From stocking fish on winding rivers to pulling a water skier across open water, owning a boat offers unlimited adventures for anyone who loves the water. While many people feel boat ownership is out of their reach financially, there is a wide variety of affordable multiple-purpose boats. To help get you started, below is a sampling of five great boats for under $20K USD that will provide fun for the entire family. However, to be safe in the water, be sure you have your new ride covered with boat insurance and any expensive cargo protected with marine insurance:
1. Sea Doo Fish Pro
The Sea Doo Fish Pro is a waverunner designed for fishing that provides the perfect balance of versatility, power and economy. A smartly designed platform provides for a low center of gravity that results in incredible stability and ultra-responsive operation. While the PWC comes standard with a fish finder, rod holders and a cooler, the FishPro Scout can be transformed into a family fun watercraft in seconds. Starting at around $14,000 USD, the Scout offers class-leading storage with plenty of room for all your fishing gear and anything else you might need.
2. Bayliner Element E16
The Bayliner E16 combines automotive-style handling with class-leading safety features in a watercraft that won’t break the bank. With a MSRP of just under $17,000 USD, the E16 provides the power and comfort to get you to all the fun spots quickly and safely. The well-thought-out roomy layout has opposed seating for six and the high gunnels keep occupants safe and secure. Bayliner’s innovative M-hull design immediately gets the E16 on plane and holds the boat level through turns and while at anchor or when drifting.
3. Carolina Skiff 13 JV SS
Being just as stable as it is easy to handle, the Carolina 13 JV is a sporty little fishing machine with padded swivel seats and an integrated livewell that thinks it’s a sporty runabout. Costing about $16,000 USD, the JV13 is rigged with a center console for excellent visibility while under way and the 100-percent composite design provides for stability, strength and maneuverability. The modified shallow V-hull design provides both a soft ride and helps to keep you, your passengers and your gear dry.
4. Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX
A whole lot of boat for not a whole lot of money, the Party Barge 18 DLX provides plenty of space and fun for groups of up to 14 people for just under $20K USD. The wide-deck pontoon design provides unsurpassed stability for dining, sunbathing, swimming and fishing and the four-step telescoping ladder and handrails ensure easy and safe boarding. Spacious molded storage beneath the seats provide ample room for gear and toys and three inward-opening gates provide plenty of easy access.
5. Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC
With an all-welded aluminum hull and wide profile design, the Tracker Grizzly 1860 is a pure fishing machine with the courage to take on any adventure. The center-console design offers 360-degree visibility for navigating shallow waters and the modified V-hull design gives the boat rock-solid performance while keeping everybody and everything dry. Fore and aft fishing decks have Tracker’s textured non-skid Sure Tread coating for sure footing while casting or pulling in the big one. At around $20,000 USD the Tracker Grizzly 1860 comes with one of the best factory warranties in the business guaranteeing you years of trouble free fishing fun.
