportscruiser and finally a full-on 40ft flybridge Princess.

It’s fair to say we’ve covered most of the bases.

Four of the best boats under £50k

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Sealine s25.

Built: 2007 Price: £47,950

Launched originally as the S23 in 2002 (the badge change to S25 was simply to reflect the actual length of 24ft 7in), this model was always intended to act as a stepping stone into the Sealine brand.

So much so, in fact, that when the boat launched, Sealine offered a buy back scheme where owners could get their money back if they part exchanged against a larger Sealine within two years.

However, it was only against the full list price of the larger Sealine, and back in the Kidderminster days (Sealine is now owned by Hanse) discounts were more commonplace, so it wasn’t quite as generous as it sounded.

Away from the figures, the S23/S25 stood up well as a boat in its own right.

As an introduction to the brand, Sealine ensured that the quality of fit-out was the equal of its larger boats, so although the layout was typical (dinette forward converting to a double, heads opposite the galley and a transverse double berth beneath the cockpit), the interior quality was a step above the norm at this size.

The finish is unusually smart for a boat of this size and price

Side decks or a wide beam cockpit, you can’t have both at this size because the beam is usually constrained to 8ft 6in (in this case 8ft 2in) to allow for trailering.

Where some rivals opted for walk-through windscreens, Sealine went for proper side decks, eking back a little space by making them asymmetric (the starboard deck is 8in wide, the port a paltry 4in).

As a result, the cockpit is a little tight, with seating for six – two at the helm plus twin double seats facing each other across a table.

Performance

The S23 versions got the venerable Volvo Penta KAD 32 170hp, but this later S25 gets the much newer D3-160, five-cylinder diesel.

We eked 30 knots out of a KAD boat on test, and the D3 should be similar.

There’s even a proper little galley down below

The seakeeping on these is actually pretty good for a small boat, with a decent ride and sharp handling.

Trim tabs are a must for keeping it on an even keel however, a corollary of a tall boat with a narrow beam.

Sealine S25 specifications

LOA: 24ft 7in (7.5m) Beam: 8ft 2in (2.5m) Draught: 2ft 11in (0.9m) Displacement: 2.5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 227 litres Engine: Volvo Penta D6-160 diesel Location: Lincoln Contact: Burton Waters Boat Sales

Built: 1993 Price: £49,950

You might have heard the (possibly apocryphal) story of the family who hired a Thames cruiser for a fortnight and were assured that, in the event of any mechanical problems, the boatyard would come to their aid.

Sure enough, a call came in after ten days reporting a blocked pump. “Where are you”, asked the yard? “Calais”, came the answer!

Apocryphal or not, boatbuilder Haines decided to extend the reach of its river orientated fleet when it introduced the Haines 31, calling it a ‘coastal’ boat suitable for inshore cruising when it launched the sedan version.

This is the aft cabin flybridge version, which was popular with inland hire fleets, particularly in Ireland where low bridges are less of an issue.

Both versions have a forward cabin (vee berths on this model, an offset double was the alternative) and a U-shaped galley opposite the heads on the lower deck. The main deck saloon is also similar on both models, with the helm to port and an L-shaped settee to starboard.

The difference is further aft – the sedan features sliding doors out to a cockpit on the same level, whereas on this flybridge version you head up steps to an aft deck or down another flight to the aft cabin, complete with double bed and an ensuite heads.

Steps lead up from the saloon to the raised aft deck and down to the ensuite aft cabin

In common with most aft cabin boats, the aft deck is high and exposed, although it offers a great view. But the benefit over an aft cockpit layout (apart from that aft cabin of course) is that it’s an easy three steps up to the flybridge.

Two engine options were offered, a single 60hp Nanni was standard, with a maximum displacement hull speed of about 8 knots. The larger 90hp Perkins alternative squeezed out an additional (and largely irrelevant) extra knot.

There was an option to replace the vee berths in this forward cabin with an offset double

We tested a Haines 31 Sedan back in 1996, reporting that ‘she punched through a large chop quite easily, considering her rather boxy shape’.

Haines 31 specifications

LOA: 31ft 0in (9.5m) Beam: 11ft 6in (3.5m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 7 tonnes Fuel capacity: 545 litres Engine: Nanni 62hp diesel engine Location: River Thames Contact: Val Wyatt Marine

Fairline Targa 29

Built: 1996 Price: £49,950

The thing that strikes you first about this Fairline Targa 29 is just how right it looks.

Given that the design dates back almost 30 years to 1994 when it launched as a Targa 28 (the Targa 29 followed in 1996 – exactly the same boat except for the extended swim platform), it’s clear that Fairline got the proportions spot on, an impressive feat in a sub-30ft sportscruiser with standing headroom inside.

It must have helped that Fairline didn’t try to cram too much into this model. The layout is basically the same as pretty much any sportscruiser over 22ft, with a U-shaped dinette forward that converts to a double berth, galley to starboard, heads to port and a mid cabin.

By using this layout in a near 30ft boat, it feels light and airy and there are some neat touches like the door between the heads and the mid cabin that creates an ensuite and the way that the two single beds convert to a double.

Nothing too unusual about the layout but it does make for a light, spacious interior

The Targa 30 that replaced this model got a small sunpad above and forward of the transom, but on the 29, the seating extends right to the aft end of the cockpit, making for a more spacious dinette.

The cockpit is split-level, the forward section being a raised ‘driving’ area with a bench seat next to the helm. It gives great visibility as well as more headroom in the mid cabin below.

Most of these boats got a pair of Volvo Penta KAD 32 four-cylinder diesels. This one is a little unusual in that it sports a pair of Volvo Penta 4.3-litre V6 petrol engines.

Performance is broadly similar, with a mid 30-knot top end, but they’re super smooth and emit a great howl under full load, albeit at the expense of higher fuel consumption.

Generous seating area extends all the way to the transom on this model

A wide beam limits the need for trim tab action, this is a stable boat at rest and at speed. Dry too, with excellent spray management.

But the most obvious trait is the excellent ride, especially considering that this is a sportscruiser rather than an out-and-out sportsboat.

Fairline Targa 29 specifications

LOA: 29ft 8in (9.1m) Beam: 10ft 2in (3.1m) Draught: 3ft 2in (1.0m) Displacement: 4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 400 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta 4.3GS petrol engines Location: Cala D’Or Contact: Boats.co.uk

Princess 41

Built: 1981 Price: £49,950

A 41ft flybridge Princess for the price of a top-end Volkswagen Golf? There has to be a catch. Well, you do have to be prepared to take on an older boat. In this case, one that is over 40 years old. But the good news is, they built them simple and they built them strong in those days.

Take the throttle and shift controls for example; no fancy fly-by-wire here, just good old cables. You move one end of it and it moves the other. Inevitably older boats require a little more love, but if you’re reasonably practically minded, this is a huge amount of boat for the money.

It’s an aft cabin layout, meaning you’ve got circa 40ft of accommodation here. Right at the back, the aft cabin has a pair of single berths either side of a vanity unit plus an ensuite.

Head forward and you’ll step up to a spacious saloon with a very period helm station, complete with huge vertical wheel.  And on the lower deck forward you’ll find the galley, another heads and two more cabins – a double forward and cross-over beds in cabin three. A refurbishment has brightened up the interior of this example.

The galley is on the lower deck as was the norm for boats of this size in the 1980s

At over 40 years old (this model actually launched in 1978) I think we can term this boat a classic and find joy in its bolt-on bathing platform and stainless steel radar arch.

Canvas dodgers around the aft deck provide a little shelter and twin bimini tops have been added to create shade from the global warming that hadn’t been invented when this boat first launched.

Volvo Penta TAMD60 diesel engines should give about 250hp depending on which version – modest by modern standards but boats are far more voluminous these days, so you’re probably looking at a mid 20-knot top end and high teens cruising speeds.

A relatively recent refurb has helped freshen up the saloon on this 40-year-old example

John Bennett designed these and most other early Princesses so its seakeeping was pretty well regarded by the standards of the day.

Princess 41 specifications

LOA: 41ft 2in (14.7m) Beam: 13ft 0in (4.0m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 9 tonnes Fuel capacity: 1,182 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 60 circa 250hp diesels Location: Southampton Contact: Southampton Waters Yacht Sales

First published in the June 2022 issue of MBY.

Four more used boats under £50k from October 2019

Windy Tornado 31

Built: 1998 Price: £49,500

Windy threw the textbook away when it launched the Tornado 31 in 1997. A conventional (but good looking) boat from afar, once you get up close you notice some unusual thinking, not least the aft section of cockpit and central helm position. Underpinning these new ideas were core Windy values of quality and seakeeping that we know and love. It ran for seven years.

Windy’s latest weekender at this size, the Zonda 31 , offers a very focused fixed double bed and a loo in the compact cabin, it’s basically a low-roofed ensuite bedroom. The Tornado 31 cabin, although still compact, was a little more traditional, with a dinette forward, the gorgeously styled table dropping to create a double berth. There’s a galley opposite the loo and room for two more to sleep on a double that extends back beneath the cockpit.

Cabin not the biggest but classy dinette table drops to create a double berth

Outside, the Tornado swaps places with the Zonda, the latter offering the more traditional layout of a large sunpad aft. The Tornado by contrast has a completely open area behind the main cockpit. The idea was to create a versatile space that owners could use for any number of things. For instance it would be fantastically useful for storing a rolled-up inflatable tender , SUPs , wakeboards, fishing gear or even diving equipment.

Further forward, the central driving position is unusual but pleasing, putting the helmsman right in the centre of the action.

There were a staggering nine engine options, petrol and diesel, single and twin, from Mercruiser and Volvo Penta. The twin Volvo Penta KAD 32 170hp four cylinder engines fitted to this boat were extremely popular and give about 32 knots. Windy later offered the option of twin KAD 44 260hp engines, which pushed the speed up to 40 knots.

Unconventional central helm and all-round high build quality are typical Windy

Epic — it’s a Windy so you already knew that. But while the 40-knot top end of the larger motors is tempting, many people familiar with the marque reckon the smaller engines give a better balanced boat than the heavy six-cylinder 44s.

Specification

LOA: 30ft 10in (9.4m) Beam: 9ft 10in (3.0m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 3.3 tonnes Fuel capacity: 530 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta KAD 31 170hp diesels Lying: Hamble Contact: TBS Boat Sales

Yamarin 74C

Built: 2007 Price: £39,995

The name of this Finnish built boat comes from the company’s strong association with Yamaha. As ever with Finnish brands, all-weather ability and clever design come as standard — if it works at their northern latitudes it should be brilliant here. And it is — a sub 8-metre boat with a diesel engine, an inside helm, sleeping for up to five (just) and a comfy cockpit. It’s even trailable. What’s not to like?

The key component of the Yamarin 74C is its deck saloon layout, rare on a 7.5-metre boat. There’s a decent separate loo just inside the sliding door, a dinette that will convert to a short double berth (the forward backrest tilts aft to create forward facing seating next to the helm) and a compact galley with a diesel powered ceramic hob.

Hinge the foredeck access ladder out of the way and you’ll find a decent-sized double berth tucked into the bow and another very useful single berth further aft beneath the dinette. It’s a packaging masterclass and a real plus for bigger parties.

The sidedecks are narrow so it’s easier to go through the opening windscreen

Despite all that interior, there’s a surprisingly decent cockpit with an L-shaped seat around a small circular table. Side decks are narrow, but you can head inside and up through the opening windscreen for a safer route forward. The wheelhouse even has a solid sliding sunroof so you can bring the outside in or stand with your head through the roof for better visibility or just to get the wind in your hair.

The engine is a Yamaha, naturally. In this instance a single ME372STI pushing 165hp through a sterndrive for about 30 knots.

Although much of the main deck is saloon there is a decent-sized aft cockpit too

Capable, rather than inspiring. When Motor Boats Monthly tested the boat back in 2007 it nevertheless reported favourably that the 74C corners well with little slip or cavitation.

Merit points in the test report were also awarded for the super-smooth Hydradrive leg. The Yamarin 74C is a smart, sensible boat for smart, sensible cruising. That was the conclusion back in 2007 and it stands true today.

LOA: 24ft 3in (7.4m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.6m) Draught: 3ft 6in (1.1m) Displacement: 2.1 tonnes Fuel capacity: 185 litres Engine: Yamaha ME372STI 165hp diesel Lying: Torquay Contact: One Marine

Sunseeker Thunderhawk 43

Built: 1993 Price: £47,000

Designed by powerboat racer and designer Don Shead, the Sunseeker Thunderhawk 43 hull was based on a Class 2 race boat called Rejuga . It has a sleek narrow hull with a deck moulding to suit – long and low, graced by a perfect sweep of stainless steel windscreen frame. There’s also a slender forward raked radar arch.

When it was launched it was utterly stunning and the years have been kind, the Thunderhawk segueing into an elegant classic that still cuts a dash.

Of course the cost of that slim, sleek, low profile is paid for inside — don’t expect much accommodation. What you get is a double berth right in the nose that requires a scramble over the semi-circle of dinette to reach. Privacy extends to a couple of curtains. But there’s a separate heads with shower and a compact galley. It’s all you need for a couple to overnight in comfort.

Cramped inside and access to twin berth involves a scramble over the dinette seating

The cockpit is no wider, but of course headroom is no problem. And actually there’s a fair bit of space, with a very social 270° sweep of seating and twin drop bolster seats at the helm. Back aft, a huge raised sunpad stretches back across the engine space. This boat has the optional foredeck pulpit rails, which make access forward far more reassuring.

Sunseeker fitted a range of engines. Twin Volvo Penta or Mercruiser V8 petrols from 330hp-420hp and two diesel options, twin Volvo Penta AQAD 41 200hp or a pair of Sabre 370hp. This particular boat is fitted with twin MerCruiser 496 MAG HO 425hp petrol engines that were new in 2003 and have run for 350 hours.

The broker claims 48 knots, which seems entirely realistic against Sunseeker’s claim of 54 knots for the 465hp engines when the boat was new.

Commanding view from the helm and a pair of bolster seats for standing or sitting

Here’s where that super-slim race hull pays off. The Thunderhawk has the agility and the sheer ability to really make the most of that performance, slicing through wave tops and cushioning the landing when you do get airborne.

LOA: 44ft 0in (13.4m) Beam: 11ft 0in (3.3m) Draught: 3ft 10in (1.2m) Displacement: 7.3 tonnes Fuel capacity: 780 litres Engines: Twin MerCruiser 496 MAG HO 425hp petrol Lying: Southampton Contact: Waterside Boat Sales

Hardy Mariner 25

Built: 2000 Price: £49,990

British-based Hardy ’s reputation for rock-solid build quality extends to its smaller boats, including this neat Mariner 25 (not to be confused with the Hardy 25). It’s a manageable size, has good accommodation and a hull shape that works well inland and offshore.

The small wheelhouse is fitted with two bucket seats with a great view out. Rear doors allow you to enclose this area or run with them fully open (or anywhere in-between) and the sliding roof slid back on sunny days. On the lower deck a large dinette converts to a double berth, there’s a compact galley and heads, and a further single berth extends back under the cockpit, taking sleeping to three or providing a great place for bags.

Large dinette converts to double berth with adjacent compact galley and heads

Take a walk around the deck for that authentic ‘little ship’ feel created by deep bulwarks, high pulpit rails, sturdy handrails and wide side decks. It makes for a very safe working environment too. Back aft, a very deep cockpit connects with the cabin, the cutaway transom allowing easy access to water or tender. The shaft drive layout creates room for a lazarette.

Single 170hp or 230hp Yanmar shaft drive diesels were offered plus a Nanni option. The larger 230hp is the one to have unless the boat is purely for inshore duties. With the larger option, expect low 20 knots maximum, with comfortable cruising at 16 knots. Service access is okay but not brilliant, an acceptable corollary of a small boat with a shaft drive layout.

Galley for basic catering with single berth just visible, located under the cockpit

With a deep forefoot, planing hull and small keel, the hull works equally well punching into a head sea (although it can pick up some water if it’s rough enough), running fast in calmer weather or pottering up inland rivers.

The only mild criticism is that a small boat plus shaft drive puts the engine directly under the wheelhouse. It’s not oppressively noisy, but you’re aware that it’s there. An optional bow thruster gives more options in close quarters (and can be retro fitted).

LOA: 25ft 0in (7.6m) Beam: 9ft 7in (2.9m) Draught: 2ft 0in (0.6m) Displacement: 4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 219 litres Engines: Yanmar 4LM-STE 230hp diesel Lying: Tilbury Contact: Precious Marine

First published in the October 2019 edition of Motor Boat & Yachting.

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10 of The Best Motorboats For Under $50,000

Motorboats were introduced in the late nineteenth century when the internal combustible engine was invented. During the early twentieth century, interest in motorboats grew. Motorboat races began as early as 1903.  As the average person’s interest in boating increased, so did the demand for the motorboat.

Today, motorboats are widely popular for a variety of reasons. Some just want to enjoy boating on the water, weather coastal or inland. Some take the sport of fishing to new levels using well equipped motor boats. Others enjoy other water activities with their speedboats including rafting and water skiing.

Today, there are many models available for any type of water activity. Many of these boats powerfully perform and have many amenities including a well equipped cockpit and plenty of storage for gear and equipment. Seating is comfortable and spacious even on smaller sized boats. Many feature sun decks and swim platforms.

Here are our picks for 10 of the best motorboats for under $50,000.

Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay – $39,900

Blue Wave’s 2000 Pure Bay motorboat is a part of their award winning series of high performance and comfortable sports fishing models. The 9 foot 7 inch boat comfortably seats 7 people with a maximum weight of 1625 pounds. The high performing engine is 150 horsepower. The boat has good shallow water ability and provides a stable smooth ride in coastal and inland waters. The boat is spacious and customizable.

The Pure Bay features a fold down fishing chair and 2 molded flip seats. There is plenty of storage space for fishing gear and insulated fish boxes. This motorboat has a large rear casting deck and a wide walk area with fold down grab rails. There is LED underwater lighting and an aluminum ladder. Other standard features include anchor storage, mounted brackets, a recessed drainage system, a radio, and a boat cover. Multiple color options are available. Other optional features include a breakaway T-Top.

Four Winns H190 – $34,480 – $37,600

Four Winns’ H190 is a powerful, stable and comfortable motorboat with many amenities. Four Winns delivers plenty of features at an affordable price. The H190 is 19 feet and comes with a wide range of customizable engines including 190, 220, 250, 260 horsepower. There is also an option to add a Volvo Pento engine with 200, 225, or 270 horsepower.

The H190 motorboat includes a comfortable captain’s chair with multiple electronics options. Other seating includes comfort bucket seats with spring systems, flip up bolsters and swivel pedestals. Seats have wrap around backs for added comfort. This boat has a deep swim ladder and a swim platform, plenty of gear storage, custom gages, transom lounge suites, Aquafax and Silvertex vinyl, and a fiberglass cockpit floor. There is an option to add carpet to the cockpit and a canvas top.

Bayliner 215 BR – $33,600

At 20 1/2 feet, Bayliner’s 215 BR bowrider is as spacious as it is powerful. Built for enjoying the water whether fishing or water skiing, the 215 BR motorboat is a high performance, stable and comfortable boat. The MerCruiser V6 engine is 260 horsepower. The adaptable boat comes in 2 forms, the Standard or the Sport with room to seat up to 12 people.

The Sport model features 2 bucket seats and a large L-shaped settee. There is a large sunbed aft, and the bow section features a convertible sunbed. 2 Standard has an extra rear-facing seat behind the passenger bucket seat. The boat is easy to handle and perfect for a variety of watersports.

Yamaha SX210 – $32,999

Yamaha is well known for delivering complete products and features in one package. The SX210 includes many amenities and is a powerful motorboat. The 21 foot boat has 2 110 horsepower engines and can reach 30 mph within 7 seconds. Cruising speed is 31.5 mph and the SX210 reaches 40 mph with easy handling.

Yamaha’s SX210 features multiple amenities. These include comfortable cockpit wrap around seating with a sporty captain’s chair with a flip up bolster. Other seating is comfortable, and the SX210 is the perfect boat for cruising, fishing and enjoying other water sports. One of the finest features of this motorboat is the 2-tiered swim platform. It features Hydro-Turf matting for the best traction. It is comfortable matting for sitting and kneeling. Backrests add to the comfort of the 2-tiered platform.

Bayliner 2015 195 BR – $31,888

Bayliner makes well built, safe and affordable motorboats. The 195 BR is perfect for everything from trawling to water sports. The boat is 18 1/2 feet and has a powerful engine with 220 horsepower. The fuel tank has a 32 gallon capacity. The boat is spacious, comfortable, and powerful. The Bayliner 195 is family friendly with plenty of amenities included.

The Bayliner 195 BR can comfortably accommodate 11 people with a weight capacity for 3497 pounds. Comfortable seating and stability offer a steady and safe ride. There is ample storage for gear for fishing and for watersports. This motorboat has several floor plans available and multiple colors to choose from. Optional features include stainless steel trim upgrades, a Bimini canvas top with boot and privacy curtain, a bow well and cockpit cover, cockpit carpet runners and Desert Sand interior.

Glastron GS 209 CC – $30,500

Glastron’s GS 209 is ideal for watersports, trailering and even overnight trips. The fiberglass motorboat is large at 20 feet. The270 Volvo Penta V8 engine has a maximum 270 horsepower. The motorboat comfortably has room for 8 people and sleeps 2.

The compact boat uses its space wisely by providing wide access and a folding door to create space. Molded steps provide safe access to the bow. The cockpit has 2 optional layouts. The chairs fold back for lounging. There is an option to include a Bimini top. Other optional features include an anchor locker, deck hatch screen, flip up captain’s seat bolster, imitation teak cockpit flooring, tilt steering, and stainless steel hardware.

Crestliner 1850 Super Hawk – $29,995

Crestliner is renowned for building top leisure and sporting motor boats. The 19 foot Super Hawk has a 200 horsepower engine and 37 gallon fuel capacity. The boat’s weight capacity is 1800 pounds. The 1850 Super Hawk is powerful and adaptable. The all aluminum hull provides safe and steady boating. The motorboat is adaptable for fishing and skiing. There is ample storage room for fishing gear including room for 7 feet 6 inch rods. There is a removable accessory bracket and a 14 gallon live well for fish.

The Crestliner 1850 Super Hawk has many features available. There is a swim platform and ladder. Seating includes jump seats and a conversion stern bench. The bow has an anchor locker and can be converted for fishing or waterskiing. The 1850 Super Hawk comes in multiple colors.

Tahoe Q5i – $28,900

The Tahoe Q5i bowrider motorboat is ideal for fishing and watersports. The 19 1/2 foot boat has a MerCruiser engine with 220 horsepower. The fuel capacity is 19 gallons. The boat is built for family fun. With a powerful performance and comfortable space, the Q5i is a luxurious and versatile sports boat available at an affordable price.

Tahoe’s Q5i has many valuable features for enjoying the water. There is storage for fishing gear, and the boat can be used for other water sports. There is ample and comfortable seating including the captain’s chair and a second chair, a back bench and front adaptable seating.

Larson LX 850 – $25,800

Larson’s LX 850 bowrider is a high performance boat that provides a comfortable experience while enjoying the water. It is perfect for fishing and watersports and is family friendly. The 18 1/2 foot boat has a MerCruiser engine with 220 horsepower. The boat is sleek and stable.

There are many great features that come with the LX 850. The seating is high, giving the best visibility. The room onboard is spacious with plenty of leg room. Passengers can enjoy a stable and safe ride even at high speeds. The boat features comfortable seating and amenities such as ample storage space and added touches like cup holders. The cockpit is molded and provides equipment to fit well.

Sea-Doo 180 Challenger – $23,400

Sea-Doo’s 180 Challenger is a powerful speed boat that reaches speeds up to 46 mph yet offers a stable and comfortable ride. The 255 horsepower motorboat has a throttle that offers enhanced slow speed control. The boat is highly maneuverable and is made for enjoying the water.

Seating is ample and spacious on this family friendly boat. There is a triple wide aft bench and swiveling helm seats. The transom walkway offers plenty of space to reach the swim platform. Other features of this motorboat include digital gauges and extra data such as water temperature. The bow lounge is spacious and has added features including clips to attach the Bimini top. The 180 Challenger comes with a trailer.

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

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