cheap yachts for sale under $20k

10 Best Boats Under $20,000

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Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Boats are expensive, often very expensive, and that’s why so many people decide to rent a boat instead of buying one. But after years of renting you may decide you want a boat of your own. 

If you have a limited budget this can range from difficult to impossible, but there are some boats out there that cost under $20,000 and might prove ideal for you and your family. What are the 10 best boats under $20,000? Here are our top picks:

• AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS
• Bayliner Element M15
• Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 R
• Lowe Roughneck RX1860
• Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC
• Princecraft Jazz 140
• Sea Doo Spark
• Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select
• Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL

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1. AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS

AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS – Around $17,500 with a 20-hp Mercury outboard motor and a ShoreLand’r trailer, the AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS gets you out on the water in an aluminum V- hull boat featuring AlumaCraft’s 2XB hardened-aluminum keel and twin-plated bow . Either tiller or side console versions are available, and both come with a whopping-big 20-gallon livewell and a pair of seats.

• Estimated MSRP range : $9,914

Visit Alumacraft to learn more.

2. Bayliner Element M15

Bayliner Element M15 – The Bayliner Element M15 represents one of the best buys around in the fiberglass boat market, delivering a 15’2” deckboat packing 40 Mercury horses and a single-axel painted trailer with a swing-away tongue at an MSRP of right around $17,000. With a side console, a large L-lounger, swim platforms on either side of the outboard, and Bayliner’s M-hull, the M15 is ready for everything from watersports to day-cruising right out of the box.

• Estimated MSRP range : $16,980

Visit Bayliner to learn more.

3. Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 R

They’re small and limited to one person, but kayaks are some of the most popular boats around. And with an MSRP of $1,999 you could get an entire fleet of Hobie Mirage Passport pedal-drive kayaks. Stack ‘em up in the back of a pickup or get a roof rack and you can transport multiples without a trailer, you’ll never have to worry about buying fuel, and your carbon footprint won’t grow by one inch.

• Estimated MSRP range : $2,000

Visit Hobie to learn more.

4. Lowe Roughneck RX1860 

Those in search of a boat that can be used for everything from fishing to waterfowl hunting will want to take a peek at the Lowe Roughneck RX1860, a tiller-steered utility boat that comes in camo and sports a stock 20-hp Mercury outboard for under $12,000. That means you have plenty of room in the budget for goodies like a trailer or a larger motor. Yes, this is a fairly bare-bones Jon boat, but that also means maintenance is minimal and it cleans up easily.

• Estimated MSRP range : $21,385

Visit Lowe Boats to learn more.

5. Lund 1648 

If a Jon boat is what you’re looking for the Lund 1648 is bound to be in the running. The bare hull costs just under $4,000, which leaves plenty of cash left for an outboard and trailer. That means you can easily build a total package in the $15,000 range, or even less if you don’t need gobs of power. This is a standard-issue Jon so it comes with just two bench seats and a capped foredeck, but with all the money left in the budget you can rig it out as simply or as extensively as you’d like.

• Estimated MSRP range : $3,698

Visit Lund Boats for more information.

6. Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC

Another fiberglass boat-motor-trailer package that comes in under our price ceiling is the Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC, a mini fishing skiff that MSRPs just under $18,000 with a 25-hp outboard. It’s also the one fiberglass center console that makes this lineup, and it features a mere eight inches of draft for getting to those fish in skinny water. Plus, despite its diminutive nature the Pro Skiff 13 CC is rated for up to four people, has an integrated aft bench seat in the stern , and a forward casting deck in the bow. Note that if you want more power and speed you can upgrade to a 40-hp outboard and still make it in just under the $20,000 cap.

• Estimated MSRP range :17,995

Visit Mako Boats for more information.

7. Princecraft Jazz 140

 If pontoon boats are your thing and you want one under the $20,000 mark you’ll have a handful to choose from, and a standout is the Princecraft Jazz 140. Starting for a little over $16,000 the Jazz 140 comes with a 9.9-hp Mercury outboard engine, helm and passenger’s seats, two small couches in the bow, and can even be rigged out with a livewell and fishing station for you anglers. Plus, construction is high-quality with 5052 H36 marine grade aluminum, extruded pontoon keels, and 2.5” extruded cross channels.

• Estimated MSRP range :$15,000

Visit Princecraft to learn more.

8. Sea Doo Spark 

Yes, the Sea Doo Spark is a PWC, but that’s still a boat — and a rather thrilling one at that. With an MSRP right around $6,000, you can get three while staying within the budget, each with the capacity for two people, and take the entire family out for a day of wake -jumping, watersports, or exploring. Talk about fun!

• Estimated MSRP range :$5,999

Visit Sea Doo to learn more.

9. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select 

Barely squeaking in under the wire with an MSRP of $19,995, anglers who want to hit the lakes in a pontoon fishing machine will love the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select. The package includes a 50-hp Mercury FourStroke outboard and all the fishing features you need to battle those basses, like rod holders, a livewell, two fishing seats (in addition to the aft L-lounger, helm chair, and console seat), and a Bimini top.

• Estimated MSRP range :$19,995

Visit Sun Tracker to learn more.

10. Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL 

Bass boats can easily break the bank, but not the Bass Tracker Classic XL. Rigged with a 50-hp Mercury outboard, a trailer, and plenty of big-ticket items (a livewell, a 12-volt bow-mount electric trolling motor , and a Lowrance Hook2 4X color fishfinder), the MSRP hovers just below $17,000. Added bonus: that package gets you some eye-opening performance for boats under $20,000, with top-end speeds of over 30 mph.

• Estimated MSRP range :$16,995

Visit Tracker Boats to learn more.

So: did you find your eminently affordable dream boat on this list? We certainly hope so. But if not, remember, renting a boat for the day is always an option.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain

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Editors Note: This article was originally posted 7/21/2021, and updated on 12/28/2022

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

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7 Best Sailboats Under $20,000

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 27, 2023

You can buy a fully-equipped and serviceable sailboat for less than $20,000 on the used market. Most of these vessels are fiberglass sloops.

Used sailboats between 20 and 30 feet in length can be found for between $10,000 and $20,000 nationwide, especially on the coast. Catalina, O'Day, and Islander sailboats are common in this price range and lots of fun to sail.

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What to Look for When Buying a Used Sailboat

When buying a used sailboat, it's essential to carefully inspect the vessel and look for flaws and structural issues. Sailboats in this price range are often ready to sail or just need minor improvements.

For the price, an older fiberglass 20 to 30-foot sailboat should be in good to excellent condition. Here's what to look for when buying a used sailboat and what to expect in the sub-$20,000 range.

Overall Condition

The overall condition of the boat is important, as it gives you an idea of how well the vessel was maintained. A sailboat with a clean, glossy hull, a solid deck, fresh varnish, and polished brass is an excellent sign of a responsible owner.

However, a sailboat with rust, corroded aluminum parts, a filthy hull, and a moldy interior was likely neglected in more ways than one. The first impressions of a sailboat can give you a pretty good idea of what lies below the surface.

Hull and Deck

Fiberglass boats are quite impervious to weather and corrosion, but problems occur when water penetrates the hull. Soft spots form around areas where the fiberglass cracks and water permeates.

Look for 'dented' areas of the deck where water pools up, as deformities can be a sign of something worse going on underneath. Check the bilge for excessive water but be mindful that some boats came with 'wet' bilges.

Does the vessel have all of its standing rigging tightened and maintained? What about sails, halyards, and sheets? If the rigging is present and neatly organized, it's a good sign that you're getting your money's worth.

If the vessel has an inboard motor, check the condition and fire it up. Inboards can be an expensive nightmare if they're neglected, which is often the case on used sailboats. See how it runs and make sure it responds to forward and reverse.

Sailboats are notorious for poor wiring and electrical issues. Much of the time, sailboats were shoddily wired from the factory, and sometimes the issue is related to improper maintenance or water damage.

Check the switchboard and make sure everything works. Try the radio, cabin lights, engine starter, hydraulic systems, and bilge pumps. A few broken lights or dead outlets are acceptable, but an electrically-neglected vessel can be a nightmare and a navigational hazard.

Best Affordable Used Sailboats Under 20k

Owning a used sailboat is a great way to explore local waterways and occupy the weekends. Sailboats made by well-known manufacturers were produced in huge numbers in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

These vessels are seaworthy and affordable, which makes them an excellent choice for budget-friendly sailing. Here are seven of the best used sailboats for under $20,000.

7. West Wight Potter 19

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It's difficult to omit the West Wight Potter 19 from a list of the best affordable sailboats for under $20,000, as this vessel is exceptional by almost every metric. The West Wight Potter 19 is the ultimate small trailer sailboat.

The vessel is a V-bottom sloop with a fiberglass hull and a centerboard. It was introduced in 1971 and has since become very popular from the United States all the way to Australia. It's a hardy coastal and inland cruising vessel that's made occasional offshore trips, including one from San Francisco to Hawaii.

It measures just under 19 feet overall and has a width of 7 feet 6 inches. With the keel up, it has a draft of only 6 inches, making it a beachable and trailerable cruising boat.

For its size, the West Wight Potter 19 has spacious accommodations below. It features a center-mounted split galley with a stove and a sink, along with space for a head below the stove.

A V-berth upfront offers sleeping quarters for two, and two additional berths aft bring the comfortable capacity up to four. The centerboard trunk in the center of the cabin features rigging to raise, lower, and lock the centerboard.

The West Wight Potter 19 features a fast-rigging system that allows one person to raise and rig the mast in just a few minutes. It's easy to sail, safe, and plenty of fun. Plus, the hull features positive floatation foam, which makes it quite literally unsinkable.

6. Contessa 26

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The Contessa 26 is a unique and capable mid-sized sailboat. It's a fast boat and a common sight at long-range regattas like the singlehanded TransPac race from San Francisco to Hawaii.

The Contessa 26 was produced starting in 1966, but the design dates much further back. The basic hull shape of the Contessa 26 was based on a Nordic Folkboat designed in the late 1930s for speed and agility at sea. As it turned out, the design also proved to be quite seaworthy.

The Contessa 26 was produced up until the end of the 1970s. She measures 25.5 feet overall, with a waterline length of 20 feet. The Contessa 26 has a reasonable beam of 7.5 feet, giving it good stability and seakeeping characteristics without sacrificing speed or handling.

The Contessa 26 is not a trailerable sailboat by most definitions, as it weighs 5,400 lbs and has a 4-foot draft. It has a full ballast keel, which makes it a stout offshore sailing platform. That said, its relatively small draft makes it safe to operate in shallow inland waters.

The accommodations of the Contessa 26 are excellent for its size, and it comfortably sleeps between one and five adults. It features standing headroom, a basic galley, a head with shower, and a standard V-berth upfront.

Space below leaves much to be desired, as vessels like the Catalina 30 outshine it significantly. But overall, the Contessa 26 is an excellent cruising sailboat with a classic design and sharp performance.

5. Catalina 30

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-30"}}

The Catalina 30 is one of the best used sailboats available for coastal and offshore cruising. If spacious accommodations are important to you, then you can't go wrong with this 30-foot Catalina sloop.

The vessel features a tall and stout Bermuda rig with an aluminum mast and standard rigging. The Catalina 30 measures 29.92 feet overall, with a length of 25 feet at the waterline. With a beam of 10.83 feet, the Catalina 30 is a wide and stable vessel.

Catalina 30 sailboats feature a long fin keel and a relatively deep 5.25-foot draft, which requires care when operating in shallow water. However, offshore the Catalina 30 has proven to be a seaworthy and well-handling vessel.

Overall, the Catalina 30 weighs just over 10,200 lbs. She's not exactly trailerable, but most marinas can haul out a Catalina 30 without too much trouble.

Interior accommodations on board are stellar. With sleeping room for seven adults, the Catalina 30 is a fantastic family boat. It features a full galley, a head and shower, a chart table, and a spacious dinette.

Over 6,000 Catalina 30 sailboats have been produced since 1972, making it one of the most popular sailboats ever built. A decent used Catalina 30 can be had for around $10,000 to $15,000 on the used market.

4. Islander 28

{{boat-info="/boats/islander-28"}}

Another popular and classic 1970s fiberglass sloop is the Islander 28. Launched in 1975, the Islander 28 is an affordable and well-handling sailboat with a reputation for durability and seaworthiness.

The Islander 28 is a masthead sloop with a spade rudder and a fin keel. It displaces 7,000 lbs and has a relatively wide 9.83-foot beam. The Islander 28 measures 27.92 feet overall with a waterline length of 23.08 feet.

Islander sailboats are some of the most common vessels of the 1970s and 1980s. And though not as numerous as the Catalina 30, the Islander 28 is still a popular boat on the used market.

Islander 28 sailboats aren't exactly shoal draft, but their moderate 5-foot draft means they're safe to operate in most harbors. And while not technically trailerable, the Islander 28 is small and light enough to be hauled out and repaired in most boatyards.

The Islander 28 sleeps six adults comfortably and features full accommodations below. These include two seats, a galley, a table, a head with shower, and a V-berth forward.

An Islander 28 is a wise choice for coastal and offshore cruising. It's a stout, safe, and fun boat for the family, and it's easy for moderately experienced sailors to handle. A decent used fully-equipped Islander 28 can be found for less than $20,000 on the used market.

3. Compac 23

{{boat-info="/boats/com-pac-23"}}

Compac is a well-known sailboat manufacturer with a long history of producing swift compact cruising boats. The Compac 23 is a large sailboat in a miniature package.

This vessel is ideal for those looking for a small and easy to handle sailboat with spacious accommodations. It features a fiberglass hull, an extensive cabin, and a shallow draft of just over 2 feet.

The Compac 23 has an overall length of just an inch shy of 24 feet, and a beam of 8 feet. Its dimensions make it stable and easy to handle, and it doesn't heel excessively. Overall, the Compac 23 displaces 3,000 lbs.

The interior accommodations of the Compac 23 set it apart from other vessels in its size category. The interior features a separated galley with a sink and a stove, seats, and a V-berth upfront. It also has plenty of well-thought-out storage space throughout the cabin.

The Compac 23 is also available with a pilothouse configuration, which features standing headroom and a clever table arrangement aft. The vessel features a skeg rudder and a long fixed fin keel, which removes the cumbersome centerboard trunk from the cabin.

{boat-info="/boats/cal-25"}}

The Cal 25 is a formidable cruiser for its size. While technically a fin- keel sailboat , the Cal 25 features a long ballast keel that offers superior stability and windward performance.

Some would consider the Cal 25 a "flush-deck" sailboat, as the top section of the cabin runs flush with the bow to the cockpit. This design increases cabin space and improves the lines of the boat.

The Cal 25 was produced between 1965 and 1976, making it one of the older fiberglass sloops on our list. That said, Cal Yachts build quality is excellent, and many serviceable examples of the 1,848 original Cal 25 sailboats still exist.

The vessel measures 25 feet overall, with a waterline length of 20 feet. She has a beam of exactly 8 feet and a relatively shallow draft of just 4 feet. The Cal 25 has a modest displacement of 4,000 lbs, making it a relatively practical trailer-sailer option.

The Cal 25 usually came with an outboard motor instead of an inboard to save space. The helm is controlled by a tiller, which maneuvers a skeg rudder located underneath the cockpit. With the mast collapsed, the Cal 25 is a great sailboat for winter storage and summer use.

The level of fit and finish varies between boats, as some were outfitted with finer wood and more premium features than others. The cockpit is spacious for its size, and the cabin headroom is excellent. The Compac 23 is an ideal used shoal-draft cruising sailboat in the sub-$20,000 category, and it's still produced today.

1. Catalina 22

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-22"}}

The Catalina 22 was the first sailboat of countless families across the United States. This sleek 22-foot vessel was designed to be the perfect 'starter boat' for sailors who wanted to explore inland waterways and coastal areas.

The Catalina 22 was first introduced in 1969. It has an overall length of 21.5 feet and a beam of 7.67 feet. Catalina 22 sailboats are truly trailerable, as most come with a retractable swing keel. With the keel or centerboard down, the Catalina 22 has a draft of 5 feet.

The Catalina 22 is the most popular sailboat ever produced in its class. With over 15,000 built, this vessel is common on the used market, and parts are abundant. Overall, a standard Catalina 22 sloop weighs around 2,490 lbs, making it practical to tow behind most half-ton pickup trucks or V8 SUVs.

Fiberglass boats like the Catalina 22 are an excellent choice for first-time sailors looking for a fun and capable family boat with overnight accommodations. The Catalina 22 sleeps four adults comfortably, but five can fit if the crew are comfortable with a tighter arrangement.

The most unique feature of the Catalina 22 is its camper-like pop top. The top of the cabin, which normally provides sitting headroom, can be popped up several inches past the original height. This is an excellent feature for cooking at anchor, as it provides standing headroom over the galley and part of the settee.

Pre-owned Catalina 22 sailboats in ready-to-sail configuration run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Fiberglass sailboats like the Catalina 22 make excellent freshwater or saltwater daysailers, and some have completed lengthier offshore voyages.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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10 Great Used Motoryachts You Can Buy For $150K

January 16, 2017 1:45 pm

Consider this scenario: you’re in the market for a used motoryacht — probably nothing smaller than 40 feet — with a budget of $150,000, more or less. You want a boat from a good builder (preferably one of their more popular models), and you’re open to the layout as long as it’s comfortable. Everything else is on the table.

If that describes your boating future, you’ll be happy and perhaps a little surprised at the choices available to you in a used motoryacht or cruiser yacht .

To find out for ourselves, we spent two weeks researching this market on YachtWorld, boats.com, etc., and came away with a list of ten models that represent a cross section of what’s available for about $150,000. There’s a lot to choose from here — traditional aft cabin motor yachts, cockpit motor yachts, classic pilothouse yachts, and sporty sedan cruisers.

All of the ten boats profiled below were popular models during their production years which means (a) that a clean used model should be relatively easy to find, and (b) selling or trading up one day should be no problem.

At the end of the day it’s good to know $150,000 still buys a lot of boat. Assuming 20 percent down and a 15-year note, the monthly payment for one of these yachts can be less than $1,000. For many, that’s an affordable number, especially with strengthening home values and historically low interest rates. Food for thought as we approach the spring boat show season.

1. Carver 500/504 Cockpit MY Production Years: 1996–2000

At a Glance: A super-popular model for Carver, basically a condo on the water. This is a cockpit version of the Carver 455/456 Aft Cabin model produced during the same years.

Spacious two stateroom maple interior has a folding bulkhead in the forward VIP stateroom that conceals a small guest cabin/den to port with convertible bunks. (This feature was eliminated in 1999 when the interior was redesigned and the name changed to Carver 504.)

The large U-shaped galley is aft in the salon rather than forward as it is in most motoryacht floorplans. In the master stateroom, the walkaround queen bed faces aft to permit the installation of cockpit access door. Washer/dryer is in forward stateroom. Twin 450hp Cummins diesels cruise at 18 knots.

Best Feature: Huge interior, the result of moving the superstructure well forward in the hull (note the relatively short foredeck).

Pr ice Spread: From a low of about $150K up to the mid-to-high $200s for a newer model.

2. Carver 444 Cockpit MY Production Years: 2001 – 2006

At a Glance: The top-selling cockpit yacht in this class for several years. Basically a Carver 396 Aft Cabin with a good-sized cockpit. The 444’s huge full-beam interior — made possible by raising the side decks to eye level — comes as a surprise. With its panoramic views and nearly seven feet of headroom, the salon’s dimensions are those of a much larger boat.

To save space, the forward head is split with the shower stall to port and toilet compartment to starboard. A sliding glass door in the (smallish) master stateroom opens directly into the cockpit.

In 2004, an optional “Extended Salon” floorplan with a full-size dinette, enlarged galley and redesigned VIP stateroom became available. Twin Volvo 370hp engines cruise at 18–19 knots. Carver sold a ton of these stylish boats.

Best Feature: Enormous salon/dinette/galley area with panoramic outside views.

Price Spread: A random YachtWorld check will find several priced in the mid $100K range.

3. Meridian 411 Sedan Production Years: 2003 – 2008

At a Glance: Very popular (and very affordable) sedan cruiser — a winning blend of sharp styling and spacious accommodations — made the Meridian 411 one of the best-selling midrange boats in her class. Huge interior layout with galley and booth-style dinette forward, a step up from the aft salon area with entertainment center and facing settees.

Large salon windows bring the outdoors in. Modern decor with cherry cabinets, Ultraleather seating, and Corian counters. Master stateroom includes private en-suite head; guest stateroom has a double berth (tucked under the dinette) and access to the second day head. Extended swim platform leads to a large cockpit (with molded bridge steps) suitable for fishing and entertaining.

Lower helm was optional. Wide side decks make it easy to get to the foredeck sun pad.

Best Feature: A super-social flybridge with sun lounge, wet bar, settee, and aft sun pad.

Price Spread:  Low-to-mid $100s to over $300K.

4. Silverton 39 Motor Yacht Production Years: 2002 – 2008

At a Glance: This maxi-beam aft cabin cruiser — and her lookalike predecessor, the best-selling Silverton 372/392 Motor Yacht — is proof that a roomy interior trumps graceful styling almost every time. Elevated side decks on both sides of the house provide a huge full-beam salon as well as direct flybridge access to the foredeck.

The 39’s galley rivals many larger boats in storage and counter space. Both staterooms have queen beds, generous storage, and en-suite heads with stall shower. High-gloss cherry trim, Corian counters, and Ultraleather upholstery compliment the interior. Molded steps lead from the swim platform up to a roomy aft deck with wet bar, bench seating and hard top.

Note the triple helm seat on the flybridge. The 39’s high freeboard will test your docking skills on a windy day. Standard 380hp gas engines cruise at 16–18 knots.

Best Feature: Enormous two-stateroom interior dwarfs anything in her class. Excellent galley.

Price Spread: $150K to the mid $200s.

5. Bayliner 4788 Pilothouse Production Years: 1994 – 2002

At a Glance: Arguably the best big-boat value ever. Spacious, well appointed, and surprisingly fuel efficient. This is basically a restyled (and lengthened) version of the very popular Bayliner 4550/4588 Pilothouse.

Her three stateroom, two head interior features a full-beam salon with large U-shaped galley forward to port, wet bar, L-lounge seating, and large side windows. In the pilothouse, there is a settee aft of the helm and a companion seat to port.

Visibility from the pilothouse is excellent. Second guest stateroom with upper/lower bunks doubles as a den and opens directly to the master stateroom — very clever. An inflatable dinghy can be carried on the extended flybridge deck. The engine room is a tight fit. Forget all that talk about Bayliner quality — the 4788 is simply a lot of boat for the money.

Best Feature: Comfortable salon that opens to the large cockpit — perfect for entertaining. 

Price Spread:  Low-to-mid $100s for a 1994–95 model to $230 to $250K for a 2001–02 model.

6.  Sea Ray 550 Sedan Bridge Production Years: 1992 – 1998

At a Glance: Stylish 1990’s cruising yacht with three-stateroom interior and extra-large cockpit. The salon is impressive, a wide-open (carpeted) living area with cut-down galley, long leather sofa, entertainment center, and big wraparound cabin windows.

The forward master stateroom is huge with an island queen bed, two hanging lockers, vanity, and private en-suite head. Roomy guest stateroom has a full-size berth, and the second guest cabin has over/under bunks. Both heads have stall showers, but guest head is tight. Lower helm was optional. Center transom door is flanked by built-in bench seats in the cockpit.

In 1996, the flybridge ladder was replaced with molded steps and the helm was relocated aft. The 550’s straight sheer and drooping bow are distinctive. Detroit 625hp 6V-92 diesels cruise at 22–23 knots.

Best Feature: The large cockpit and party-time flybridge — great attributes for entertaining.

Price Spread: $150K to the mid $200s

7. Maxum 4600 SCB Production Years: 1997 –2001

At a Glance: Modern styling, an inviting two stateroom interior, and a very competitive price made the Maxum 4600 SCB one of the best motoryacht buys of her day. Maxum engineers packed a lot of value into this boat. The salon is exceptionally inviting with wraparound windows, a long leather sofa, cherry cabinets, and full entertainment center.

A raised dinette is forward to starboard, opposite the home-size galley with overhead glass storage and Corian counters. A lower helm was optional in place of the dinette. Note the tub in the master head. In the cockpit, a center transom door opens to an extended swim platform able to support a PWC.

The 4600 SCB is surprisingly fuel-efficient boat, a feature that stems in part from her relatively light weight. Cummins 370hp diesels cruise at 16–18 knots.

Best Feature: An affordable price — this is what brokers call a lot of boat for the money.

Price Spread:  From about $100K for an older model up to $200K-plus for 2001–02 model.

8. Sea Ray 450 Express Bridge Production Years: 1998 – 2004

At a Glance:   An innovative yacht when she was introduced in 1998. Not many 45-footers have three staterooms. The aft stateroom — accessed via a private entryway next to the salon door — includes a full-length berth with hanging locker and built-in washer/dryer.

Forward of that, the amidships stateroom features a double berth with partial standing headroom and an opening port. An island queen is in the forward stateroom. Both heads include separate stall showers. Aft of the galley is a breakfast bar with two swing-out stools. Small salon windows limit natural lighting below. Topside, the huge party-time flybridge has seating fore and aft of the center helm console. Note the unique staircase descending from the flybridge to the foredeck.

An extended swim platform was a popular option. Cummins 450hp V-drive diesels cruise at 20–22 knots.

Best Feature: Huge party-time bridge area.

Price Spread:  An early model might be found for $150K. Newer can easily exceed $200K.

9. Carver 440 Aft Cabin Production Years: 1993 – 1999

At a Glance: The largest model in the Carver fleet when she was introduced in 1993. A big 44-footer with an usually spacious salon, two double staterooms, two full heads, and a convertible dinette — sleeping accommodations for as many as eight adults.

The maple wood accents and carpeted salon are showing their age, but large cabin windows make the interior open and airy. Note salon entertainment center. Full-service galley includes double sink, upright refrigerator, washer/dryer, Corian counter and hardwood floor.

The aft deck is large enough for a table and chairs, and the flybridge has dual captain’s chairs with bench seating forward of the helm. Bow pulpit, fiberglass swim platform, and radar arch were standard. Carver sold a lot of these boats and used models are plentiful.

Best Feature: Very spacious layout with room to entertain a small neighborhood.

Price Spread:  From about $100K for an older model up to $200K-plus for 2001–02 model

10. Sea Ray 420 Aft Cabin Production Years: 1996 – 2002

At a Glance:   Sleek aft cabin cruising yacht incorporated European styling influences in an era when too many American-built motor yachts looked like floating condos. Well-appointed two stateroom galley-down interior sleeps up to eight — includes L-shaped sofa and raised dinette in the salon, walkaround queen berths fore and aft, two full heads, and stand-up utility room under the salon sole.

Full-size galley comes complete with separate Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer, convection oven, and lots of counter and storage space — a big plus. The aft deck is big for a boat this size. Molded steps make boarding from the extended swim platform easy and safe.

Built on a fully cored hull with prop pockets to level the engines. A good performer with 450hp Cummins diesels— cruise in the mid 20s (27–28 knots top.

Best Feature: Utility room with washer/dryer and pantry — a very unique feature in a boat this size

Price Spread:  From the low $100K range for a 1996–97 model up to about $200K for newer.

Ed McKnew  PowerBoat Guide Founder

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Six Great Boats Under $20,000

• By The Boating Tech Team
• Updated: April 1, 2020

Think you’re priced out of buying a new boat? Think again. Whether you’re looking for a small family boat to get everyone out on the water, or a small fishing boat that gets the job done at an affordable price, there are plenty of great boats available in a variety of styles that cost less than $20,000.

Our curated list of affordable boats includes runabouts, fishing boats, pontoon boats, and PWC. You will find both fiberglass and aluminum boat options, all of which we consider to be some of the best boats under $20k. Check out the list below to see what tickles your fancy. And when you’re ready to buy, don’t forget about our tips for how to sea trial a boat .

Family Boat: Bayliner Element E16

Rated for up to six people and 80-hp, Bayliner’s Element E16 provides a great way for the family to get out on the water and discover the experiences exclusive to those who own a boat. Deep freeboard and high gunwales provide security and the secure feeling many boaters seek. The seating rotates to facilitate conversation at the sandbar or cove.The unique M-Hull hull design offers quick planing and stability. It comes with a single axle trailer, and, weighing tk, can be easily towed by many vehicles. Also comes with cupholders, accessory power outlet, swim platform with ladder and more.

More Information: bayliner.com

Freshwater Fishing Boat: Bass Tracker Classic XL

Try to get fishing cheaper than this. And, try to get a better list of standard equipment, better warranty, (limited lifetime, transferable, 5-year on electrical components and 3 years on Diamond Coat, black or royal red powder coating) and a trailer to boot. Tracker’s exclusive Diamond Coat finish is baked on. Powered by a Mercury 40 horsepower outboard, it includes an aerated livewell, plenty of rod storage, two pedestal fishing seats, a Lowrance Hook 3 fish finder, Minn Kota Edge 12 Volt trolling motor and trailer.

More Information: trackerboats.com

Sea-Doo GTI SE 170

Capable of carrying three riders, Sea-Doo’s GTI SE 170 still delivers sporty feel and handling, thanks to its hard chine hull, low center of gravity and a new 170 hp version of the Rotax 1630 ACE engine. Sea-Doo’s 100-watt Audio-Premium system streams music directly from a smartphone to the pair of waterproof, MTX Audio-developed speakers neatly integrated into the forward wall of the footwells. A touchpad control mounted adjacent to the left speaker turns the system on, adjusts volume, and skips forward and back in the user’s selected playlist. Because the speakers essentially point directly at the driver and passengers, volume is ample. And accessories make it versatile:Twin recessed, 16-inch-on-center composite cleats raise into position to secure a variety of optional accessories, including a gas caddy, premium coolers, storage caddy or roll-top dry bag via a cam-type latch system.

More Information: sea-doo.com

Saltwater Fishing: Dragonfly Marsh Hen Micro Skiff

Want to get up close and personal with shallow water fish? A micro-skiff is a great way to pursue a lifetime catch–and memories–for an economical price. This 15-foot flats boat features rounded chines for a quiet entry, spray rails and a 9.9-horsepower outboard engine. There is stowage fore and aft, built-in nonskid surface and you can have them build it in a choice of colors. Boat, motor and trailer packages can be had for $13,000. Go get ‘em!

More Information: dragonflyboats.net

Yamaha WaveRunner EXR

Under $10,000, but delivering speeds exceeding 50-mph and capable of handling a crew of three, this Yamaha WaveRunner could be the path to the water for a boating family. Yamaha’s high-tech Nano 2 system reduces the EXR’s weight to 540 pounds, a 60-pound drop from the otherwise comparable EX Deluxe. Added power comes from modifying the engine control unit (ECU), which ups the 1,049 cc three-cylinder TR-1 engine’s horsepower by roughly 10 percent. The now-110 hp engine also features an increased 8,000 rpm rev limit, a 700 rpm boost over the existing 7,300 rpm threshold. RiDE, Yamaha’s dual control system, gives forward and reverse thrust separate throttles on opposite sides of the handlebar. There’s also two-tone Hydro-Turf EVA traction mats, a spring-loaded boarding step, and dual mirrors are all standard.

More Information: yamahawaverunners.com

Entertaining: Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX

The cost of boats can be intimidating to many potential buyers, first timers or not. If you’re in the market for a pontoon boat to play host to you and eight of your friends, and you’re looking to spend less than $20,000, look no further than the Party Barge 18 DLX from Sun Tracker. Built on 24-inch, multi-chambered pontoons with internal bracing for added strength – and with “10+LIFE” limited lifetime warranty – this party barge is built to last. Standard options at the listed price include a Mercury 40hp ELPT CommandThrust motor, bimini top, Bluetooth equipped stereo, illuminated dash gauges and rocker switches, ample storage and much more. Tack on optional extras like a rail-mounted BBQ, soft cooler, and bimini top drop-down curtain and you’re still comfortably under $20k – making this one of the most affordable pontoon boats on the market. Just note, these prices do not include a trailer.

More Information: suntrackerboats.com

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