Boats for Sale? We have 11 Recommendations

Best Fishing Boats for Sale: 11 Top Models and Reviews

There’s a huge variety of fishing boats and motors for sale today — plenty of choice for any angler.

Most of us learn early (usually just after potty training) that good gear makes the difference between hours of bored shore-sitting and going home with a stringer of fish. But the pocketbook drives most equipment decisions. Budget anglers know you don’t have to visit bankruptcy court to find a sturdy, reliable boat and motor.

Sooner or later — maybe when income improves, or when fishing starts to matter more than groceries — you decide you need a better boat or a bigger motor. Advances in fishing technology don’t help you resist, either.

There’s something afloat for every budget, from the bayou river rat to the corporate attorney. Aluminum or fiberglass, deep-V or flatboat, inboard console or outboard steering, pedestal seats or cushions on planks — price, quality, and how serious you are decide the boat. Here are a few of the many choices in fishing boats, motors, and gear on offer today.

Bass Cat (www.basscat.com)

Building all-fiberglass fishing boats is a way of life for the Pierce family of Mountain Home, Ark. Bass Cat pioneered recessed trolling-motor wells, lighted interior compartments, in-dash fish flashers, and other ideas that other builders now copy.

In 1999, Bass Cat became the first builder to use true vinyl ester (VE) resin throughout the structure. That greatly cuts the risk of stress cracks and hull blistering (for details, go to www.resinnavigator.org). Vacuum compression makes the hulls stronger still. Bass Cat is the only company using all-fiberglass hulls, stringers, floors, and transoms.

Amazingly, the boats, trailers, seating, wiring harnesses, and even the seat embroidery are all made from raw materials at the Bass Cat factory.

The lineup includes the 20-foot Jaguar, 20-foot Cougar, 19-foot Pantera III, 19-foot Pantera Classic, and 18-foot Sabre. The Jaguar’s 20-foot, 3-inch fiberglass hull can handle a 175 hp to 285 hp motor.

These top-of-the-line boats offer a long list of standard and optional features:

• Fuel tanks up to 52 gallons
• Dual aerated livewells with timers
• Sound systems and flush-mount controls
• Handrails, footrests, and rod organizers
• Security systems and dual steering
• Lighted storage boxes
• A digital dashboard that resembles a jet cockpit

The best feature may be the transferable lifetime warranty on the hull, transom, floor, and stringers.

Mercury (www.mercurymarine.com)

Mercury builds engines for almost anything that floats. The range runs from a handy 75-cc, 2.5-horsepower kicker to the Pro XB 250, a 250-horsepower V-6 with enough thrust to make you take up bowling instead. The OptiMax line of outboards runs from 135 to 225 horsepower.

Mercury’s jet motors deserve a look too. Jet as in jet-propelled — no propeller to hit stumps or rocks. That matters if you fish shallow, stumpy, rocky backwaters a lot. Come to think of it, that’s where the fish are. Jet motors come in 20-, 40-, 65-, and 80-horsepower models.

Champion (www.championboats.com)

Champion has built premium fiberglass fishing boats for sale since 1975 and currently offers 14 models.

The Elite Series comes in four hull sizes, from 18 feet, 8 inches (the 188 Elite) to the 22-foot, 3-inch 223 Elite. Tournament-ready CX models come in three sizes: the 203 CX, 193 CX, and 187 CX (the numbers refer to hull length).

Saltwater anglers usually need a bigger boat to handle larger waves and stay comfortable all day. The Saltwater Series offers the 24 Bay Champ, 21 Bay Champ, and 22 Tunnel Champ. Like to fish and water ski? Pick one of three Fish-N-Ski models: the 21 SX, 190 SX, and 181 SX.

Champion also makes a fine all-around boat, the Multi-Species Fishhunter. This 19-foot, 4-inch boat has a deep V-hull and an extra-wide 97-inch beam — room to stretch and a comfortable fishing platform. Dual 26-gallon fuel tanks, dual Lowrance transducers, dual livewells with hydro-aeration, dual bucket seats: two anglers travel in comfort. It hauls 1,600 pounds of cargo and crew.

The 223 Elite is Champion’s champion. If you spend more time on the water than at home, know the pro bass standings by heart, and don’t mind a second mortgage, this is your boat. Can you say 300 horsepower? It takes a motor from 225 hp to 300 hp and adds rod storage plus front and rear fishing decks. The livewell holds 27 gallons, so invite the neighbors. You’ll never be late for a weigh-in again.

Smoker Craft (www.smokercraft.com)

Fishing boats take many forms. Some anglers favor the run-and-gun style of a fiberglass boat that moves quickly from rocks to weed beds to flooded trees to the weigh-in dock. Others prefer a big, lazy pontoon boat with room for the wife, kids, Aunt Edith, and the family dog.

At Smoker Craft®, you can take your pick. The Escape and Infinity pontoon series work as fishing platforms or cruising craft, and the company also builds several deck boats and runabouts.

The Alante series of fiberglass runabouts offers five models from 19 to 21 feet. Standard features include a 37-gallon fuel tank, ski ring, boarding ladder, navigation lights, built-in coolers, and plenty of in-floor and bow storage. A CD player is optional.

The Commander series of deck boats gives you runabout spunk with a deck fishing platform. Features include 31- to 60-gallon fuel tanks, portable toilets, built-in aerated livewells, bass seats, built-in coolers, wrap-around couches, and pop-up cleats.

Is your idea of fishing a nice nap, maybe interrupted by a tug on a bobber? Then look at Smoker Craft’s 20 models of pontoon boats.

This family-owned, Indiana-based company still makes ’em the old-fashioned way — from high-tech materials. Think full-length, 1/2-inch aluminum keels, welded aluminum tube chambers (they stay afloat even with a puncture), and pressure-treated plywood decks with lifetime warranties.

The Paradise series of pontoons is for big families or party animals. With room for up to 18 people and motors to 135 horsepower, you may never come home. Options include a galley with stove, pull-out lounges, and a baby-changing station. All feature bimini tops, padded seating, sundecks, and many other comforts. If the fish aren’t biting, relax and enjoy the ride.

The Serenity, Classic, and Infinity Fish series suit anglers who want to cruise in style. They offer up to 24 feet of space, built-in livewells, lockable rod boxes, four bass seats, and 18- to 24-gallon fuel tanks. Bimini tops, carpet, and sound systems are standard.

The Infinity Cruise series is for multi-use boaters who fish one week and host a floating cookout the next. Models run 18 to 24 feet and take 50- to 115-horsepower motors as boat size increases. Two models feature L-group seating with lounge arms, two front couches, convert-a-tables, sundecks, and other creature comforts.

Lowe (www.lowe.com)

In the heart of the Ozarks, hunting and fishing are legendary. In Lebanon, Mo., Lowe builds high-quality aluminum boats known for durability and value.

Lowe offers a variety of jon boats with riveted or welded hulls. The Stinger series uses welded deep-vee hulls to smooth big-water chop. The Classic Bass series rides a riveted 6-degree modified vee hull for a smoother ride and a stable fishing platform. The extra-affordable Fishfinder series shares that riveted hull design, with 16-foot aluminum models roomy enough for a family to fish.

The Fishing Machine series comes in 16- to 19-foot Sea Nymph designs on a V-Tech hull. You choose backtroller tiller, side console, or twin console. The Angler series of Sea Nymphs keeps things affordable with plenty of options. Sea Nymph V Series boats are 15 feet long, and the standard package includes a 25 hp motor and trailer.

Features on some Lowe models include:

• Dry storage lockers and lockable rod storage
• Computer-designed hulls and aluminum casting decks
• Tinted windshields and 16-ounce marine carpet
• Full instrumentation and aerated baitwells
• A variety of motor, trolling motor, and fish finder options

Lund (www.lundboats.com)

Spend much time on lakes and rivers and you’ll notice a lot of Lund boats. Lund makes a strong case for traditional aluminum. The company runs aluminum I-beams lengthwise, deep in the hull, then ties them to transverse stringers in the bow for extra strength. It uses rivets because it believes that’s the best system (just look at airplanes and 18-wheelers, the company argues). Twin plates go only at midship, where the boat takes the most pounding — two full layers would hurt performance, Lund says. After more than 50 years of building boats, they likely have a good case. Lund also sponsors numerous walleye and other tournaments across the nation.

Lund added a line of 20 welded aluminum jon boats in 2002. They range from the little 10-foot NVJR1031, which takes a 3-horsepower motor, to the big 20-foot NVJWMV2070SFC, which handles a 115-hp motor. NVJRMV models have modified-V hulls. Hull seams carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Lund has 14 other new models:

• Sport & Fish Series — 2150 Baron Magnum, 1950 Tyee, and 1850 Tyee
• Tournament Series — 2025, 1900, 1800, and 1775 Pro-V models
• Sportsman Series — 1700 Angler and Pro Angler 16
• Legend Series — 1650 Laker
• Adventure Series — 1675 Pro

In all, Lund offers 32 V-hull designs, including its popular Mr. Pike models with 16- and 17-foot hulls.

Need a big-lake boat? The 2150 Baron Magnum is a monster. It carries nearly a 22-foot hull, an 80-gallon fuel tank, three pedestal seats, lighted livewells, a wraparound walk-through windshield, and an outboard up to 225 horsepower.

For a smaller fishing boat with a wide profile, try the Pro Angler 16. Like most new Lunds, it has the IPS™ (Integrated Power Strake) hull for better handling in a 16 1/2-foot length. Lighted, aerated livewells, seven lockable rod and storage compartments, and dual pedestal seats make it a comfy fishing boat.

Ranger (www.rangerboats.com)

Watch a bass tournament, or talk to serious bass anglers for more than 15 minutes, and you’ll hear about Ranger® boats. Forrest L. Wood is the Henry Ford of fishing boats — particularly fiberglass-hull bass boats. His company in Flippin, Ark., still builds them with careful attention to detail, just as it did 35 years ago when Wood founded it. The boats are named for the legendary lawmen, the Texas Rangers.

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Ranger also makes aluminum jon boats. The Cherokee series has 12 models, including some that can be outfitted with duck blinds. They range from the JW1448, a 14-footer, to the MV2070DLX, a massive 20-footer that carries up to eight people or more than 1,000 pounds. Ranger backs the main hull weld with a 20-year warranty, and the support beams, ribs, and braces with a 10-year warranty.

For value, the Fisherman series is hard to beat. There are seven fiberglass models. The range starts with the 617DVS, a 17 1/2-foot model that takes up to a 150-horsepower motor and floats 1,350 pounds of gear and anglers. It tops out with the 620T, a big, deep 20-footer that takes up to a 125-hp motor and hauls 1,820 pounds of rods, reels, dogs, and guys.

The Comanche series gives serious anglers a top-grade fiberglass boat, ready for your choice of motors and electronics. It starts with the 518DVX, a 19-foot model that handles up to a 200-horsepower motor and 1,400 pounds of cargo and anglers. At the top sits the 522SVX, a 22-foot beast rated for a 250-hp motor and 1,600 pounds of gear and crew. All have built-in rod storage, coolers, livewells/baitwells, and single or twin windshields with console steering.

Ardent tournament anglers — and well-off weekend anglers — can choose from nine models in the VS/R series, including four new ones. All come outfitted with motors, trolling motors, and electronics. Sizes start with the R61, a 16-footer rated for a 90-hp motor and 1,110 pounds of anglers and gear. At the top sits the 210 Reata, a family-sized 21-footer that scoots in front of a 225-hp motor with 1,840 pounds aboard. Most in this series come in single- or double-windshield models. The Reata has an 8-foot center rod holder; the others have port and starboard rod holders.

The four new models:

• 175VS — 17-foot, 5-inch hull that takes a 130-hp motor and handles 1,145 pounds
• 185VS — 18-foot, 5-inch hull set for a 175-hp motor and 1,365 pounds
• 195 Intracoastal — 19-foot, 5-inch hull ready for a 200-hp motor and 1,430 pounds
• 195VS — matches the Intracoastal’s specs, with minor styling differences

Tracker (www.trackerboats.com)

There’s a very good reason Tracker® boats are the top-selling line of bass-style fishing boats: they’re priced right. But these aluminum boats perform, too — especially newer models designed to run like fiberglass, including the Avalanche. Tracker® is part of the Tracker Marine line, which includes Sun Tracker® pontoons, Nitro® bass and bay boats, and Tahoe family sport boats. Tracker sells through a line of distributors, including the mighty Bass Pro Shops.

The Bass series has 10 models, from the new Avalanche to the Panfish 16. Prices run from $19,000 for the Avalanche down to a mere $6,500 for the Panfish — and they include a motor and trailer. The Pro Team 185 aluminum bass boat comes with a 50-hp motor and trailer. The Avalanche is built with a formed aluminum process (similar to that used for aircraft) and .125-gauge aluminum for a sculpted, strong hull. It comes with a 115-horsepower Mercury motor, a Motorguide®-designed Tracker® LCR, and a color-coordinated trailer.

Boats for Sale: Motors

Now that you’ve found a boat in your price range that matches your interests, you need some power. The trick is getting enough to run right without overdoing it and ending up in over your head — literally.

Not so many years ago, outboards were smoky, two-stroke affairs. They required at least one mechanic on board at all times and still only worked about half the time.

Today’s motors are reliable and efficient. Many are four-stroke designs, so you don’t mix oil into the gasoline. Most of the remaining two-strokes, usually low-powered models, use oil injection — again, no mixing. That reliability is welcome when you’re busy gaffing fish instead of babying a motor.

Here’s a basic peek at the most popular engines on the water. Most anglers will tell you it’s hard to buy a bad outboard motor today.

One industry note: Outboard Marine Corp., which produced about 30 percent of the 349,000 outboards sold in 2000, filed for Chapter 11 protection around Christmas 2001. At press time, OMC had accepted a joint bid from Bombardier and Genmar to buy the troubled company for $95 million. Bombardier would take the outboard motor business; Genmar (parent company of Ranger and many other boat brands) would take the boats.

Evinrude (www.evinrudeoutboards.com)

Evinrude, owned by Bombardier, says its Direct Injection system delivers more horsepower and lower emissions at a lighter weight than typical four-stroke outboards. Its 200-, 225-, and 250-horsepower V-6 motors get up to 35 percent better fuel economy than other brands, according to the company. Its V-4 two-strokes claim a 25 percent fuel-economy gain over similar two-stroke motors while using 50 percent less oil. These midrange motors come in 75-, 90-, and 115-horsepower versions. The same Ficht® Ram Injection system appears on the mid-sized V-6 engines too, including the 135-, 150-, and 175-horsepower models.

Johnson (www.johnson.com)

Johnson, also owned by Bombardier, still offers a full line of traditional two-stroke motors from 25 to 175 horsepower. Even some of the smaller ones offer electric starters. Some feature Power Trim and Tilt and Digital Sequential Multi-Port fuel injection. This isn’t your grandpa’s Johnson! There’s also a new line of four-stroke motors. It runs from a cute little 6-hp model for the duck boat to a 70-hp model with all the bells and whistles — handy power if your fishing runs to lift netting.

Yamaha (www.yamaha-motor.com)

Sure, you’ve heard of their motorcycles. But did you know Yamaha makes outboard motors?

If you’re a serious angler, you have. Yamaha builds high-quality motors and has created several outboard innovations, including the Labyrinth Exhaust system, which quiets the motor even at full throttle. After all, fishing is supposed to be peaceful. Yamaha makes two- and four-stroke models as well as jet drives, from 225-horsepower V-6 rocket launchers down to the sweet little F4 4-hp model. That F4 holds the world record for outboard gas mileage — 67.27 miles per gallon, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.