10 Best Power Boats of 2018

Pretty much everybody loves going fast on the water, so get in on the fun this year with these 10 incredible power boats for 2018.

Recent studies have shown that more than 142 million Americans went boating in the past year. That’s almost half the country, and the majority of these 142 million people enjoyed their time on the water riding around in power boats. That’s no surprise, since we all like to go fast and feel the wind in our hair.

The good news is, you don’t have to spend a bundle to join in the fun and enjoy exhilarating performance on the water. Here are 10 of the best value power boats on the market today, with an emphasis on family fun.

Baja 24 Outlaw

Baja 24 Outlaw

With its expansive sun pad, deep swim platform, booming sound system and engine options up to a massive 380 horsepower MerCruiser 8.2L Mag, Baja’s 24 Outlaw keeps the party going all day and into the night. Store your gear or kick back in the spacious cabin, which can sleep two. It comes with a huge option list, so see a dealer for a price.

• Length: 23’ 6”
• Beam: 8’ 4”
• Dry weight: 4,700 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 76 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 380 hp
• MSRP: See dealer

Bayliner 160 Bowrider

Bayliner 160 Bowrider

If you’re looking to get out on the water this year, it would be hard to go wrong with Bayliner’s 160 Bowrider. With comfortable seating in its spacious cockpit, the protection of a full walk-through windshield and plenty of storage for gear, it’s one of the best values afloat. And with the ability to handle outboards of up to 100 horsepower, it’s a real pocket rocket.

• Length: 16’ 2”
• Beam: 7’ 2”
• Dry weight: 1,332 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 18 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 5
• Maximum power: 100 hp
• MSRP: $20,274 w. Mercury 90 hp

Chaparral 203 Vortex VR

Chaparral Vortex 203 VR

With its head-turning style, Rotax jet power, standard folding arch tower and inviting cockpit seating, Chaparral’s 203 Vortex VR delivers a ton of bang for the buck. With its elegant wrap-around walk-through windshield, hand-stitched digital dash and plush upholstery, it’s every bit as elegant as it is fast.

• Length: 20’ 3”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 2,600 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 35 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 300 hp
• MSRP: $39,895

Crownline 18 SS

Crownline 18 SS

They say great things come in small packages, and that’s an apt description for Crownline’s sporty 18 SS. With its plush seating, big aft sunpad, integrated swim platform and standard Kicker stereo, this is a boat that makes a statement everywhere it goes. It comes with a 200 hp MerCruiser V6, which can be upgraded to a 250 hp for even more exhilarating performance.

• Length: 19’ 11”
• Beam: 92”
• Dry weight: 2,600 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 27 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 250 hp
• MSRP: $32,995

Four Winns Freedom 190

Four Winns Freedom 190

With its performance hull the Four Winns Freedom 190 leaps on plane easily and stays there even when running at surprisingly low speeds, making this runabout a true joy to drive. Plenty of comfortable seating, a full walk-through windshield, lots of storage space for gear and Four Winns’ impeccable attention to detail help the Freedom 190 stand out in a crowded market.

• Length: 19’ 0”
• Beam: 7’ 11”
• Dry weight: 2,800 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 32 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 9
• Maximum power: 220 hp
• MSRP: $30,854

Glastron GTS 180

Glastron GTS 180

Ever since James Bond jumped a GT-150 across the silver screen in the 1974 classic Live And Let Die, Glastron has been synonymous with power boat performance. Today’s version of the venerable Bond runabout, the GTS 180, raises the bar with its sumptuous upholstery, wide aft sunpad, integrated swim platform and Bluetooth-enabled stereo. The GTS model adds a number of useful upgrades over the standard GT, giving it even greater value.

• Length: 17’ 10”
• Beam: 7’ 5”
• Dry weight: 2,010 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 24 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 150 hp
• MSRP: $29,053

Larson LX 185 OB

Larson LX 180 OB

An all-new boat for 2018, Larson’s LX 185 OB builds on the company’s legacy 185 bowrider models with a fresh interior, a gorgeous wrap-around walk-through windshield, comfortable wrap-around seating and expansive storage compartments to accommodate even more gear. What hasn’t changed is Larson’s legendary ride, with snappy acceleration and sportscar-like handling.

• Length: 18’ 6”
• Beam: 7’ 10”
• Dry weight: 1,790 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 150 hp
• MSRP: $33,471

Starcraft Limited 172 OB Sport

Starcraft Limited 172 OB

Starcraft has been building boats since 1903, and in that time the company has consistently set the bar for value and performance. The new-for-2018 Limited 172 OB Sport seats up to eight people in a versatile package that can fish, pull the kids on a tube, or just enjoy the wide open space on the lake. Standard features include a stereo, a ski tow, a removable cockpit table and boarding ladders at both the bow and stern for added convenience.

• Length: 16’ 10”
• Beam: 90”
• Dry weight: 1,520 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 135 hp
• MSRP: See dealer

Tahoe 500 TS

Tahoe 500 TS

With its standard 4.5L MerCruiser 200 horsepower V6, Tahoe’s 500 TS has enough get-up-and-go to please even hard-core performance buffs, plus enough interior refinement for non-boaters to feel right at home. Super-comfy seats, lots of storage spaces, a removable 36-quart cooler and a Bluetooth-enabled stereo mean you won’t want to return to the dock.

• Length: 19’ 10”
• Beam: 7’ 10”
• Dry weight: 2,963 lbs (w. engine)
• Fuel capacity: 33 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 250 hp
• MSRP: $29,995

Yamaha SX190

Yamaha SX190

Powered by a 1.8L Yamaha High Output jet, the SX190 brings PWC-like performance to a family runabout. Add a ton of standard features including a Bimini top, a Bluetooth-enabled stereo, plenty of storage space for gear, comfortable seats and Yamaha’s exclusive articulating keel for enhanced directional stability while docking and you have unmatched power boat value.

• Length: 19’ 2”
• Beam: 8’ 0”
• Dry weight: 2,121 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: n/a
• MSRP: $28,299