How Much Does a Fishing Boat Cost? (Price Chart)

In the sea of different boats, it is sometimes hard to define which one is perfect for your budget and fits your needs. Investing money in a fishing boat is a tough decision, not to be taken quickly and recklessly. Initially, they typically cost a fortune, plus you will deal with less or more boating costs annually down the road.

The first thing to do is determine the boat length, materials, performances, and unique features you need. Only that way will you be able to decide on which model is the most suitable for you. Let’s see how much does a fishing boat cost and which one fits your preferences the best.

 

Different Boat Types

When it comes to fishing boats, many categories can define it. Keep in mind that the area is large, and the consumers’ needs are different. To begin with, we should first look into the material category.

The price of aluminum and fiber fishing boats differs from model to model and primarily depends on design and quality. The original price of these two is not visibly different, but the maintenance cost is much of a deal.

Aluminum fishing boat

Aluminum fishing boats are lighter and need less power to move but are not entirely safe and stable on rough water. The equation is more than evident. Less power means less fuel and less money to steer this fishing boat type.

If you decide on an aluminum model, the value of the boat and its costs might be lower than the fiber one. You can find one for $10,000, but the price can also be significantly higher.

Fiber fishing boat

Fiber fishing boats bring security when the water is not still, and their design is modern and elegant. On the other hand, you will need more fuel to ride one, and your boating costs will be higher.

Since fiber allows creativity and custom-made designs, manufacturers use it to produce a wide range of boats, from kayaks to speedboats. Therefore, the price is hard to say on average.

The starting price for the least expensive boats, like kayaks, is approximately $900, but some models can be worth $100,000 or even more.

 

Fishing Boat Size

Before deciding about the boat size, you should consider some facts that can help you along the way. Since the size directly affects the boat price and maintenance costs, your goal is to avoid overpaying it. So, it is crucial to determine a few things on time, including:

• The type of fishing you are into
• The number of people on the boat
• The storage room you need
• The engine type needed
• Boat capabilities

These will help you narrow the wide range of boats you can find on the market.

Large fishing boats

This boat type is 32 and 36 feet (9.75 – 11 m) long. If you are into offshore fishing and tournaments, then the boats in this range suit you the best. The average value is from $200,000 to $450,000 for new vessels, but the price can be even higher as some models are custom-made and have extra features.

However, you can find a used boat for a little less money, depending on its state and the deal. Some famous brands in this range are available on the market, such as Yellowfin and Invincible.

Large fishing boat with a twin-engine

Such boats’ length ranges from 26 to 30 feet (8 – 9 m) in most cases. They are meant for offshore rides as they have a twin-engine that can drive a vessel to deeper and rougher water.

The price can vary from $150,000 to $300,000, but even more expensive models can be found. Some major brands in these sizes are Contender and Regulator.

Looking for used boats can be an excellent idea, as the value of a new fishing vessel is often too much. The used boats are rarely in bad shape, and their price and quality don’t deteriorate harshly compared to some other vehicles.

Medium fishing boats

When we talk about the length of these fishing beauties, it can range from 21 to 25 feet (6.4 – 7.6 m). The brand can significantly change the value of boats of these sizes.

Models with one engine can cost between $50,000 and $100,000. If you want a vehicle with a twin engine or more, you should set aside more money.

Small fishing boats

This category includes boats long from 16 to 20 feet (5 – 6 m). The best option is to buy the model of the lower-cost brand group such as Sea Hunt or Tidewater or some more precious ones such as Grady-White. The average value for the small fishing boat is from $10,000 to $50,000.

The smaller fishing boats mostly have just one engine, making them fast enough and cheaper than longer boats. On the other hand, they often lack special features and additional equipment.

 

Fishing Boat Styles

Not only does the size of the fishing boat matter, but also what is your fishing goal, the place where you want to fish, and the comfort you seek.

They all should be considered when assessing and comparing the boat prices and your financial limits. Let’s look at some different fishing boat styles.

Saltwater fishing boat

Most Saltwater boats won’t stay just close to the coast, and fishermen often sail away further from the land. Therefore, you should think about having two motors installed if one goes off.

As they need to be resistant to water and salt, the materials used to make these boats are usually fiberglass for the hull and more resilient materials for electronics inside. All these set the price of the Saltwater boats higher.

Saltwater boat prices by make and model
Make and model	Length	Value (boat trailer and motor)
Tidewater 232 CC Adventure	23 feet (7 m)	$66,700
Tidewater 198 CC Adventure	19.8 feet (5.8 m)	$31,550
Sea Hunt Gamefish 27	27.5 feet 5 (8.2 m )	$124,700
Sea Hunt Ultra 211	21.1 feet (6.4 m)	$49,900
Grady-White Freedom 235	23.7 feet (7 m)	$161,500

Their value will vary depending on the length and brand, but it is typically between $30,000 and $60,000. However, some more luxurious and equipped models can go over $100,000. Plus, prices can significantly vary from dealer to dealer and according to the season.

Fishing boat catching bass

So-called bass boats are trendy all over the US, and competition is big at the moment. Therefore, you can negotiate the price and look for discounts.

Bass boat prices by make and model
Make and model	Length	Value (boat trailer and motor)
Xpress X19 Pro	23.7 feet (7 m)	$32,000
Triton 21 TRX	21 feet (6.4 m)	$64,000
Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL	16.8 feet (4.8 m)	$11,000
Ranger Z518	18.1 feet  (5.5 m)	$37,900
Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk	18.9 feet (5.5 m)	$31,350

The average value for a bass boat is from $25,000 to $75,000. However, you can find it for even less money as the market for this style is huge.

Pontoon boat

This fishing boat is spacious and comfortable. Apart from enjoying fishing with friends, you can also use this model for organizing fishing parties.

Pontoon boat prices by make and model
Make and model	Length	Value (boat trailer and motor)
Starcraft EX Fish 22 FD	22.9 feet (6.7 m)	$22,300
Lowe Ultra 162 Fish and Cruise	16 feet (4.9 m)	$14,700
Crestliner 240 Rally DX	25.9 feet (7.6 m)	$28,750
Bennington SF 20	18.1 feet (5.5 m)	$24,350
Avalon Catalina Quad Fish	25.5 feet (7.6 m)	$37,800

A pontoon boat is not so fast and is primarily built for fishing near the coast. Nonetheless, this model is pleasurable and fit for fishing.

As you can guess, these vessels come at many brands and prices. Their average value is around $24,000, depending on the size, brand, and features.

Multiple purposes aluminum boat

This fishing boat type is light and classic, and it will never be out of boat fashion. Whether you enjoy fishing in the lake, marshes, or on the sea, you can use a practical aluminum boat for this purpose.

Aluminum boat costs
Make and model	Length	Value (boat trailer and motor)
Lund 1800 Sport Angler	18.7 feet (5.5 m)	$38,400
Legend 18 XTR	17.6 feet  (5.2 m)	$40,000
Crestliner 1850 Commander Elite	19.7 feet (5.8 m)	$39,000
Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk	17.9 feet (5.2 m)	$29,250
Alumacraft Classic 165 CS	16.4 feet (4.8 m)	$17,300

Aluminum fishing boat price will vary, depending on manufacturers, length, and features. However, you can derive the average value between $15,000 and  $30,000.

Jon boat

The flat bottom and reasonable price are the features that can attract you to buy this fishing boat. You can quickly customize this model and transport it effortlessly thanks to its aluminum bottom.

Jon boat prices by make and model
Make and model	Length	Value
Tracker Grizzly 1648 SC	16.1 feet  (4.8 m)	$10,395 (boat trailer and motor)
Lowe L1852 MT Jon	17 feet 9 inches (5.2 m)	$3,600 (just boat)
Lowe 1648 MT Aura	15.8 feet (4.5 m)	$2,700 (just boat)
Alumacraft 1448 Jon	14 feet (4 m)	$9,870 (boat trailer and motor)

You can find a Jon boat for $2,000 to $10,000 on the current market. It is affordable and practical, plus you can effortlessly find necessary parts and equipment for them at low prices.

Kayak

Although the inexpensive and convenient kayak comes without an engine and other equipment, it is regarded as a fishing boat. Since it is both a fishing and sports vessel, you can find different brands and buy them anywhere.

Fishing kayak prices by make and model
Make and model	Length	Boat value
Pelican Catch 110	10.6 feet (3 m)	$1,300
Old Town Topwater 106	10.6 feet (3 m)	$900
Hobie Mirage Outback	12.9 feet (3.6 m)	$3,000
BKC RA220 116	11.2 feet (3.3 m)	$900
3 Waters Big Fish 120	12 feet (3.6 m)	$900

When comparing the price of kayaks with other fishing boats, you will see that it is the least attack on your budget of all available models. Moreover, they are easy to transport and maintain. Their price will vary from $400 to $900, making these boats perfect for beginners and fishermen on the budget.

 

Used Boats

The majority of consumers like to have a brand new product. Following that logic, it is clear that there are many pros to being the boat’s first owner, including:

• Modern designs
• Up-to-date technology
• Innovations
• A motor with no mileage
• Warranty

However, you can also find a quality used boat at a reasonable price. There is a list of pros and cons of buying a used boat that can help you decide. Let’s see.

Advantages

Buying a used fishing boat is a way to get a perfect vessel without paying extreme prices for a brand new model. You can find an average-sized fishing boat of good quality for $18,000 to $35,000. Sometimes, you can even get one with a more powerful engine than you have counted on.

Moreover, the market with second-hand boats is huge, meaning that you will have a wide range of vessels to choose from. Making this decision means that you can get your boat immediately instead of waiting for a month or two for delivery. Plus, the used boat can help you make your dreams come true without over breaching your budget.

Disadvantages

The problem with a used boat is that you don’t get the latest model and technology. Moreover, the engine has already been used, so you will probably need to replace or repair it within a few months or years.

Remember that you need to be an expert to pick the worth-money used fishing boat. Another option is to check it with a local expert before paying.

 

Summary

Once you decide to purchase a fishing boat, you need to consider numerous things, including its type and price. Then, it is necessary to check the pros and cons regarding new and used models, depending on your budget and boat purpose. Finally, always buy insurance to cover the possible inconvenience and go fishing relaxed.