Best Boats Under $25,000: 10 New and Used Models Worth Buying (2026)

$25,000 is the most interesting budget in boating. It’s enough to buy a new aluminum fishing boat or entry-level pontoon, ready to go with engine and trailer. It’s also enough to buy a lightly used fiberglass boat — a bowrider, center console, or bay boat — that originally cost $35,000-$50,000. You have options in every direction, and the trick is knowing which ones are worth the money.

This guide covers 10 specific models — five new boats and five used boats — that represent the best value under $25,000 in 2026. For each one, we include real pricing, key specs, what it does well, and what to watch out for. If you’re buying used, we also cover the critical inspection points that can save you from an expensive mistake.

FindABoat has thousands of boats under $25,000 from 233 verified dealers across 11 states. Most dealers offer financing, and every listing includes dealer contact information and boat history where available.

What $25,000 Gets You in 2026

Here’s the reality at this price point:

New boats under $25K:

• 16-18 foot aluminum fishing boats with 40-90 HP outboard and trailer
• Entry-level pontoons (16-18 feet) with 40-75 HP
• Small fiberglass skiffs (15-17 feet) with 40-60 HP
• Personal watercraft (jet skis) — top-of-the-line new models

Used boats under $25K:

• 18-22 foot fiberglass bowriders, 3-8 years old
• 18-21 foot center consoles, 4-8 years old
• 20-22 foot pontoons (mid-range), 3-6 years old
• 18-20 foot bay boats, 4-8 years old
• 20-24 foot deck boats, 5-10 years old

The used market is where $25K stretches furthest. A well-maintained 5-year-old boat with 200 engine hours has 80-90% of its useful life remaining but costs 40-55% of its original price. That math is hard to beat.

Best New Boats Under $25,000

1. Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL

Price: $14,500-$16,500 (new, with 50 HP Mercury, trolling motor, fish finder, and trailer)

This is the best-selling fishing boat in America, and the value proposition is hard to argue with. For under $17K, you get a complete, ready-to-fish package from the largest boat manufacturer in the world. No hidden costs, no packages to add — it fishes out of the box.

Key specs:

• LOA: 16’8” | Beam: 76” | Max HP: 60
• Dry weight: 810 lbs | Fuel capacity: 12 gal
• Hull: All-welded aluminum

What works: The all-in pricing with engine, trailer, trolling motor, and fish finder is unmatched. Build quality is solid for the price. Light enough to tow with a four-cylinder SUV. Simple, proven design with minimal maintenance needs. Tracker’s dealer network is the largest in the industry.

What to watch: This is a calm-water lake boat only. The narrow beam limits stability at rest. Interior finish is spartan. Not suitable for saltwater. The 12-gallon fuel tank limits range to half-day trips.

Best for: Freshwater bass and panfish anglers who want to spend their money fishing, not financing.

2. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16

Price: $18,000-$22,000 (new, with 40 HP Mercury)

The cheapest name-brand pontoon you can buy new. The Bass Buggy 16 combines the stability and deck space of a pontoon with basic fishing features — rod holders, a small livewell, and a fishing seat. It’s purpose-built for small-lake boaters who want a simple, stable platform.

Key specs:

• LOA: 16’8” | Beam: 8’0” | Max HP: 40
• Capacity: 7 persons | Fuel capacity: 12 gal
• Construction: Dual pontoon, aluminum deck

What works: Rock-solid stability — the 8-foot beam means virtually no rocking, even when people move around. Safe for kids, elderly passengers, and dogs. Can fish, cruise, and swim from the same boat. Minimal maintenance. Trailer-friendly.

What to watch: Top speed of 12-15 mph. This is a slow boat. The 40 HP engine is adequate but won’t get you anywhere fast. Tiny fuel tank means short range. Quality is entry-level — expect basic vinyl and simple hardware.

Best for: Lake cabin owners, retirees, and families who value stability and simplicity over speed. A great dock boat.

Browse more pontoon boats for sale on FindABoat.

3. Mako 17 Skiff

Price: $16,500-$19,000 (new, with 40-60 HP Mercury and trailer)

Mako is Tracker’s saltwater brand, and the 17 Skiff is their smallest, most affordable model. It’s a simple fiberglass skiff designed for inshore saltwater fishing in bays, flats, and backwaters. If you fish in salt water and want new, this is the entry point.

Key specs:

• LOA: 16’6” | Beam: 72” | Max HP: 60
• Dry weight: 760 lbs | Fuel capacity: 12 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass, modified V

What works: Fiberglass construction handles saltwater better than aluminum. Shallow draft for skinny water access. Light enough to launch and retrieve single-handed. Simple rig with nothing complex to maintain. Mako’s warranty and dealer support are solid.

What to watch: Tiny boat — cockpit gets cramped with two anglers and gear. The 12-gallon tank limits you to half-day trips. Not rated for more than 60 HP, so top speed maxes out around 28 mph. Open hull with no console storage or head space.

Best for: Solo or two-person inshore fishing along the coast. A dedicated, stripped-down fishing machine at a stripped-down price.

4. Hurricane SunDeck Sport 185 OB

Price: $22,000-$25,000 (new, with 115 HP Yamaha or equivalent)

Hurricane builds deck boats — think of them as the middle ground between a bowrider and a pontoon. The SunDeck Sport 185 gives you an open bow layout with more deck space than a traditional bowrider, plus better rough-water handling than a pontoon. It’s a family boat that’s genuinely versatile.

Key specs:

• LOA: 18’6” | Beam: 8’0” | Max HP: 150
• Capacity: 9 persons | Fuel capacity: 36 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass

Pros: More usable space than a bowrider of the same length. The fiberglass hull handles light chop better than a pontoon. Can tow a tube with the 115 HP engine. The wide beam provides good stability. Competitive price for a fiberglass family boat.

Cons: Hurricane is a less recognized brand than Bayliner or Sea Ray, which can affect resale. Ride quality in rough water is average. At $25K, you may need to negotiate or find a dealer special to stay in budget with the 115 HP rigging.

Best for: Families who want more deck space than a bowrider and better performance than a pontoon. A solid multi-use lake and coastal bay boat.

5. Bayliner Element M15

Price: $14,000-$17,000 (new, with 25-60 HP and trailer)

The Element M15 is Bayliner’s most compact, most affordable fiberglass boat. At 15 feet with a 25-60 HP outboard, it’s an honest small boat for protected waters — small lakes, rivers, and calm bays. Bayliner sells more entry-level boats than anyone, and the M15 is the bottom rung of that ladder.

Key specs:

• LOA: 15’4” | Beam: 6’8” | Max HP: 60
• Capacity: 5 persons | Fuel capacity: 12 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass

What works: One of the cheapest fiberglass boats you can buy new. M-hull design provides more stability at rest than a traditional V-hull at this size. Light enough to car-top (with the right setup) or tow with any vehicle. Simple to operate. Bayliner’s dealer network means parts and service are available everywhere.

What to watch: This is a very small boat. Cockpit space is limited. The ride in anything beyond a light chop is uncomfortable. Build quality is entry-level. Not a fishing boat (no livewells, rod holders, or fish boxes standard).

Best for: First-time boaters on a tight budget who want a new fiberglass boat for calm-water cruising and swimming. Also works as a tender or dinghy for larger boat owners.

Best Used Boats Under $25,000

Used boats are where $25K really shines. The models below originally sold for $35,000-$55,000 and can be found in the $15,000-$25,000 range at 4-8 years old with 150-400 engine hours. Each one offers significantly more boat than anything you can buy new at this price.

What to Inspect on Any Used Boat

Before we get to specific models, here’s the critical checklist for any used boat in this price range:

1. Transom flex test. Push hard on the transom — any softness indicates water intrusion, which costs $5,000-$12,000 to repair.
2. Engine hours and service records. Under 500 hours is excellent. 500-1,000 is fine. Over 1,000, factor in potential repower costs ($8,000-$15,000).
3. Compression test. Have a mechanic run a compression test on the engine. Even compression across all cylinders is what you want.
4. Lower unit inspection. Check for fishing line around the prop shaft, oil leaks, and skeg damage.
5. Hull condition. Look for stress cracks (especially around hardware and the transom), osmotic blisters, and signs of impact repair.
6. Pre-purchase survey. On any boat over $15K, spend $400-$700 on a certified marine survey. It will pay for itself.

For the complete inspection guide, see our 30-point boat buying checklist and how to inspect a used boat.

6. Bayliner VR5 (Used, 2019-2022)

Used price range: $18,000-$24,000 (with 150 HP outboard or 200 HP MerCruiser I/O) Original MSRP: $38,000-$48,000

The VR5 is a 19-foot bowrider that Bayliner designed specifically for families. It’s one of the most popular bowriders in the country, which means there are plenty of used examples to choose from and parts are readily available.

Key specs:

• LOA: 19’6” | Beam: 8’4” | Max HP: 200
• Capacity: 9 persons | Fuel capacity: 35 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass

Why it’s a good used buy: Bayliner depreciates faster than premium brands, which means better deals for used buyers. A 2020-2021 VR5 with 100-200 engine hours and a 150 HP outboard typically sells for $19,000-$23,000 — roughly 50% of original MSRP. The boat will look and perform nearly new at that age and usage.

What to inspect: Check the I/O version carefully — MerCruiser sterndrives require more maintenance than outboards. Look for bellows condition and gimbal bearing wear. The outboard version (OB model) is simpler and lower maintenance if you can find one.

Browse bowrider boats for sale on FindABoat.

7. Sea Hunt BX 20 BR (Used, 2018-2021)

Used price range: $20,000-$25,000 (with 115-150 HP Yamaha) Original MSRP: $35,000-$42,000

Sea Hunt’s BX line is their dual-console / bowrider crossover designed for families who also want to fish. The BX 20 BR gives you a walk-through windshield, bow seating, and a more comfortable layout than a pure center console, while keeping fishing features like rod holders, a livewell, and a raw-water washdown.

Key specs:

• LOA: 19’8” | Beam: 8’0” | Max HP: 150
• Dry weight: 2,100 lbs | Fuel capacity: 52 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass with foam core

Why it’s a good used buy: Sea Hunt builds a solid boat that holds up well over time. The fiberglass construction with foam core means the hull won’t delaminate like some competitors. The 52-gallon fuel tank gives you range that most boats this size can’t match. Used examples from 2018-2021 are in the $20K-$25K range with 150-300 engine hours.

What to inspect: Check the gel coat around hardware mounting points — Sea Hunt occasionally has cracking in these areas on pre-2020 models. Verify the Yamaha service history (oil changes every 100 hours or annually).

8. Sun Tracker SportFish 22 XP3 (Used, 2019-2022)

Used price range: $18,000-$24,000 (with 150 HP Mercury) Original MSRP: $36,000-$42,000

The SportFish 22 XP3 is a tri-toon (triple-tube) fishing pontoon that, when new, is a mid-$30K to low-$40K boat. Used examples from 2019-2022 fall squarely in the sub-$25K range, giving you a 22-foot pontoon with a 150 HP engine and genuine tri-toon performance at a significant discount.

Key specs:

• LOA: 21’10” | Beam: 8’6” | Max HP: 150
• Capacity: 10 persons | Fuel capacity: 36 gal
• Construction: Triple pontoon (XP3), aluminum deck

Why it’s a good used buy: Tri-toon construction at this price point is rare in the new market. The third tube transforms the ride quality and top speed compared to dual-pontoon boats — expect 28-32 mph instead of 18-22 mph. A 2020-2021 example with 100-200 engine hours is a lot of pontoon for under $25K.

What to inspect: Check pontoon tube condition — look for dents, corrosion, and weld integrity along the tubes and cross-members. Verify the engine hours match the dealer’s claim (check the ECM data, not just the hour meter). Test the livewell pumps and aerators.

Browse pontoon boats for sale to see current pricing.

9. Key West 189 FS (Used, 2018-2021)

Used price range: $19,000-$24,000 (with 115-150 HP) Original MSRP: $34,000-$40,000

Key West builds center consoles in South Carolina with foam-filled Positive Flotation hulls — the entire hull is filled with closed-cell foam so the boat cannot sink, even if swamped. The 189 FS is their compact flats/sportsman model with an 11-inch draft that accesses skinny water most center consoles can’t reach.

Key specs:

• LOA: 18’9” | Beam: 8’0” | Max HP: 150
• Dry weight: 2,100 lbs | Fuel capacity: 52 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass, foam-filled

Why it’s a good used buy: Key West holds resale value well, but 2018-2019 models with 200-400 engine hours have dropped into the $19K-$23K range. The foam-filled hull means water intrusion — the most expensive used-boat problem — is essentially a non-issue. The 52-gallon fuel tank is oversized for this class, and the shallow draft makes it ideal for flats fishing.

What to inspect: Check the lower unit and prop for damage from shallow-water running (these boats spend a lot of time in skinny water). Verify hydraulic steering is smooth and the helm doesn’t leak. Check the gel coat on the bow — the 189 FS has a sharper entry angle that can show stress cracks after years of pounding.

10. Tracker Targa V-18 WT (Used, 2019-2022)

Used price range: $16,000-$22,000 (with 115-150 HP Mercury) Original MSRP: $30,000-$38,000

The Targa V-18 WT is a deep-V aluminum fishing boat with a walk-through windshield — it’s designed for northern lake fishing in rough water, where the aluminum hull and deep-V design outperform flat-bottom boats and pontoons. Tracker builds more aluminum boats than anyone, and the Targa is one of their most capable models.

Key specs:

• LOA: 18’4” | Beam: 96” | Max HP: 175
• Dry weight: 1,550 lbs | Fuel capacity: 33 gal
• Hull: All-welded aluminum, deep V

Why it’s a good used buy: Aluminum boats depreciate faster than fiberglass, and Tracker depreciates faster than premium brands (Lund, Alumacraft), so used Targas offer strong value. A 2020-2021 model with 100-250 hours and a 150 HP Mercury runs $18K-$22K. The all-welded aluminum construction is virtually indestructible — these boats can handle rocky landings, shallow grounding, and years of trailering without issue.

What to inspect: Check all welds, especially along the keel and transom. Look for loose rivets on the interior panels (cosmetic but annoying). Test the trolling motor and fish finder — electrical accessories are the most common failure point. Verify the trailer bearings and tires (Tracker trailers are solid but bearings need repacking annually).

Comparison Table: All 10 Models

Model	New/Used	Type	LOA	Max HP	Price Range
Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL	New	Bass boat	16’8”	60	$14.5K-$16.5K
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16	New	Pontoon	16’8”	40	$18K-$22K
Mako 17 Skiff	New	Skiff	16’6”	60	$16.5K-$19K
Hurricane SunDeck Sport 185 OB	New	Deck boat	18’6”	150	$22K-$25K
Bayliner Element M15	New	Bowrider	15’4”	60	$14K-$17K
Bayliner VR5 (2019-2022)	Used	Bowrider	19’6”	200	$18K-$24K
Sea Hunt BX 20 BR (2018-2021)	Used	Dual console	19’8”	150	$20K-$25K
Sun Tracker SportFish 22 XP3 (2019-2022)	Used	Pontoon	21’10”	150	$18K-$24K
Key West 189 FS (2018-2021)	Used	Center console	18’9”	150	$19K-$24K
Tracker Targa V-18 WT (2019-2022)	Used	Aluminum	18’4”	175	$16K-$22K

How to Choose: New vs. Used Under $25K

The new-vs-used decision at this budget comes down to your risk tolerance and priorities:

Buy new if:

• You want a factory warranty and zero maintenance history to worry about
• You’re comfortable with a smaller boat (16-18 feet)
• You fish freshwater primarily
• You want the simplicity of a Tracker/Sun Tracker all-in-one package
• You don’t have the experience to evaluate a used boat (though a marine survey solves this)

Buy used if:

• You want more boat for the money — more length, more power, more features
• You’re willing to spend $400-$700 on a pre-purchase survey for peace of mind
• You want fiberglass construction (better ride, more refined) at a new-aluminum price
• You plan to use the boat in salt water (fiberglass handles corrosion better)
• You’ve found a well-documented boat with service records and low hours

For most buyers, a well-inspected used boat in the $18K-$24K range from a reputable dealer offers the best overall value. You get 30-50% more boat compared to buying new at the same price.

Where to Find Boats Under $25,000

FindABoat lists over 15,000 boats from 233 verified dealers across 11 states, and a significant portion of our inventory falls under $25,000. Every listing includes dealer contact info, photos, and key specs. Most dealers offer financing, trade-in evaluations, and delivery options.

Start your search:

• Search all boats on FindABoat
• Center console boats for sale
• Pontoon boats for sale
• Bowrider boats for sale

The Bottom Line

$25,000 is a real budget in boating. You can buy a brand-new, fully rigged fishing boat or pontoon, or you can buy a lightly used fiberglass boat that would have cost $35K-$50K a few years ago. The models on this list have been selected for value, reliability, and strong dealer support — you won’t be stuck with an orphan brand or a boat no one can service.

The key: know what you need (fishing, family, watersports, or all three), decide whether new or used fits your comfort level, and always inspect before you buy. Your $25K will go further than you think.