As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” It is not always true, especially when it comes to budget-friendly fishing boats. New boat owners can find affordable boats in both aluminum and fiberglass. These boats can tick all the boxes if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
Some things to consider when looking for a budget-friendly fishing boat are the size of the boat, the type of boat, and the features that are important to you. A smaller boat is going to be more affordable than a larger boat. If you are looking for a bass boat or a fishing boat with a trolling motor, those features will increase the cost of the boat.
One of the great things about budget-friendly fishing boats is that they come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to budget-friendly boats, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. There are many great boats available at affordable prices. You just need to do your research and find the best deal for you.
Available in fiberglass and aluminum variants based on your preferred material, these affordable fishing boats offer a great way to get into the sport without breaking the bank.
They also come in a variety of sizes based on how many people you want to bring along and what type of fish you are targeting.
In, general we will talk about motorized fishing boats that are easy on your pockets without comprising on quality.
Factors Affecting Boat Prices
Size of The Boat
The first factor to consider is the size of the boat. It’s quite simple – the bigger the boat, the pricier it will be. If you want a smaller vessel that you can use for solo fishing trips or two-person getaways then look at something in the 16 to 18-foot range.
These models are lightweight and can be transported on a trailer behind a mid-sized SUV.
On the other hand, if you want a boat that’s large enough to take the whole family out for a day of fun then look at something in the 20 to 22-foot range. These boats are roomy enough for up to six people and have plenty of storage for all your gear. They can be towed behind a full-size pick-up truck.
Accessories that Come with The Boat
The next factor to look at is what kind of accessories are included with the boat. Some models come with everything you need to get started while others might require that you purchase additional items separately.
At a minimum, you should look for a model that comes with a trolling motor, fish finder, and life jacket. These are essential items that will make your fishing trips more enjoyable and productive.
Some boats also come with a trailer, which can be a great convenience if you don’t already have one. Of course, this will add to the overall cost of the boat but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a complete package.
The Popularity of Brand and Model
Another thing to consider is the popularity of the brand and model. Some brands are more popular than others and as a result, their boats tend to hold their value better over time.
If you’re looking for a boat that you can eventually sell or trade in then it’s worth paying attention to the resale value. Models that are popular with fishermen and have a good reputation tend to hold their value better than those that are less popular.
Of course, you shouldn’t let the resale value be your only consideration but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on upgrading to a larger boat in the future.
Construction Quality
Finally, you should pay attention to the build quality of the boat. In general, boats that are made by well-known and reputable manufacturers will be better constructed and last longer than those that are made by lesser-known brands.
However, the converse is also true – just because a boat is made by a well-known brand doesn’t mean that it’s automatically of good quality. There are always going to be lemons no matter who the manufacturer is.
The best way to gauge the build quality of a boat is to read online reviews and speak to other fishermen who have experience with the model you’re interested in.
We will now try to dig into some of the budget fishing boats that are available in the market and see what they have to offer.
Gator 1652 VBW
The Gator 1652 VBW is quite an affordable boat under 11k with a 20 HP 4-Stroke Yamaha outboard motor. It is a flat bottom V hull made of 0.100 5052 aluminum alloy which makes it quite rugged and durable.
The Gator 1652 VBW is best for shallow-water fishing as it can get into really tight spots where big boats cannot go. With floor and side sheets and an optional windshield, you can fully enclose the boat to keep yourself warm and dry during cold-weather fishing trips.
Optional trailer and motor packages are available which makes it quite convenient if you do not already have a boat or trailer.
Lowe L1852 MT Aura Jon
Little over 17′ the all-welded Lowe L1852 MT Aura Jon is a great budget boat that offers a lot of features. Priced around $8200 without engines this boat can be powered by up to a 90 HP outboard.
The Lowe L1852 MT Aura Jon is a great choice for those who want a durable and versatile fishing boat. With a riveted aluminum hull, it’s built to last and can handle just about anything you throw at it.
Affordability is another key selling point of this boat. At under $9,000, it’s one of the most affordable fishing boats on the market.
Crestliner 1860 RETRIEVER
With a fuel capacity of 19 Gallons, the Crestliner 1860 RETRIEVER is meant to go the distance. It is a bit over 18′ long. The hull is made of all-welded aluminum which makes it quite durable and resistant to corrosion.
A .100 gauge hull with a reinforced transom, the Crestliner 1860 RETRIEVER is a great choice for those who want a durable and versatile fishing boat. It also comes with a variety of standard features that are sure to please even the most demanding fisherman.
Starting a little over $ 22000 these boats are pretty inexpensive for all that they offer.
Starweld 16 DC PRO
Backed by a lifetime hull warranty, the all-welded Starweld 16 DC PRO is a great choice for those who want a durable and reliable fishing boat. It’s made of high-quality aluminum and is powered by a 90 HP outboard motor.
Well-aerated livewells, lockable rod storage, and a variety of other features make the Starweld 16 DC PRO a great choice for those who want a versatile fishing boat. Raised bow casting deck and fore and aft fishing decks provide ample space for fishermen to move around and cast their lines.
Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC
The patented AIV hull makes the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC a great choice for those who want a stable and dry ride. It’s also quite fuel-efficient thanks to its shallow draft design.
With a spacious and comfortable cockpit, the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC is a great choice for those who want a fishing boat that they can also enjoy as a recreational boat.
Priced at around $22,000, the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC is a great choice for those who want a durable and versatile fishing boat. It comes standard with a variety of features that are sure to please even the most demanding fisherman. If you are on a budget, the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC is a great choice for you.
Smoker Craft PRO ANGLER 162
The Smoker Craft PRO ANGLER 162 is a great choice for those who want a versatile fishing boat. It’s made of high-quality aluminum and is powered by a 60 HP outboard motor.
With plenty of storage and a spacious cockpit, the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 is a great choice for those who want an affordable and reliable fishing boat.
With an optional package for trolling motors and fish finders, the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 comes with rod holders and cup holders as standard features. It also has a livewell and a bait station, making it a great choice for those who want a versatile fishing boat.
Tahoe T16
This all-family fishing boat is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. The Tahoe T16 is powered by a 75 HP outboard motor and can accommodate up to 7 people.
NMMA-certified, the Tahoe T16 is a great choice for those who want a reliable and safe fishing boat. It comes standard with a variety of features that are sure to please even the most demanding fisherman.
Triton 179 TRX
The Triton 179 TRX is a great choice for those who want a versatile and affordable fishing boat. Aerated livewells and fitted with trolling motors and fish finders, the Triton 179 TRX is a great choice for those who want a reliable and affordable fishing boat.
Priced competitively, the Triton 179 TRX is a great choice for those who want a versatile fishing boat. It comes standard with a variety of features. These aluminum bass boats are not going to pinch your pockets.
Bayliner Element E16
Starting at a little over 16000 dollars, the Bayliner Element E16 is a great choice for those who want an affordable and reliable fishing boat. The innovative M-hull design makes the Bayliner Element E16 a great choice for those who want a stable and dry ride.
Powered with a Mercury 75 HP outboard motor, the Bayliner Element E16 is a great choice for those who want an affordable and reliable fishing boat. A hydraulic steering system and a variety of other features make the Bayliner Element E16 a great choice for those who want an affordable and reliable fishing boat.
Lund 1650 Angler
This tiller boat Lund 1650 Angler SS is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day of fishing. It’s made of high-quality aluminum and is powered by a 50 HP outboard motor.
Fishing features like aerated livewells and lockable rod storage make the Lund 1650 Angler SS a great choice for those who want a versatile fishing boat. A spacious cockpit and a variety of other features make the Lund 1650 Angler SS a great fishing boat.
Sea Ray SPX® 190
These quality build, family-friendly boats are perfect for those who want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. The Sea Ray SPX® 190 is powered by a MerCruiser® 4.5L MPI ECT Bravo® III sterndrive engine and can accommodate up to eight people.
A variety of features like a swim platform with a ladder, a bimini top, and a depth finder make the Sea Ray SPX® 190 a great choice for those who want a versatile family boat.
Conclude
We’ve looked at a variety of budget-friendly fishing boats in this post, and we hope that you have found the perfect one for your needs. Ease of fishing and pocket-friendly prices make these boats a great choice for those who want to enjoy a day out on the water. Be sure to make your own research to find the boat that suits you the most. And happy fishing!
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
