Best Fishing Boats Under $20,000: Top Picks for Anglers on a Budget
Looking to get out on the water without draining your savings? The good news is, you don’t need a mega-yacht budget to find a quality fishing boat. Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful mornings casting lines or fun family outings on the lake, there are plenty of fantastic boats available for under $20,000.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best fishing boats within this budget, breaking down options from lightweight aluminum vessels to sturdy pontoons. Let’s dive in and find the right boat for you!
Types of Fishing Boats That Fit Your Budget
When choosing a fishing boat under $20K, you’ll find options to match a variety of styles and needs:
Aluminum Boats are affordable, durable, and super easy to tow. Brands like Tracker and Lowe have some great choices here.
Jon Boats are simple but reliable, especially if you’re planning to fish in calm, shallow waters.
Small Fiberglass Boats like the Mako Pro Skiff offer stability and durability in a budget-friendly package.
Pontoon Fishing Boats might surprise you with their versatility; they’re spacious, stable, and perfect for fishing with family or friends.
Our Top Picks for Fishing Boats Under $20,000
Here’s a list of some of the best fishing boats under $20K. These cover everything from rugged aluminum boats to family-friendly pontoons, making it easy to find one that suits your fishing style.
AlumaCraft Escape 165 CS
Price: Around $17,500
Why We Love It: This aluminum V-hull boat is all about durability and functionality. It comes with a 20-gallon livewell and has tiller or side console versions. It’s an excellent choice for anglers looking for a boat they can depend on season after season.
Bayliner Element M15
Price: About $19,000
Why We Love It: Ideal for families, the Bayliner M15 has a stable design with plenty of room for six people. With its self-bailing cockpit and easy handling, it’s perfect for a day of family fun and light fishing.
Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 R
Price: Around $1,999
Why We Love It: For kayak enthusiasts, this Hobie model has a pedal drive system, freeing up your hands for fishing. It’s small but mighty, great for lakes or rivers.
Lowe Roughneck RX1860
Price: Under $12,000
Why We Love It: This rugged utility boat comes with a 20-hp Mercury outboard and is built for versatility. Whether you’re fishing or hunting, the Lowe Roughneck is ready to tackle it all.
Lund 1648
Price: Bare hull starts under $4,000, full package under $15,000
Why We Love It: The Lund 1648 is a customizable Jon boat that you can outfit just how you like. Perfect for anglers who want a simple, affordable boat with room for upgrades.
Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC
Price: Just under $18,000
Why We Love It: Designed for shallow waters, this fiberglass skiff has a center console that makes it easy to maneuver. A solid pick for inshore anglers.
Princecraft Jazz 140
Price: Starts around $16,000
Why We Love It: This compact pontoon is perfect for family fishing outings, featuring a 9.9-hp Mercury outboard and plenty of seating.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select
Price: About $19,000
Why We Love It: Spacious and stable, this pontoon boat comfortably seats seven. It’s ideal for fishing trips and family cruises alike.
Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL
Price: Around $17,500
Why We Love It: Equipped with a 50-hp Mercury outboard, the Classic XL offers solid speed (over 30 mph) and dependable fishing features.
Lund Fishing Boats Close to $20,000
Lund boats have a reputation for quality and reliability, and while many models are above $20,000, here are a few that might fall within your budget or just above it, depending on configurations:
Lund 1650 Angler SS (Side Console)
Starting Price: $20,781 with a Mercury 40ELPT engine
Details: This model is designed for serious anglers but is versatile enough for family outings. With a smaller engine or fewer options, it might come under the $20,000 mark, making it a good choice for those looking for a near-budget-friendly Lund.
Lund 1600 Fury Tiller
Details: Known as one of the most affordable fishing boats available from Lund, the 1600 Fury Tiller is a 16-foot boat designed for targeting panfish, walleye, and bass. Specific pricing wasn’t provided, but it’s a solid option for anglers on a budget.
Lund 1600 Fury SS (Side Console)
Details: Another affordable choice from Lund, the 1600 Fury SS provides the convenience of a side console and is ideal for those who want a straightforward, functional boat at a lower price point.
Lund Rebel Series
Details: Perfect for casual anglers and recreational fishing, the Rebel series focuses on a balance between family fun and fishing utility. Though specific pricing wasn’t listed, these models tend to be more compact and affordable within Lund’s lineup.
For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to contact a Lund dealer directly. They can offer the latest information on models, configurations, and any promotions that might make these options more affordable.
Affordable Lowe Fishing Boat Options
Lowe boats are popular for their durability and build quality, though most new Lowe models tend to exceed the $20,000 budget. Here’s a summary of Lowe’s options and what to expect in terms of pricing:
Lowest Priced Models
The Lowe 1600 Fury Tiller and 1600 Fury SS are some of Lowe’s most affordable fishing boats, with a design focused on panfish, walleye, and bass fishing. However, pricing typically starts higher than comparable Lund models.
Price Range
Most Lowe boats start around $26,995 for models like the 2024 Lowe Stinger 175. The majority of Lowe fishing boats fall within a range of $30,000 to $40,000, so finding a new Lowe fishing boat under $20,000 can be challenging.
Used Lowe Boats and Alternative Options
If you’re set on a Lowe boat but need to stay within budget, consider searching for used models or looking for sales and promotions through Lowe dealers. Alternatively, smaller brands like Sun Dolphin, Pelican, and Bass Pro Shops have affordable options starting from $800 to $1,500, particularly for simple fishing setups.
Recommendations for Inshore Fishing Boats (For Coastal Folks)
If you’re fishing in coastal areas like Aransas, Ingleside, or Corpus Christi, you might want a boat that’s specifically suited to inshore waters. Locals often recommend:
Shoalwater Cat: This boat is built for shallow water performance, which is crucial in coastal waters. Check it out at Waypoint Marine.
Haynie Cat: Another excellent option for inshore fishing, available at Chris’s Marine, known for versatility and great performance in both inshore and light offshore conditions.
Basic Maintenance Tips for Affordable Boats
Even budget-friendly boats need regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Here are some tips for keeping yours in top shape:
Regular Cleaning
Rinse the boat after each use, especially if you’re in saltwater. Mild soap and soft brushes do the trick for most boats, while aluminum boats benefit from a vinegar-water solution.
Engine Maintenance
Regular oil changes are key. For outboards, flush with fresh water after each saltwater trip, and winterize the engine if you’re in a colder climate.
Trailer Care
Don’t forget the trailer! Annual bearing servicing will keep your boat easy to transport.
Routine Check-Ups
Check batteries, pumps, and electronics, and keep the boat covered when not in use.
How Do These Boats Stack Up in Performance?
If you’re curious about performance, here’s a quick comparison:
Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL: With its 50-hp Mercury outboard, this boat can hit speeds of over 30 mph, making it one of the faster options.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select: Comes with a 20-hp engine and prioritizes stability over speed, ideal for family-friendly fishing.
Bayliner Element M15: Standard 40hp engine, perfect for leisurely cruising with a max recommended horsepower of 60hp.
High-speed performance isn’t usually the focus for budget-friendly boats, but these models balance affordability with usability, making them perfect for fishing and recreation.
Beginner-Friendly Boat Options
New to boating? Here are some of the easiest-to-handle boats on the list:
Bayliner Element M15: Easy to control with a spacious layout, making it perfect for families and beginners.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select: This pontoon’s stability and roomy layout are great for new boaters who want a calm, relaxing experience.
Lowe Roughneck RX1860: With a straightforward design and reliable build, this boat is a good pick for beginners who like versatile adventures.
Final Thoughts
Fishing boats under $20,000 offer an impressive range of features and possibilities, whether you’re a dedicated angler or just enjoy family days on the water. While these boats offer great value, don’t forget to budget for essential accessories, maintenance, and safety equipment. A little investment in upkeep goes a long way!
Ready to hit the water? Each of these boats has something special to offer, so choose the one that suits your fishing style and start making those memories!