Best Affordable Family Boats

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that boats are only the rich can enjoy. The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth! The latest data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which represents the boat industry in North America, shows that the vast majority of boat owners today earn household incomes of less than $100,000 – confirming that boating really is an enjoyable, fun, family pastime that anyone can afford.

To help you get started on your boat shopping journey, here are six affordable family boats that sell for under $30,000. Or, a monthly payment of around $200. That’s a steal when you realize how much fun life on the water can be.

So what are you waiting for? With great deals like these, there’s no reason to miss out on the fun any longer.

Bayliner 170 Bowrider

Bayliner 170 BR

• Length: 17’ 6”
• Beam: 6’ 11”
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 130 hp
• MSRP: $25,260 w. Mercury 90 hp

Bayliner’s classic 170 Bowrider remains a top seller on the strength of its terrific value, with seating for 6 and lots of under-seat storage space for gear. Standard features include a stern swim platform with boarding ladder, dual bucket seats, bow seating and a comfy rear bench – all with premium upholstery. Learn more here.

Crestliner 1650 Fish Hawk SC

Crestliner 1650 Fish Hawk

• Length: 16’ 9”
• Beam: 86.5”
• Fuel capacity: 20
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 115 hp
• MSRP: $26,725 w. Mercury 90 hp and trailer

A serious fishing boat that does double-duty as a family runabout, Crestliner’s 1650 Fish Hawk remains one of the most popular models in the company’s lineup thanks to features like its huge, elevated bow casting deck, quick access rod storage, premium console design, dual live wells and appealing option list. Learn more here.

Lowe 20 Bay

Lowe 20 Bay

• Length: 20’
• Beam: 95”
• Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 150 hp
• MSRP: $28,862

Built for saltwater inshore fishing, Lowe’s versatile 20 Bay is also catching on with freshwater anglers and cottagers who appreciate its seaworthiness, versatility, and maintenance-free design. The large bow deck includes storage and a cooler in its base, while the center console and aft deck hide a live well and even more storage space. It’s a one of the great affordable family boats you can have to suit anglers of all ages. Learn more here.

Scarab 165 ID

Scarab 165ID

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

Scarab takes performance and fun on the water to new levels with its jet-powered 165ID. Standard features include a two-tier aft swim platform, dual aft-facing transom lounge seats, three-wide forward-facing seats, a sporty console, an L-shaped bow lounge seat with storage in its base and a trailer with hassle-free LED lights. Learn more here.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX

• Length: 21’ 11”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Fuel capacity: 32 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power:90 hp
• MSRP: $24,895 w. Mercury 60 hp

Sun Tracker’s Party Barge 20 DLX has seating for up to 10 people so there’s plenty of space for the whole family onboard. Three entry gates and a fully flat door make boarding for the dock easy, while abundant storage space for gear and an overhead Bimini top ensures everyone has a great time on the water. Learn more here.

Tahoe T16

Tahoe T16

• Length: 16’ 5”
• Beam: 7’ 6”
• Fuel capacity: 13 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 75 hp
• MSRP: $19,995 w. Mercury 60 hp and trailer

Built from composite resin for light weight and greater performance from smaller outboards, Tahoe’s T16 features twin bow lounges with reversible back rests, built-in entry steps for more secure boarding from the dock, a wide aft bench seat and plenty of storage space for gear. It even comes with a fishfinder and a trailer. It all adds up to one of the best affordable family boats available today. Learn more here.