If you’re in the market for a compact vessel that won’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. These affordable options are ideal if you want to partake in nautical adventures and save money on ownership costs.
Whether you like to relax, fish, or feel the adrenaline rush through watersports, this list of the best affordable small boats.
What are the Top Affordable Small Boats to Consider?
1. Sea-Doo Switch
Starting Price: $24,799
Boat Type: Pontoon
Why It’s a Great Value: The Sea-Doo Switch blends a modern, modular design with a powerful engine and three versatile driving modes: Sport, Eco, and cruise control.
Key Features:
- Rotax 1630 ACE engine
- Tri-hull design
- Intuitive handlebar steering with Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR)
- Innovative deck tile system for easy layout changes
- Switch-painted trailer
- Dedicated anchor storage
Visit Sea-Doo to learn more.
2. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select
Starting Price: $19,795
Boat Type: Fishing Pontoon
Why It’s a Great Value: The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select is a budget-conscious angler’s dream as it accommodates up to seven passengers and includes a livewell, two folding fishing seats, and a driver console with a rod holder.
Key Features:
- Wet Sounds stereo with Bluetooth capabilities and two 6.5-inch speakers
- LED navigation and anchor lights
- All-welded, all-aluminum extended motor pod
- Woven, marine-grade flooring
- Manual Bimini top deployment system
- Four stainless steel mooring cleats
Visit Sun Tracker to learn more.
3. G3 Bay 19 GX
Starting Price: $36,188
Boat Type: Fishing/Bay
Why It’s a Great Value: The G3 Bay 19 GX is a lightweight, durable fishing boat for under $40,000, complete with a convenient center console layout, 30-gallon fuel tank, and two fishing seats with dual aerated livewells.
Key Features:
- Hydraulic steering
- Tackle tray storage
- Innovative command center with Yamaha controls
- Buoyancy pods
- Optional T-top for shade and added functionality
- Optional trailer
Visit G3 to learn more.
4. Xpress XP20CC
Starting Price: $30,995
Boat Type: Center console
Why It’s a Great Value: The Xpress XP20CC is an exciting boat with a hydrodynamic hull, an eight-gauge trolling motor harness, and all-welded construction, all of which allow it to perform optimally, regardless of water conditions.
Key Features:
- Aerated livewell in rear deck
- Stainless boarding step
- Six rod holders in the console
- Leaning post with cushion
- Two fold-down fishing seats with 13-inch extensions
- Removable tinted windshield
Visit Xpress to learn more.
5. Harris Breeze 210
Starting Price: $29,243
Boat Type: Pontoon
Why It’s a Great Value: The Harris Breeze 210 is a quality pontoon without the high price tag, thanks to standout amenities like plush seating, a spacious helm, and Harris RPM technology that delivers a smooth ride.
Key Features:
- Captain’s chair with swivel
- Underseat storage
- Flip-down seats
- Wide floor plan
- Swim ladder
- Optional bimini top
Visit Harris to learn more.
6. Yamaha Jetblaster DLX
Starting Price: $10,399
Boat Type: Personal watercraft
Why It’s a Great Value: For less than $11,000, you can unlock your own recreational personal watercraft with room for three, a durable tow hook, and a convenient reboarding step.
Key Features:
- Yamaha TR-1 engine
- Ride throttle control system
- 13.2-gallon fuel tank
- Automatic bilge
- Optional rider tube kit
- Optional mooring cover
Visit Yamaha to learn more.
7. Argos Nautic GT 11
Starting Price: $28,146
Boat Type: Inflatable
Why It’s a Great Value: The Argos Nautic GT 11 is a highly portable yet durable boat that’s easy on the wallet and can be customized to cater to your unique boating needs and preferences.
Key Features:
- Available in aluminum or fiberglass
- Inflatable tubes with grab handles
- Responsive steering
- V-hull design
- Shallow draft
- Optional bimini or T-top
Visit Argos Nautic to learn more.
8. Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport
Starting Price: $17,757
Boat Type: Fishing
Why It’s a Great Value: The Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport is a basic, affordable small fishing boat with seating for five, gear storage, and tilt or console steering.
Key Features:
- Aerated livewell with timer
- Driver’s seat slider
- Stowable running lights
- Fire extinguisher
- Port rod compartment
- 17-gallon fuel tank
Visit Alumacraft to learn more.
Small Affordable Boats Q&A
Q: How much do small, affordable boats cost?
A: Small, affordable boats vary in price and depend on the type of boat, size, brand, and features. In general, however, you may pay anywhere from $10,000 for a personal watercraft to up to $50,000 for a larger, well-equipped pontoon or fishing boat.
Q: Which brands offer the best affordable small boats?
A: Tracker, Yamaha, Argos, and G3 are several examples of brands that sell cost-effective small boats. Many of them cost under $50,000.
Q: What types of activities are small, affordable boats for?
A: Small, affordable boats are often versatile, meaning you can use them for day cruising, fishing, and in some cases, watersports. Note that some small boats are only intended for a specific activity.
