6 Affordable Fishing Boats

Fishing is the number one recreational activity we enjoy on water and for good reason – it’s fun, it’s a great way to load the freezer with tasty and nutritious foods, and it’s comparatively inexpensive. That even extends to the boats we fish out of.

Sure, it’s easy to spend a ton of money on a luxurious, tournament-ready fishing package and if you have the means, why not? But having a more modest budget doesn’t mean you need to stay on shore. Boats are a lot more affordable than you might think, especially with today’s super-low interest rates.

Here are six great fishing boats that won’t break the bank.

Bayliner Element F16

With its spacious layout, front and rear casting decks, plenty of storage space and a boatload of fishing features, Bayliner’s Element F16 is a great value in a fiberglass center console. The self-bailing cockpit keeps everyone dry, while its patent-pending M hull improves stability both on plane and at rest.

Bayliner Element F16 Specs

• Length: 16’ 2”
• Beam: 89”
• Fuel capacity: 18 gal.
• Hull: Fiberglass
• Maximum power: 80 hp
• MSRP: $14,499

Boston Whaler Super Sport 150

From the unsinkable legend comes the new-for-2017 Super Sport 150. Its versatile, low maintenance design makes this the ultimate family fishing boat, with a long option list including niceties like rail-mounted rod holders, a carry-on live well and a pedestal-mount bow fishing seat.

Boston Whaler Super Sport 150 Specs

• Length: 15’ 4”
• Beam: 78”
• Dry weight: 900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 6.5 gal
• Hull: Fiberglass
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $19,563

Crestliner Discovery 1650 SC

Crestliner packs a lot of boat into its Discovery 1650 SC, with standard features like a raised casting deck with storage beneath, an 11-gallon love well, in-floor rod storage and a quick access rod rack. Choose from options like bow netting, a travel cover and deluxe fishing seats to make this boat your own.

Crestliner Discovery 1650 SC Specs

• Length: 16’ 6”
• Beam: 75.5”
• Dry weight: 875 lbs
• Hull: Aluminum
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $11,073

Lowe Fishing Machine FM160 Pro

Lowe didn’t kid around when it designed the Fishing Machine FM160, and that’s evident by it being one of their top-sellers for years. For 2017 standard features include an 18-gallon live well, front and rear decks with storage beneath, in-floor rod storage and more.

Lowe Fishing Machine FM160 Pro Specs

• Length: 16’ 5”
• Beam: 82”
• Dry weight: 1,021 lbs
• Fuel capacity: portable tank
• Hull: Aluminum
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $12,866

Lund Fury XL 1625

Whether you choose from the side console, dual console or tiller versions, Lund’s Fury XL 1625 offers a ton of interior space with raised front and rear casting decks, in-floor rod storage, and a massive live well with a bait bucket as standard equipment. A full option list lets you personalize this boat as you wish.

Lund Fury XL 1625

• Length: 16’ 3”
• Beam: 80”
• Dry weight: 862 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 12 gal.
• Hull: Aluminum
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $14,247

Tracker Super Guide V-16 SC

Tracker has been building boats for a long time and that experience shows in the Super Guide V-16 SC. Standard features include large raised front and rear casting decks, a 15-gallon live well with removable bait bucket, twin pedestal-mount fishing seats and plenty of storage space for gear.

Tracker Super Guide V-16 SC Specs

• Length: 16’ 0”
• Beam: 76”
• Dry weight: 875 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 11.4 gal.
• Hull: Aluminum
• Maximum power: 50 hp
• MSRP: $11,695