Sooner or later, most fishermen contemplate the idea of buying a fishing boat. Purchasing a small fishing boat will help you discover new fishing spots and target a larger variety of fish. But as exciting as boat shopping is, most anglers are more interested in learning how much is a small fishing boat.
Small fishing boats in the 16’ to 20’ range cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. High-end small fishing boats made by brands like Grady-White and Boston Whaler cost even more. The exact price of a small fishing boat will depend on a few factors, including the type, brand, model, and features.
Keep reading to discover how much different types of small fishing boats cost. This article will also discuss everything you need to consider when buying a small fishing boat and the factors that affect the boat’s price.
Average Boat Sizes and Prices
There is a variety of small fishing boats to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a freshwater fishing boat or a saltwater fishing boat, consider what type of small fishing boat is best suited for your needs.
There are several different types of small fishing boats. Small boats are lightweight, easily towable by almost any car, and don’t have a pilothouse or a cabin.
Small fishing boats are typically 16’ to 20’ long, although some Jon boats can be longer but are still classified as small boats. Here are the sizes and prices of the most popular types of small fishing boats:
Kayak
Kayaks are becoming increasingly popular among fishermen. Kayaks come in several sizes, ranging from 6’ to 16’. Most fishing kayaks are typically between 9’ and 13’ long.
How much a fishing kayak cost depends on the length and building materials. Materials like wood, polyethylene, and graphite combined with a propulsion system increase the kayak’s price.
Fishing kayaks, on average, cost $800 to $1,200 but can cost up to $5,000 depending on the length, features, and brand. Pedal drive and motorized kayaks are the most expensive types of kayaks and, on average, cost $1,500 to over $5,000.
Jon Boat
The Jon boat is one of the most popular types of fishing boats. These small boats are between 8’ and 24’ long and are easy to use and transport.
Jon boats are usually made from aluminum, have a flat or almost flat bottom, and are lightweight. How much a Jon boat costs depends on size, make, construction material, and modifications made to the boat.
A 12’ polythene Jon boat can cost as little as $550, while a 12’ aluminum Jon boat can cost around $3,000. A high-end 21’ Jon boat can cost as much as $30,000.
Bass Boat
Bass boats are created specifically for fishing and are suitable for lakes, rivers, bays, and ponds. These boats vary in size from 16’ to 25’, with the smallest bass boats being the cheapest.
A new, low-cost aluminum bass boat costs around $10,000, while a fully equipped 25’ offshore boat costs over $110,000.
Skiff
The skiff is a small boat typically made from wood, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Skiffs vary in length from 12’ for a small model to 34’ for giant models.
Used skiffs cost as low as $1,850, while new skiff boats start from $4,500 and cost up to $80,000.
Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats are suitable for fishing and are designed to hold several people at one time. Pontoon boats range in size and can be as small as 15’ or over 30’ long.
New pontoon boats start at $18,000 for the smallest size and can cost over $450,000. Used pontoon boats cost from $1,250 for the smallest vessels or up to $350,000 for the largest boats.
Factors that Affect Boat Prices
Several factors affect the fishing boat’s price. The type of boat you want to buy and whether you’re purchasing a new or used fishing boat will affect the price.
The time of year you decide to purchase a boat will also affect the price. Fishing boats are typically cheaper during the off-season than during the boating season.
Other factors such as age, condition, features, and whether the boat is purchased from the dealer or straight from the previous owner also affect the price. A boat bought from the previous owner will be significantly cheaper than a boat purchased from a dealer or marina.
What To Consider When Buying a Fishing Boat
Buying a fishing boat is no small feat and requires serious thought. Fishing is relaxing, but buying a fishing boat can become very stressful.
Here are a few things to consider to find a small fishing boat that will meet all your needs:
Budget
The first thing you need to decide on is the budget. Fishing boats aren’t cheap, and you must ensure you’re ready for such a significant investment.
Size
Like other vehicles, fishing boats come in different sizes, which affects the boat’s cost. To determine what size fishing boat you need, think about how you’ll use it in the future.
If you plan to take many guests on fishing tips, buy a boat that can accommodate more people. But a small fishing boat will suffice if you prefer to be on the water alone.
How Much Does the Cheapest Boat Cost?
The base price for the Tracker Superguide V-16 SC is $14,295. This is one of the cheapest fishing boats on the market, designed to accommodate five people.
Conclusion
Fishing boats aren’t cheap, but with a bit of research and time, you’ll find a suitable boat that’ll meet your every need. It’s easy to spend more money than planned on a fishing boat, so decide exactly what you want and need before shopping.
The best way to decide what size fishing boat is the best for you is to consider how many people you plan to take on fishing trips and what type of fish you’re planning to catch.
A kayak is likely all that you need if you prefer to fish alone. But a small pontoon boat might be ideal if you plan to take friends and family out on the water.