You don’t need the budget for a superyacht to enjoy boating. In fact, there are many great boats under $100,000 that are perfect for fishing, cruising, partying, sailing, or sporting.
- Heyday WT Surf
- Ski Nautique Surf 200
- Chaparral 21 SSI OB Ski & Fish
- Boston Wahler Dauntless 220 Center Console
- Scout 215 SXF Luxury Center Console
- Four Winns H2 Bow Rider (Electric outboard)
- Sea Ray SPX 210 OB
- Bennington 22 LXSB Tritoon
- Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat
- SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 PWC
Read all the way through to catch all Pro Tips.
1. Heyday WT Surf
When you want to surf as well as have room for a large crowd, check out Heyday’s spacious 23-foot surf boat that uses water ballast to create perfect ridable waves and carries 17 people at the same time.
Learn more at Heyday Wake Boats.
2. Ski Nautique 200
Whether you’re skiing a slalom course or enjoying wakeboarding, there’s nothing like a Nautique tow boat to help you build skills and enjoy all that a sport boat has to offer. With a towing arch/tower and a smooth inboard engine that delivers an even and consistent pull, Nautique serves up everything that skiers and boarders love.
Learn more at Nautique Boats.
3. Chaparral 21 SSI OB Ski & Fish
It’s right there in the name – this boat is for fishing and towing, but it’s a great family runabout as well. Put a trolling motor on the bow and a large single Yamaha outboard on the stern, and you can go anywhere and do just about anything.
Learn more at Chaparral Boats.
READ MORE: 7 Most Affordable Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and PWCs
4. Boston Whaler Dauntless 220 Center Console
For the angler, there’s nothing better than a center console with a T-top, an open bow, a baitwell, and a 250-hp Mercury outboard on the back. The Dauntless 220 is a compact package with tons of fishing features.
Learn more at Boston Whaler.
5. Scout 215 XSF Luxury Center Console
With its NuV3 fuel-saving hull and a 150-hp Yamaha outboard, this small boat delivers great economy, impressive performance, and luxury touches which include premium upholstery, upmarket finishes, and a walkthrough transom.
Learn more at Scout Boats.
6. Four Winns H2 Bow Rider (Electric outboard)
When you have a crowd, a bowrider provides seats for everyone. The Four Winns H2 is perfect for afternoons at the sandbar or shuttling to a waterfront restaurant. This model is also available with Vision Marine’s 180-hp electric outboard, but that’s an option that adds significantly to the base price.
Learn more at Four Winns.
Pro Tip: You will encounter boat maintenance costs; it’s important to remember this when budgeting and preparing to buy your first boat. When budgeting, consider boat sharing! It is one sure way that your boat can pay you back. Renting out your boat on your non-boating days has brought many boat owners a solid second income and means to offset boating expenses.
7. Sea Ray SPX 210 OB
For a fun family runabout, you can’t beat Sea Ray’s SPX Series, specifically the 210 with a 150-hp Mercury outboard engine. From the swim platform and sunbed aft to the sophisticated helm and open seating in the bow, this compact model has all you’ll need to play, pull, and party.
Learn more at Sea Ray.
8. Bennington 22 LXSB Tritoon
Pontoon boats have changed since your dad’s version and now they’re multi-purpose platforms that can do just about anything from fishing to towing to cruising. Bennington’s mid-level L Series has models 22-26 feet with plush seating and walk-through bows. Versatile, comfortable, and fast (with a 200-hp outboard), these sophisticated tritoons are excellent for lakes and bays.
Learn more at Bennington.
9. Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat
If you prefer to hoist sails and enjoy the free power of the wind, check out a sporty sailboat like the Catalina 275. With a 14-hp Yanmar inboard engine, an enclosed head, a compact galley, and a convertible berth, you can take this boat on coastal jaunts for a weekend or longer.
Learn more at Catalina Yachts.
10. SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 PWC
Don’t be fooled, this personal watercraft is a full-blown boat when you load it up with accessories to carry extra fuel, a cooler, and tons of storage bins. You can go adventuring in waterways not accessible by car and spend under $20,000.
Learn more at Sea-Doo.
So much to choose from
Prices vary as you load up a basic boat with options. You also need to consider taxes, insurance, financing, and moorage when creating a budget, but whatever kind of boating you want to do, there’s a new model that will fit your lifestyle and your wallet.