Best Boats Under 50k

Best Boats Under 50k Featured Photo

If you’re in the market for the best boats under $50k, make sure to consider the type of boat you need and the brand. We’ve compiled a list of the best boat brands you can check out, with boats listed below 50 Gs. We’ve also curated a handy buying guide to help you narrow down your options.

Boat ownership is a huge expense. The overall cost of boats isn’t cheap. So, deciding which one to get with your set budget might be a daunting experience. Sure, you may wish to have one with all features and gimmickry that bring value, but you will have to deal with budget limitations.

This is not to say you should sacrifice quality, though. You have a lot of options, and among the best ways to narrow down your options is by comparing the price range. There are still budget-friendly models and you can take your boat with you to the lake, river, or sea for as little as $50,000.

Yup, there’s no need to spend more than that price to become a member of this exclusive community of water enthusiasts.

So, we did the diving for you and discovered some of the best boats under $50,000. Keep in mind that these boat prices may change depending on a range of factors such as season, features, and more (we’ll talk about this later).

Below are the top boat brands worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable boat that meets your budget.

The Best Brands for Boats Under 50k

And as a buyer, it may be hard to figure out which brand of low-cost boat is the best and most reputable. Well, here are some names you need to know!

Bayliner

Bayliner Boats

As the brand itself claims, Bayliner is more than just a boat. Bayliner offers boats that provide an unmatched sense of freedom and fun. Bayliner builds crafts that are suitable for beginners while offering endless options.

You can go for something with a wide deck, a stable platform for your fishing trips, or an open-bow boat for weekend cruises.

The brand has had a lot of issues in the past, especially with the construction process and materials. But now, their latest models have been constructed to a higher standard. It can now meet the preferences of even the most discerning boaters.

Despite incorporating better material and production, their most recent models are still affordable. They range in price from $25,000 to $50,000.

The Bayliner DX2250, for example, is priced starting at $47,780.00. This is a family-friendly sterndrive model. It combines all their DX Series’ most popular features.

Let’s start with its sleek appearance. It features hull shaping and beautiful shear lines. And its interior boasts basic homelike amenities, which are comfy and convenient.

The soft upholstery with black welting, as well as the transitional cockpit and transom seating, provide total lounging relaxation whether facing forward or aft. Its broader V-hull brings stability when you’re underway. And the high freeboard ensures that everyone onboard is safe and dry.

The Bayliner DX2250 includes standard features and extra amenities that allow you to get the most out of your boating experience. It comes with a dedicated wet bar with a freshwater sink, a prep space, and a grocery locker. It also has an enclosed storage compartment with an optional head.

You may also opt for fishing accessories, a cockpit fridge, a Digital Depth Indicator, and other conveniences. But, all the additions come with a higher markup in price, of course.

Hurricane

Hurricane Boats

Hurricane manufactures deck boats in a range of styles and all their models are designed with comfort in mind. In regards to quality and price, we consider the brand as a mid-tier deck boat manufacturer. They make dependable and inexpensive crafts, perfect for anyone looking for the best boats under 50k.

The main feature of Hurricane boats is their ability to accommodate a large number of people. So, if you’re intending to go on a daily afternoon trip to the lake or river, Hurricane is a wonderful choice. You can even customize their deck boats to your style.

Like all deck boats, they are meant for traveling through calm waters and along the coast rather than offshore fishing. These boats are a typical sight in Florida. You’ll see them on the rivers or while beach-hopping.

Hurricane boats are also popular in rental fleets due to their dependability. The boats are known for being low-maintenance, forgiving, and simple to operate, though many people say they experience bumpy rides in rough water. Which is typical of most deck boats.

Their Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC OB has a fantastic helm dash with fog-resistant instruments. It helps ensure safety as you sail out on the water. This boat also includes an exterior anchor locker ladder, stern extendable lighting, and bow telescoping lighting.

Another thing worth highlighting about this boat is the entertainment area with an Infinity Bluetooth color display and four speakers. The boat also comes with stainless steel safety boots and a half canopy that keeps the sun off your back when cruising.

A used one may cost between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on the amenities it offers. If you buy a brand new boat, you’re looking at somewhere between $61,000 to $80,000, and is customizable to your preferences.

Lowe Boats

Lowe Boats

Lowe Boats is well-known for producing low-cost, all-welded aluminum fishing boats and pontoon boats for anglers. It’s regarded as an entry-level aluminum manufacturer that builds good quality vessels.

While they aren’t as durable as Lund or any other top-tier aluminum brands, Lowe boats give you a good value for what you’ll pay for.

The brand offers boats that are particularly robust since they are composed of high-quality aluminum. Most of their boats are welded, though some models such as their entry-level Jon boats are riveted. The debate over whether it is superior has raged for decades, with most people believing welding is best.

And while they’re durable, their price points are still pretty affordable.

Their Lowe 22 Bay has to be one of the most handsome stainless steel fishing boats out there. With a starting price of $44,761, this brand-new 22-foot fishing boat can take you wherever you want to go. Its redesigned V-hull allows you to navigate shallow water while also tackling large waves.

We love this fishing boat because it lets you explore even the hardest-to-reach areas. And you can do so hands-free!

It also has a feature-rich premium fiberglass console that allows you to handle the throttle, instrument panel electronics, and more from the center of the boat.

Another feature we appreciate is the functional seating and it’s where the goodies are at. It folds up, revealing storage compartments below. The seating also folds down, providing you with a larger casting deck.

You should keep in mind that, if you go for Lowe, you’re investing your money in an entry-level brand and that you may need to have some hinges or screws replaced. Luckily, the brand has a good warranty and its dealers try their best to uphold it.

Crestliner

Crestliner Boats

Crestliner is another brand for all-welded aluminum boats. It’s been a top choice of both freshwater and saltwater fishermen for many decades. The brand is on par with Lund. But when it comes to price points, Crestliner boats are a superior deal.

There are numerous advantages to Crestliners, including the welded seams rather than riveted ones. Also, you will no longer find wood in their transoms. Crestliner boats also feature a steady and smooth ride with a wide beam. Their hulls make them speedier than most of their rivals.

Another feature you’d appreciate with their boats is the rubberized interior coating. Compared to traditional carpeting, this is gentler on the feet and will not rot.

The Crestliner 1850 Bass Hawk is one of our favorite bass boats from the brand. It’s also one of the most stylish aluminum fishing boats we’ve looked at.

Priced at $41,588, this powerful and adaptable boat features an all-aluminum hull that ensures safety and stability. The boat is not only excellent for fishing, but it also works well for skiing—talk about versatility!

It features a quality console and huge bow decks. So, there’s plenty of room for fishing or relaxing. The boat’s innovative X-hulls stack up. And with a recessed pad design, you can expect uninterrupted water flow to the engine for outstanding performance.

Variable degree deadrise is one of the features we appreciate since it enables instant planning and stability. You see, it’s a reliable and well-designed boat through and through.

Crestliner boats hold their value exceptionally well in comparison to their competitors. Some argue that cheaper boats have less to depreciate from, however, the brand offers boats that are not as inexpensive as some of its competitors. And their larger boats appear to keep their worth better than their smaller vessels.

Bennington

Bennington Boats

When it comes to quality and affordable pontoons, Bennington is one of the best. Unlike other manufacturers, the brand uses innovative THRU-BOLT™ technology for its hulls. It guarantees less flex and a solid ride for years of fun and safety.

Compared to most other pontoon boats, Bennington pontoons are built with thicker cross channels. This provides better vertical strength. The design reduces shifting and delivers the most steady, quiet pontoon ride.

Bennington is also known for its long-lasting and elegant interiors—all thanks to the top craftsmen and first-class upholstery. Their lounge seatings are very plush. The secret? It’s in their unique two-tone Simtex vinyl. It is beautifully contoured with intricate stitching and paired with thick foam.

Their entry-level S Series, especially, are made with the best quality materials. One of our favorites is the Bennington SX Line. This boat offers comfort, aesthetics, and efficiency that can be tailored to your specific needs.

The Quad Bench design is one of their most popular floor plans. It increases storage, seating capacity, and lounging space. This boat also boasts a stylish Fastback stern with speakers to enhance entertainment space.

Another thing we appreciate about this pontoon is the intuitive layout and simple helm, with a one-piece composite glass console surrounding you with total control over the boat. This boat is also customizable with different accent colors, fish or depth finder, and steering wheels.

It’s equipped with custom lighting that enhances and sets the ambiance. The soft glow has up to 13 user-selectable colors. It illuminates the water, under the deck, the speakers, the interior, and cup holders.

Each Bennington boat is designed, engineered, and handcrafted with a great level of care and detail. The brand not only builds the best quality boats on the market, but it also offers a good warranty.

Lund

Lund Boats

And now we have Lund. The brand manufactures mostly fishing boats made of both aluminum and fiberglass. Their boat’s resilience has been demonstrated in both fresh and saltwater, on rivers, lakes, and the sea.

This brand introduces high-quality closed-cell foam into every boat for flotation, even when the hull gets severely damaged. This means you’ll still make it home in virtually any situation in which you take your Lund boat.

In terms of durability, all of their boats are riveted instead of welded. Although welding produces superior seams, many Lund owners on sailing and fishing sites find no difficulties with their rivets. This is due to the high quality of the build process and production monitoring.

One of our favorites is their Lund 1875 Lund Impact XS SS. With a starting price of $41,369, this family fishing boat comes with several handy fishing features. The center rod locker, two live wells, huge casting decks, as well as aft jump seats, an optional ski pylon, and a boarding ladder, are features you’ll appreciate.

This boat is also equipped with a custom console with a windshield, interior LED and navigational lighting, and mercury analog pre-rig with gauges. However, the thick double-plated bottom from the bow to the amidships is the real eye-catcher.

Some builders increase hull thickness in this important part of the boat. And it will inevitably lead to the brunt of the force if you hit anything.

Lund boats are reported to outperform other comparable brands in terms of performance. Their stability, cruising speed, and maneuverability are all often some of the few perks commended by its owners.

One of the downsides about Lund, though, is that some of their boats tend to be on the more expensive side. Luckily, the Impact XS SS is under $50k. Lund also offers a robust warranty.

Choosing the Best Boat Under $50k

Before you purchase that dream boat you’ve been saving for, you should think about what kind of boat you need or want. Here’s a brief buying guide for each type of boat.

Boat Type

The type of boat you should get needs to match your needs or demands. If you’re frequently fishing, go ahead and opt for a durable aluminum fishing boat. For those that are into wake surfing, wakeboarding, or skiing, you may want to go for, of course, wake surf and ski boats.

Let’s have a look at some of the common boats you can get below $50k.

Bowriders

Bowriders are typically small. They are built with a comfy seating space just in front of the cockpit, or the “bow” as it is collectively known. According to many bowrider owners, it’s thrilling to be up in that part of the boat, especially when it’s moving fast, kind of giving you that flying feeling across the water.

The fact that they are so versatile makes these boats a crowd favorite. It allows boaters to use them for water activities or a calm day on the water with friends and family.

Center Console Boats

Center console boats are, as the name suggests, designed with the control station in the center of the boat.  This design allows you to easily reach the bow, stern, and sides of the boat.

They are great for casual fishing days.  If you have ever caught a big fish that has given you a hard time reeling it in, you learn that your catch doesn’t care whichever side of the boat you like to work on.

With boats that have a side console, it will almost certainly get in your way at some time during the trip. But not with center console boats. These boats provide you the freedom to move around easily. A center console boat also offers ample storage space for your catch and fishing gear.

Sailboats

Sailboats feature a sail to propel themselves by using the power of the wind. It may entail some skill to figure out how to position the sail to move the boat in your desired direction. Most sailboats also have a built-in engine for improved navigation in rough conditions and on days with minimal wind.

A small sailboat will be a great boat for beginners and are less expensive to buy and operate than a powerboat. A used sailboat costs around half the price of a new powerboat. The latter’s engines are much more pricey than sailboat motors, and therefore increase the expense of maintenance.

Pontoon Boats

Some boaters prefer open deck space and stability. If you’re one of those people, then a pontoon boat may be just what you’re searching for. This boat is a deck supported by two cylindrical hollow tubes called pontoons. Those tubes provide buoyancy.

Pontoon boats are typically less expensive than other types of boats. They have outstanding stability and are fantastic for partying and casual water trips with friends and family. The downside of pontoons is that they don’t hold up well in rough waters.

Jon Boats

Any flat-bottomed boats with a square-cut bow are referred to as Jon boats. Because they are unstable in rough waters, these boats may not be suitable if you intend to sail on the ocean. Jon boats are intended for use in calm, shallow water, which is a limiting factor.

They are often fairly affordable and hence lack all of the convenient elements that one would expect to see in more premium boats. Most Jon boat owners use their boats for fishing.

Deck Boats

Deck boats look and operate similarly to bowriders. However, they have a lot more space in their layout owing to their wide bow design. They offer excellent handling like pontoon boats.

Although you can use a deck boat for water sports such as water skiing, it is unlikely to work as well as vessels designed particularly for such purposes. Deck boats are mostly used for recreation and amusement.

With deck boats, you can expect a pleasant ride regardless of speed, and you’ll appreciate the ease of maneuvering in comparison to other boats of the same size.

Wakesurf and Ski Boats

Ski, wake surf, and wakeboard boats are great for water sports enthusiasts. These boats are specifically built to produce wakes for skiers and wakeboarders. They create waves as they push water across their course.

Wakeboard boats produce greater surfing wakes than ski boats. Such types of boats are often challenging to use for activities other than aquatic sports.

FAQs

What is the best month to buy a boat?

Many people believe that it is best to purchase a boat during fall. This is since most dealers start giving discounts between September and October. As the demand starts to drop, dealers frequently offer consumers perks. And they do so through discounts and drastic price markdowns.

Do boats hold their value?

On average, a brand new boat depreciates for 7 to 10 years after acquisition. In ten years, you may expect your boat to amount to $100 per foot.

Why are boats so expensive?

Boats are expensive because they are generally handcrafted. And this entails considerably higher labor expenses per production. Many labor-saving solutions are just not financially practical for the manufacturers. Especially with very low production levels.

Also, buyers are another major factor in high boat pricing. Most of us simply don’t need to own a boat.

How big of a boat do you need to go in the ocean?

The size of boat you’ll need for ocean cruising depends on the general condition of the water you often traverse.

If you intend to go through oceans and seas in which the waves and waters can be quite rough, you must look into boats 30 feet or larger. This boat size will be able to withstand turbulent and erratic seas and currents. It’s also enough for extended offshore voyages.

What is a good first boat to own?

Bowriders, small sailboats, and runabouts such as deck boats are good choices for beginners. Smaller boats are generally inexpensive. And they are simple to run.

There are numerous outboard, stern drive, and powerboat models available. And bowriders and runabouts are perfect for day cruises and simple watersports. They are also great for casual fishing excursions.

Do you negotiate boat prices?

It depends on the dealer, but you can generally negotiate just how you could in car sales. Whether you’re looking for a new or used boat, you should always try to bargain. Negotiating the price is the only approach to getting a decent deal when buying a boat.

What is a good offer on a used boat?

You can choose a rate that is 5 to 10 percent lower than the asking price. But don’t go so much lower that it insults the seller. While you can go lower, the price point should communicate to the seller that you are interested in purchasing the boat, and not just finding a good deal.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a boat. A low-cost vessel can provide the same level of fun and dependability as a high-priced one. If you decide to upgrade later, you can have your boat fully customized to design a vessel that meets your specific needs. Good luck!

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