A speed boat (motorboat, powerboat) is a high-speed boat thanks to its inboard or outboard power engine. Its V-shaped hull and deck shape are always aerodynamic to increase speed by reducing wind resistance. Even fiberglass used for the hull is a light material that makes it easier for the boat to reach high speeds.
However, the overall speed boat design will significantly vary, depending on its purpose. Nowadays, you can find over thirty different motorboat types and numerous marks, affecting how much does a speed boat cost. Thanks to the available selection, you can effortlessly find the model that suits your taste and budget.
Table of Contents
What Is a Speed Boat?
Most people consider the terms motorboat, powerboat, and speed boat the same. It is and is not entirely true.
A motorboat is any vessel driven by an engine, while a speed boat (powerboat) is a speed motorboat variation. It is designed for racing and waterskiing and typically is not suitable for more than eight people.
How Much Does a Speed Boat Cost?
Speed boat overall costs will vary, depending on many different things. Let’s take a look.
Type and model
The final speed boat price will primarily depend on the type you want to buy. The first thing you should look at is the engine type.
Outboard speed boats have an engine on the boat exterior that goes in the water while sailing. On the other hand, it is placed inside the vessel hull in an inboard type.
Motorboat boat prices |
|
| Boat type | Price range |
| Jon boat | $500 to $5,000 |
| Catamaran | $10,000+ |
| Sailboats | $12,000+ |
| Bowrider boat | $15,000 to $50,000 |
| Pontoon boat | $15,000 to $50,000 |
| Deck boat | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Fishing boat | $25,000 to $100,000 |
| Airboats | $30,000 to $100,000 |
| Cuddy cabin | $50,000+ |
| House boat | $50,000+ |
| Speed boat | $75,000+ |
| Trawler | $90,000+ |
| Canal boat | $100,000+ |
| Cabin cruiser | $100,000 to $500,000 |
| Yacht | $300,000+ |
Since maintaining the outboard engine is less challenging, this speed boat type is always less expensive. Inboard types are faster and more pricey, but their downside is difficult accessing the inboard engine and complicated cleaning.
Plus, they have less space for passengers, and the number of manufacturers producing parts for this motor type is limited. Despite those disadvantages, adrenaline junkies will always choose the speed at the expense of comfort.
Affordable speed boats |
||||
| Model | Retail price | Engine type | Length | Year |
| Bayliner 170 | $18,000 | Outboard | 17.5 feet (5.3 m) | 2017 |
| G3 boat bay 18 | $23,500 | Outboard | 18 feet (5.5 m) | 2019 |
| Ranger Z175 | $26,000 | Outboard | 17.5 feet (5.3 m) | 2017 |
| Bayliner VR5 | $27,000 | Inboard | 20.3 feet (6.2 m) | 2017 |
| G3 boat bay 20 | $27,500 | Outboard | 20 feet (6 m) | 2019 |
| Chaparral boat 210 Suncoast | $40,000 | Outboard | 20.8 feet (6.3 m) | 2018 |
| G3 boat bay 22 DLX | $43,000 | Outboard | 22 feet (6.7 m) | 2019 |
| Chapparal boat 223 Vortex VR | $45,000 | Inboard | 22.25 feet (6.8 m) | 2018 |
| Chaparral Boat 227 SSX | $51,000 | Outboard | 23 feet (7 m) | 2018 |
| Sea ray SLX 250 | $90,000 | Inboard | 25.5 feet (7.8 m) | 2018 |
| MasterCraft X-Star | $200,000 | Inboard | 23 feet (7 m) | 2020 |
| Sea ray sundancer 320 | $210,000 | Both options | 34.9 feet (10.6 m) | 2018 |
Once you decide to purchase a speed boat, you should be prepared for its high price since you can’t find a new one under $75,000. Modern models that reach high water speeds cost at least $350,000, but their prices vary significantly.
In fact, they will depend on a few crucial features, including the type, model, and brand you choose, speed the boat can develop, and desired amenities. Be prepared that the price of super cool models and famous brands can go up to $4,000,000, sometimes even more.
On the other hand, you can buy a basic outboard speed boat for only $20,000. It can’t develop top speeds, but it will give you the full satisfaction and enjoyment you are looking for.
Another option is to buy a used speed boat for far less money. The reason is a quick depreciation of this vessel type.
Luxury speed boats |
||||
| Model | Retail price | Engine type | Length | Year |
| Wright Performance 360 | $450,000 | Outboard | 36 feet (11 m) | 2017 |
| MTI-V42 | $585,000 | Outboard | 42 feet (12.8 m) | 2016 |
| Outerlimits SL41 | $625,000 | Outboard | 41.25 feet (12.6 m) | 2015 |
| Mystic C4400 Habitual | $700,000 | Twin inboard and outboard | 44 feet (13.4 m) | 2018 |
| Skater 388 | $700,000 | Twin inboard and outboard | 38 feet (11.6 m) | 2014 |
| Adrenaline ZRX47 Carbon Series | $1,000,000 | Twin turbo | 47 feet (14.3 m) | 2018 |
| Mercedes-AMG Marauder | $1,200,000 | Outboard | 50 feet (15.2 m) | 2018 |
| Midnight Express Pied-a-Mer | $1,600,000 | Both options | 60 feet (18.3 m) | 2017 |
| Cigarette Racing Tirranna | $3,500,000 | Outboard | 59 feet (18 m) | 2019 |
If you are fancy a high-end speed boat, and your budget is high enough, you should consider one of the luxury options you have at your disposal. Such a vessel is an excellent choice for you when you are interested in racing or waterskiing that requires a high-performance model.
Brand
The best offshore V-bottoms brands on the current market are Cigarette, Donzi, and Magnum. The Cigarette is the original American boat manufacturer and one of the premier boat builders worldwide.
In addition, you can find Fountain, Checkmate, and Baja Marine brand icons of the modern go-fast boat industry.
Remember that making speed boats is a complicated shipbuilding type, and the competition is fierce. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised that many manufacturers give up producing these vessels and reorient to safer models production with a more stable market.
Size, design, and style
In this case, a smaller size doesn’t mean a lower speed boat price. Since these vessels’ primary purpose is to be fast, small, and with high performances, they will be costly.
Most admirers find choosing a particular speed boat design, style, and even color vital. These features depend only on your preferences and the budget you have at your disposal.
If you are looking for an affordable vessel for casual cruising or fishing, you only need a basic model. Keep in mind that even a secondhand high-performance boat will cost approximately $30,000 to $40,000 more than a brand new classic model.
The speed that a speed boat can develop
The most significant difference between various motorboat types is the speed each can develop. For instance, the Cruiser’s maximal speed is 50 mph (80.5 km/h), Deck boat can reach 60 mph (96.5 km/h), and Personal watercraft is the fastest with a top speed of 70 mph (112.5 km/h).
On the other hand, speed boats are created to quickly develop a speed of 100 to 200 mph (161 – 322 km/h). Spirit of Australia reached the highest water speed record of impressive 317.6 mph (511 km/h), making it the fastest boat worldwide.
Typically, fast and high-performance speed boats will be costly. Since most people purchase this vessel type for racing, you can expect them to always look for the model that can bring them a win.
On the other hand, there are a lot of enthusiasts who enjoy fast boating. As expected, they will try to buy the fastest possible model according to their budget.
Speed Boat Ownership Costs
Remember that a speed boat price is not the only expense you will have, and you should consider all additional costs of owning such a vessel.
Depreciation
For a start, this boat type has a high depreciation rate. In other words, your speed boat will lose 20% of its value in the first year after buying it.
Its value will decrease in the second year by 15% and an additional 14% in the third year. That way, most models will entirely depreciate within a decade, lowering your chances of reselling it.
Maintenance
Maintaining a speed boat is pricy, mainly because of the challenging cleaning of its powerful motor. Plus, replacing complicated parts can be tricky, particularly in models with an inboard engine.
Insurance
Insurance is a mandatory cost for every speed boat owner. The problem is that it is always much higher for this boat than for other models.
An average speed boat insurance cost will also depend on the state where you live. You will pay at least $250 for it in low-cost and $330 in medium-cost states.
In most cases, northern states without a coastline are less expensive than those in the south. On the other hand, your insurance will go up to $470 if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or Florida.
Fees and taxes
Before using your speed boat, you need to get a boating license and register it. Both things are typically costly and depend on the type and model you buy. Sometimes, you will need to pay local taxes on vessel ownership, according to the state regulations.
Storing
The best option you have is to store your speed boat in a nearby marina. Typically, the membership will run a few thousand dollars a year. Plus, it will be necessary to protect your vessel by wrapping it appropriately if you live in a region with cold weather.
Outside storage will typically cost you $10 to $15 per 1 foot (30.5 cm). On the other hand, inside storage will be more pricey and typically costs $50 to $200 per 1 foot (30.5 cm). Finally, an in-water dock space price ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per season.
Summary
Owning a speed boat is an excellent advantage, but the average price of such a vessel is typically high and often unattainable for the average customer. Besides the high initial expenses, you should check other ownership costs on time.