10 Best Boats Under $30K

The idea of boat ownership feels out of reach financially for a lot of people. But boats don’t have to be expensive – here are 10 best boats under $30K.

Crestliner 1700 Vision

Crestliner 1700 Vision

Crestliner’s 1700 Vision is unique in offering a configurable console designs so you can add or remove a passenger console at any time. Elevated bow and stern casting platforms, a 13-gallon aerated stern live well, abundant rod storage, a wide open bow and Crestliner’s SureMount accessory mounting system all come standard, while a lengthy option list make it easy to personalize the boat as you wish.

• MSRP: $20,529
• Length: 17’ 6”
• Beam: 88”
• Dry weight: 1,190 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 20 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 115 hp

Glastron GT 180

Glastron GT 180

Glastron manages to fit a lot of boat into its compact and affordable GT 180, including comfortable seating for eight people, a large in-floor storage compartment for gear, twin stern swim platforms, a walk-through windshield for protection on cool days, a built-in cooler and even an AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth streaming. The price (which is technically a tick above $30K) includes a Mercury 90 horsepower outboard and even a custom matched trailer.

• MSRP: $30,067
• Length: 17’ 10”
• Beam: 7’ 5”
• Dry weight: 2,010 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 24 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 150 hp

Lowe FS 1800

Lowe FS 1800

Lowe’s versatile FS 1800 combines proven fishing features with watersports capability in an appealing fish-and-ski package. It comes with a raised bow casting deck, full-height walk-through windshield, three pedestal-mount seats, a Jensen AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth streaming, a 24-gallon live well, rear deck jump seats with under-seat storage, and a stern swim platform. You’d have to look hard to find any better boats under $30K.

• MSRP: $27,540
• Length: 17’ 20”
• Beam: 95”
• Dry weight: 1,789 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 26 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 150 hp

Lund 1675 Impact

Lund 1675 Impact

The Lund 1675 Impact comes in either a side console or full windshield and is loaded with fishing features, including raised bow and stern casting decks, two live wells, center rod storage, massive in-deck storage lockers, drawer tackle storage in the console, LED interior lighting, a Mercury 90 horsepower four-stroke outboard and a matching trailer.

• MSRP: $27,087
• Length: 16’ 10”
• Beam: 90”
• Dry weight: 1,125 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 22 gal.
• Passenger capacity:
• Maximum power: 90 hp

Ranger RT188

Ranger RT188

With its durable aluminum hull and massive elevated front casting deck, the Ranger RT188 might be the ideal bass boat for getting into those stump-filled back bays where the trophies hide, being tough and lightweight. But this rig is no lightweight in terms of features, with locking rod storage, a handmade fiberglass console that houses flush-mount electronics with up to 12-inch screens, a massive recirculating live well in the stern casting deck, a Mercury 115 horsepower outboard and a custom-matched trailer. This is, simply put, on the short list for best fishing boats under $30K.

• MSRP: $26,695
• Length: 18’ 10”
• Beam: 92”
• Dry weight: 1,180 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 4
• Maximum power: 115 hp

Scarab Jet 165 ID

Scarab Jet 165 ID

Scarab’s Jet 165 ID puts the focus on fun with its comfortable seats, bow swim platform, bi-level stern swim platform with twin aft-facing seats, sporty styling and exhilarating ride courtesy of powerful Rotax jets. And with no external propeller, it’s not only super-safe for swimmers and watersports, but can run in much shallower water than a traditional boat can. It even comes with a custom matched trailer.

• MSRP: $28,733
• Length: 15’ 9”
• Beam: 7’ 1”
• Dry weight: 1,600 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 20 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 5
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Stingray 172SC

Stingray 172SC

There’s a lot to like about the Stingray 172SC, starting with its spacious interior layout. Wrap-around, hot tub-style seating provides abundant storage spaces for gear in the seat bases, while rich upholstery up top assures all-day comfort. Stretch out in the expansive aft cockpit or the equally inviting bow, with its sumptuous twin loungers. Adding a filler cushion converts this space into a huge sun pad. It even comes with a Suzuki 90 horsepower outboard, so you’re ready to go. Basically, it’s got pretty much everything you could ask for in boats under $30K.

• MSRP: $25,883
• Length: 17’ 3”
• Beam: 90”
• Dry weight: 1,900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 7
• Maximum power: 90 hp

Tahoe 450 TS

Tahoe 450 TS

Tahoe’s sporty 450 TS offers a fresh take on the classic family bowrider, with seating or eight people and the ability to handle outboards of up to 150 horsepower. There’s plenty of storage space beneath the seats for gear, and a full-height walk-through windshield for added protection from the elements when boating early or late in the year. The standard Jensen stereo features Bluetooth streaming capability, while nice touches like a matching trailer with disc brakes make the 450TS a truly tempting package.

• MSRP: $27,495
• Length: 18’ 5”
• Beam: 7’ 10”
• Dry weight: 1,870 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 24 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 150 hp

Tracker Pro Team 190 TX

Tracker Pro Team 190 TX

If you like to fish then you’re going to love the Tracker Pro Team 190 TX. This tournament-ready rig comes with a massive elevated front casting deck with cavernous storage beneath including a massive tackle compartment and dual locking rod boxes. It also comes with a 21-gallon aerated live well, a Minn Kota 55 lb. trolling motor, a Lowrance Hook 2 5 Combo fish finder, a Mercury 90 hp outboard and a matching trailer – all standard. This may be the best value in fishing boats under $30K.

• MSRP: $22,995
• Length: 18’ 7”
• Beam: 7’ 5”
• Dry weight: 1,048 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21.5 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 4
• Maximum power: 125 hp

Wellcraft 162 Fisherman

Wellcraft 162 Fisherman

Great things can come in smaller packages and the Wellcraft 162 Fisherman is proof. With standards like stainless steel fittings, a custom leaning post with a reversible back rest, flip-up stern jump seats, a fully self-bailing cockpit, rod holders, a custom matched trailer with swing-away tongue and a Yamaha F60 outboard, the 162 Fisherman comes ready to fish straight from the dealership floor.

• MSRP: $30,538
• Length: 16’ 4”
• Beam: 7’
• Dry weight: 1,700 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 12 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 90 hp