Boats Under $25,000

Under $25,000 you can find aluminum fishing boats, small pontoons (16 to 18 feet), used bowriders, personal watercraft, inflatable RIBs, and older used center consoles. Pre-owned boats in this range can be excellent values if you inspect them carefully and verify the maintenance history.

Affordable boats can be great values if you buy smart. Have any used boat surveyed by a certified marine surveyor before purchasing. Budget 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price per year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. A well-maintained older boat can provide years of enjoyment.

Used boats offer significantly more boat for the money in this price range. A 3 to 5 year old boat often sells for 30 to 50 percent less than its original price. You can get a much larger, better-equipped used boat compared to a basic new one at this budget.

Beyond the purchase price, budget for registration and title fees, insurance ($300 to $1,500/year), trailer or slip storage ($1,000 to $6,000/year), fuel, maintenance, and winterization. A good rule of thumb is 10 percent of the purchase price annually for total operating costs.