Most people believe that the average boat price is astronomical, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Basically, the boat value depends on the type you choose, its model, brand, size, and location where you live. Interestingly, there is no simple answer to how much money to set aside for a vessel.
It can be any number between $500 to $10,000,000, and the price range is wide even in the same boat category. On the other hand, a holistic market analysis will show you that an average price is approximately $42,000 for a new and $10,000 for a used boat. Let’s take a closer look.
How Much Does a Boat Cost?
In most cases, you should set aside 30% to 50% less for a used boat than for the same but new one. Research shows that the average boat price is $42,000 for a brand new vessel and $10,000 for a used one.
A typical price for most common boats is actually under $20,000, making them more affordable than most people believe. In fact, it is cheaper than an average American vehicle!
The price you should pay will depend on several crucial things. Therefore, you can become a boat owner for only a few hundred dollars for a Jon boat or $10,000,000 for a luxury yacht. The price range significantly varies, even in the same vessel category.
Size and style
Here, things are simple. If you want a more sizable boat, you will need to pay more. Cost is higher for models with enclosed cockpits and will go up the bigger it is. You should consider an open-top boat if you are looking for a less expensive option.
Brand
As you can guess, purchasing a boat with a recognizable brand can be expensive, but its re-selling price will also be higher. Plus, a high-quality model will pay off in the long run.
New vs. used
As expected, a used boat will be less expensive than a new one, but it can be tricky and costly to customize it. Plus, you can experience expensive repairs when buying the vessel from an owner who neglected it.
On the other hand, you can often find an excellent model at an affordable price and stay satisfied for years. One of the best options is to look at one of the popular, user-friendly platforms like ZeBoats to find direct owner offers and purchase a boat without additional commission.
Season and location
Be aware that boat prices are always higher during the season when the demand is higher. For instance, the same cabin cruiser you can buy for $100,000 in the off-season will probably cost you $500,000 during peak season. Plus, buying a boat at luxury destinations is always more pricey.
Features and extras
You should be aware that the boat price is not the only expense you will have, and you should consider necessary accessories costs before purchasing. The most popular features include:
- Battery chargers
- Windlass anchors
- Power steering
- GPS position holding and autopilot
- Chartplotters
- Satellite weather tracking
- Stereo and AV systems
- Air conditioning
- Lighting
Boat type
Finally, boat type is the crucial factor that affects the price. Remember that each vessel category has an expecting price range so that you can plan your budget according to it.
Average Boat Prices by Type
Jon boat
This small, rectangular vessel with a flat bottom is an ideal option for fishing and waterfowl hunting in streams, lakes, and channels. Most common models made of wood or aluminum are 8 to 18 feet (2.5 – 5.5 m) long.
The price will depend on the Jon boat type you want to buy. You should set aside approximately $1,000 to $3,000 for a simple boat. However, the price range starts from $500 for a used vessel to $5,000 for luxury models.
Fishing boat
The term fishing boat can mean numerous things, so it is tricky to determine its price precisely. This vessel has more open deck space and less seating space than most other boats. Their price will vary depending on the type and size.
- Small, 16 to 20 feet (5 – 6 m) long fishing boat
This range includes:
- Skiffs
- Small center consoles
- Dual consoles
- Jon boats
Their prices typically range from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Mid-sized, 20 to 25 feet (6 – 7.6 m) long fishing boat
This range includes fishing boats for offshore use. You can find various models and brands that will cost you $50,000 to $100,000.
- Large twin-engine, 25 to 30 feet (7.6 – 9 m) long fishing boat
It is an excellent boat for offshore fishing, but it can be pricey. An average model in this range will cost you $150,000 to $300,000. Considering that, most people choose used models instead of new ones.
You should set aside $3,000 to $60,000 for a used aluminum fishing boat if you choose this option. The price of an inshore model for use in ponds and lakes is approximately $25,000. On the other hand, a sizable offshore aluminum model will cost at least $100,000.
A used fiberglass fishing boat can cost you $10,000 to $80,000, depending on used hours, condition, make, and model. You can get an excellent used inshore fiberglass fishing boat for less than $30,000, while a big offshore fiberglass vessel can reach $150,000 or even more.
Average boat price |
||||
| Boat type | Size | New boat price | Used boat price | Common use |
| Jon boat | 8 to 24 feet
(2.5 – 7.3 m) |
$500 to $5,000 | $500 to $1,000 | Fishing |
| Fishing boat (aluminum) | 18 feet (5.5 m) | $5,000 to $200,000 | $3,000 to $150,000 | Fishing |
| Catamaran | 40 to 45 feet
(12 – 13.7 m) |
$10,000 to $600,000 | $10,000+ | Sailing |
| Sailboat | 30 to 35 feet
(9 – 10.5 m) |
$12,000 to $500,000 | $20,000 | Cruising, leisure |
| Bowrider boat | Under 20 feet
(<6 m) |
$15,000 to $100,000 | $10,000 to $25,000 | Cruising, crabbing, fishing |
| Pontoon boat | 18 to 25 feet
(5.5 – 7.6 m) |
$19,000 to $90,000 | $8,000 to $50,000 | Fishing, cruising |
| Bass boat | 16 to 25 feet
(5 – 7.6 m) |
$20,000 to $90,000 | $15,000 to $40,000 | Catching bass fish |
| Houseboat | 45 to 100 feet (13.7 – 30.5 m) | $20,000 to $1,000,000 | $20,000 | Housing |
| Airboat | 16 feet (4.9 m) | $30,000 to $100,000 | $5,000 to $40,000 | Fishing and ecotourism |
| Fishing boat (fiberglass) | 16 to 25 feet
(5 – 7.6 m) |
$30,000 to $250,000 | $10,000 to $200,000 | Fishing |
| Speedboat | 20 to 30 feet
(6 – 9 m) |
$30,000 to $75,000 | $20,000 | Watersports |
| Cuddy cabin boat | 18 to 28 feet
(5.5 – 8.5 m) |
$30,000 to $200,000 | $10,000 to $100,000 | Cruising |
| Trawler | 80 to 90 feet (24.5 – 27.5 m) | $90,000 to $500,000+ | $50,000+ | Fishing |
| Cabin cruiser | 25 to 45 feet
(7.6 – 13.7 m) |
$100,000 to $500,000 | $20,000 to $300,000 | Cruising |
| Yacht | 30 to 100+ feet
(9 – 30.5 m) |
$500,000 to $10,000,000 | $300,000 to $10,000,000 | Cruising |
Catamaran
This boat is unique thanks to its two hulls that provide exceptional stability and a cabin between them. This spacious vessel is typically 40 to 45 feet (12 – 13.7 m) long, but some models can be over 150 feet (46 m) in length.
As you can guess, their price range is vast. While small models can cost you a modest $10,000, you can find a large one with a cabin at an average price of $600,000.
Sailboat
An average sailboat price will differ depending on the boat type you choose:
- Motor sailer
- Cruising boat
- Daysailer
- Racing boat
You can pick out a less than 20 feet (6 m) long model to sizable, 80 to 100 feet (24.5 – 30.5 m) long vessels. Such a long sailboat can reach an astonishing $10,000,000.
The most common sailboat is 30 to 35 feet (9 – 10.5 m) long, and you can purchase one for $12,000 to $500,000. A used vessel will be more affordable, and you should set aside about the third to quarter of the new boat’s price. In that case, a decent sailboat will cost you at least $20,000.
Bowrider boat
These versatile, 17 to 35 feet (5 – 10.5 m) long vessels are ideal for cruising and fishing, ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. On the other hand, you can find a used model for a modest $7,000 to $25,000 if you prefer that way.
Some new luxury models can go from $100,000 to $250,000. However, the price won’t be higher than $80,000 for a used bowrider boat of that class.
Pontoon boat
When picking out this flat inland water boat, you should expect to pay $15,000 to $60,000, depending on its size. A used pontoon boat will be more affordable, particularly when buying off-season. Unless you want a large model, you can find a vessel in decent condition for less than $30,000.
Bass boat
A Bass boat is convenient for catching bass fish and leisure. Most standard models are 16 to 25 feet (5 – 7.6 m) long, and you can purchase one for $20,000 to $90,000. The price will depend on add-ons, primarily swivel chairs.
Plus, fiberglass models are more pricey than those made of aluminum. If you have a limited budget, you should look for a used Bass boat that will cost you $15,000 to $40,000 on average.
Houseboat
This boat is both a house and a vessel. Thanks to the spacious interior space, you can live inside comfortably for years or use it for cruising whenever you want.
You should pay at least $100,000 for a tiny houseboat, but some luxurious models can cost over a million. Sometimes, you can find an older model on the market and buy it for about $20,000.
Airboat
The first airboat was made a century ago, but you can see one only in the deep southern regions, including Louisiana and Florida. People use this vessel to navigate the shallow swampy waters.
You can find models with and without enclosed center consoles on the market in a wide pricing range. The average cost is $30,000 to $100,000 for a brand new, typically custom-made boats boat. On the other hand, a used model will cost you $5,000 to $40,000.
Speed boat
These 20 to 30 feet (6 – 9 m) long vessels designed for racing will cost you at least $30,000, but you can buy a used model for about $20,000.
It is ideal for watersports but is also expensive. Besides the boat’s cost, you should pay for its pricey powerful engines. Therefore, you should count on $75,000, but high-performance models sometimes exceed one million dollars.
Cuddy cabin boat
The 18 to 28 feet (5.5 – 8.5 m) long Cuddy cabin boat with interior space to sleep typically costs $30,000 to $200,000. The price of a used vessel depends on the model, used hours, and condition. With a bit of effort, you can find an excellent boat for $10,000 to $100,000.
Trawler
Trawlers are large, approximately 80 to 90 feet (24.5 – 27.5 m) long powerboats with efficient engines convenient for long-distance travel. You can purchase a smaller model for roughly $90,000, but larger ones cost at least $200,000.
Cabin cruiser boat
Cabin cruiser boats have an enclosed cabin with a kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area. An average of 25 to 45 feet (7.6 – 13.7 m) long model will cost $100,000 to $500,000.
However, you can find a second-hand boat for $20,000 to $300,000, depending on its size and brand. This vessel is an ideal option if you enjoy cruising with your family.
Yacht
This high-end luxury boat has high maintenance costs and requires a crew. In most cases, you should set aside $500,000 to $35,000,000 for an average 30 to 100+ feet (9 – 30.5 m) yacht.
Interestingly, a used model won’t be much cheaper and typically costs $300,000 to $10,000,000. Basically, you should pay such an enormous sum of money for a second-hand vessel. Weird, right?
Summary
Nowadays, you have a wide variety of boat types, sizes, and styles, making it challenging to estimate a precise price range. You can buy a used boat for a few hundred dollars, while a super luxury yacht costs millions. Therefore, you should start research by defining the desired boat category. Then, you can start calculating.
I want to know about effect of Nautical Miles on Used Boat Price . What will be the price difference between same boat of one’s nautical miles is 5600 and others is 2800?