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Best Boats Under $50,000

We've compiled a list of the top boats for prices under $50,000. With this list, we've divided it up into family friendly boats, great boats for watersports, top boats for fishing and everything in between too!

Some of the boats that made it onto the list include:

Pontoon boats
Sailboats
Small motorboats
Large motorboats
Fishing Boats
Speed Boats
Yachts
Houseboats

We'll also show you where you can buy these from around the world. If you are looking for a boat loan to finance the purchase of a boat, you can check out our boat finance article for information on that too!

Buying a boat is extremely exciting so let's look at what's on offer! Before we get started, you should know that the majority of these boats listed can be found on sites like Boat Trader, Boats.com, Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist.

Please always be careful when buying boats and ensure you assess the vessel you're interested in thoroughly.

In a rush and just want the answers?

Here are the best boats all under $50k

Best Fishing Boat

SeaArk Big Easy

Best Sailboat

Gib Sea 442

Best SpeedBoat

Baja 420

Best Houseboat

Myacht 48

Best Pontoon Boat

SunTracker

Best DeckBoat

Tahoe 2150

Best Fishing Boats Under 50k

First up on the top boats are the best fishing boats list. For all those that enjoy a day on the water with a cold beer and a fishing rod, this will appeal to you.

Typically, the aluminium fishing boats will get you the best for your money.

SeaArk Big Easy ($45,995)

The SeaArk Big Easy is a great fishing boat and it comes in under $50,000. Typically, you can get a new one between 40 and 50k depending on spec.

These models combine family fun and fishing! They continue to offer the toughness while featuring options that allow you to fish, ski, or spend a lazy day on the lake.

Featuring a large livewell, lots of storage, including rod storage, lounge seats, a removable table, and large fishing decks. The 15° V-Hull gives you the smooth ride in heavy chop to ensure a comfortable day on the lake.

This boat can be used for fun at speed or a relaxing day fishing with friends and family. A used version of this boat will cost $35,000 - $45,000 depending on condition.

Pro Sports 2860 WA ProKat ($36,000)

The Pro Sports is the next to make it onto the list. This is one of the cheaper options for fishing and you can get a used one for well under $50k, usually around $35,000

This is a solid boat for salt water fishing. For a fee, you can add a warranty extension too from the manufacturer.

G3 Sportsman 2100 ($39,995)

You can usually get a brand new one of these fishing boats for well under $50,000. If you want to catch those larger species of fish, this is a great option boat for you.

Best Sailboats Under $50k

Next up is the best sailboats on the market for under $50,000. There are some beautiful vessels you can own, including liveaboards and just general ones for everyday use.

Islander 36 ($30,055)

The Islander 36 is a great sailboat well under the $50,000 price tag. You can get one of these for approximately $30k, depending on condition.

This boat made it onto our list of best boats to live on too! So if you would like to move onboard a boat, this is a cheap option worth considering.

You'll find the majority of these sailboats are in the late 1970's and early 80's. Don't let the older models put you off though as you can find some of these in great condition.

It's a great boat to manage the harsh sea climates and provide space for a family to enjoy everything the ocean has to offer.

Gib Sea 442 ($40,049)

You'll be able to buy one of these sailboats between 40 & 50 thousand dollars. This 45' vessel is another option in your search for boats under 50k.

Although older, these tend to come in good condition (although you should always check individual boats to be sure)

If you would like a good water cruiser, this is a boat worth considering. Depending on specifications, you'll have 2- 3 cabins onboard so you can take this out for overnight trips too!

Island Packet 31 ($44,995)

You'll be able to get an Island Packet in the late 80's model for under $50,000. Again, like the other boats mentioned, don't let the older age fool you into thinking it's not so good.

You will find some great strong island packet boats for you to enjoy on the water with friends and family.

Depending on specifications, you'll also have the facilities to live aboard with kitchens, toilet, shower, beds and dining area.

You can also check out our other top sailboat lists for more sailboats under $50k.

Best Speed Boats Under $50,000

Speedboats are the most popular boats you'll see on the water in the summer especially. Fancy hitting the water and enjoying water sports with friends and family, well these speedboats might just be the perfect vessel for you.

As the name suggests, they are fast boats, (boats capable of travelling at speed.)

Baja 420 ($35,800)

These boats are commonly seen on the Miami coastline but you'll still find them in other parts of the world. Capable of speeds up to 52 mph, you'll want to know how to operate a boat before ever testing it's capabilities.

Powered by triple 365 hp diesel engines, there isn't a shortage of power either.

You'll find these boats within your budget when looking at the older ones (circa 1991)

Fountain 32 Fever ($44,500)

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These 415hp powerboats will certainly power you through the water. With a top speed of 75 knots, you'll want to be extra vigilant if ever travelling at such speeds.

You'll find the older models (circa 2000's) will come well within budget so if you are on the market for a speed boat, this is certainly an option for you.

Check the engine hours and condition when shopping for the Foundation and check service logs too!

WellCraft Panther ($25,000)

This 30ft speed boat is capable of speeds up to 52 knots. This is one of the most affordable on the list with prices for these approx. $25,00

You'll get this price on the older models (circa 1986)

Powered by 330hp motor, you certainly are limited in power. As with all the boats on the list though, ensure you check the condition before buying, especially the power boats that can see higher engine wear.

Best Pontoon Boats Under 50 Grand

Pontoons are the most common boats seen on lakes around the United States. These boats can be used for multi purposes including fishing, partying, cruising etc.

Luckily, you can get these for prices well within the budget of $50,000

Bennington 2550 GSR ($38,000)

This 27ft boat is a great option for enjoying the waters with family and friends. With plenty of seating, you'll be able to bring many onboard for the boat trip.

Powered by 150hp, you'll easily move through the waters too. These boats are newer models and the circa 2015 year will ensure you find a boat well within budget.

AquaPatio AP 259 CBD ($49,995)

This pontoon boat comes in just under $50,000. You'll get these models for that price in circa 2018 models.

The 27ft boat is powered by 150hp Yamaha engine and there are plenty of space/seating onboard to accommodate for a larger amount of people.

Suntracker Party Barge ($38,500)

This brand new boat comes in at approx $38,000 so it's well within budget and it's new too! The 24ft party barge has plenty of space to accommodate for plenty of people.

Powered by 115hp, there is plenty of power to move along the water with friends and family. You can fit up to 12 people onboard so even the extended family can join onboard.

Best HouseBoats Under $50,000

Want to live on a boat? Well, what about a houseboat? These are exactly what they say they are, houses on the water.

With the cost of real estate quite high, you can get a houseboat for relatively cheap and have all the benefits of a house without the price tag.

Skipperliner 55 ($39,800)

How does owning a house for under $40k sound? Well, you can with the Skipperliner houseboat. This 55ft boat comes with all the things you'd find in a house including dining room, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, showers, deck area,

The circa 1979 model ones will ensure you can get this within budget.

Somerset 14 X 60 ($50,000)

Similar to the above houseboat, this 60ft vessel comes with all the things you'd expect to find in a house. You can buy these within the price range for circa 1980's models.

Myacht 48 ($50,000)

This 48' houseboat is another great option for those on a budget. It comes with all the things a normal house would have.

You can buy one at the $50k price tag for the circa 2003 models. It's powered by 2x 60 horsepower engines so it moves slowly along the water.

Best DeckBoats Under $50k

Deckboats are exactly what they say they are, a boat with a larger deck with more seating. This can be great boats for cruising on the waters.

Hurricane SunDeck 2200 DC IO ($44,500)

This boats are hard to find under $50k but you might pick up a used one for approx $44k. This 22ft vessel is great to enjoy the sun with friends and family.

Tahoe 2150 ($44,900)

The next deck boat on the list is the Tahoe 2150. You can pick up a brand new one at the price above so it's certainly worth considering.

This 21ft boat is powered by a 200hp Mercury marine engine so it is fast too!

Bayliner Element E5 ($30,000)

This 16ft vessel is one of the smaller deck boat options to consider. Brand new it comes in well under the 50k with a price tag of approx. $30,000

Powered by a Mercury F80 ELPT EFI outboard motor, this boat can move fast on the water.

Where To Buy These Boats

As mentioned at the beginning, you can buy these boats well within the 50,000 budget on sites like:

Boat Trader
Boats.com
YachtWorld
Facebook Marketplaces
Craigslist

As with any marketplace, make sure and do your due diligence to ensure the boats you are considering are up to the standard they are advertised as.

Craigslist has a bit of a reputation of being somewhat scammy so keep that in mind if you find a boat for sale on there under the 50k price.

Facebook marketplace is a bit better because you can see the identity of who is selling it (assuming their details are correct) but it still adds a bit of comfort.

For most though, you'll find the best boats within budget on boat trader and boats.com

In Summary

So there you have it. As you can see, there are plenty of options out there for people and some great marketplaces to find bargain boats.

As an important note, before buying any boat, you can always rent out a similar boat on a boat rental marketplace first to get a feel for how the boat operates on the water to ensure you would in fact enjoy using it.

You can check out the cost to rent and see if it's something you'd consider before buying. Another useful thing is our used boat buying checklist.

That will give you a simple checklist to bring along when you are assessing the boat you want to buy to ensure you check the important areas of the boat.

As a reminder, you can check our favorite of the best boats under 50k list.

If you don't have enough money for the boat, you can always check out your boat financing options too. Some of the options are quite favorable with good terms so it pays to look around.