Cheap Fishing Boats

Looking for Cheap fishing boats?  Well, none of us relish the thought of paying over the odds for our boat purchase, and price is often the driving factor when looking for a luxury such as a fishing boat.  However, the last thing we want is to have to compromise on quality, even if we are looking for a low cost option.

But if we’re realistic, we understand that to get the cheapest option of boat we’re obviously not going to be able to purchase the equivalent of a Rolls Royce for a knock down price.

So if we don’t want to compromise on quality, but understand that we’re not going to be able to get a top of the range model, then what exactly should we expect when looking to purchase cheap fishing boats?

Well, thankfully you are not alone in your search.  And because of this, manufacturers have come up with plenty of low cost options to suit pretty much all the needs of the hobby fisherman.  And it’s thanks to this mass production that there’s now a large choice of cheap fishing boats available to choose from.

So how do manufacturers cut down these costs?  Well, it’s done in a variety of ways.  The very act of selling a great many boats means they have far stronger purchasing power on parts.  This allows for greater and greater savings, meaning the manufacturer can pass these onto you.  So in a way, the more they sell, the cheaper the boats become.

Another way is by offering short warranties – perhaps of only one or two years.  Now, at first glance this might seem like a bad thing, but if you think about it for a moment you can realise that it actually doesn’t have to be.  Just because a warranty is only short, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to break as soon as it’s a year and one day old.  However, what you should do is to check out reviews of previous customers.  Because that’s one fantastic thing about the Internet; if customers have a poor experience with an item, they can literally tell the world.

When it comes to features, then this is also an area where manufacturers can save costs.  But, let’s be honest, unless you’re a professional who needs the very top of the range kit to succeed at your sport, why on earth do you need to have features that you never ever use?  Sure, it’s nice to have the bells and whistles, but when cost is the driving factor, it’s essential to be realistic about what it is that you really do need.

So, with the above in mind, the following are two cheap fishing boats that really are worth every cent of their selling price.

Top 7 Best Cheap Fishing Boats

Water Tender Row Boat (9.4 Feet) Review

Water Tender Row Boat

This is a very versatile little boat that has multiple uses, such as a straight fishing boat, utility boat or a dinghy.  Comes with a two year warranty on both the hull and the parts, and is easy to transport in either a truck or a trailer if preferred.

Some of the features included are:

  • Tri-hull design, constructed of UV stabilized fortiflex high density polyethylene, making for an easy to maintain boat.
  • Dual sets of oarlock sockets, meaning you can choose from central or bow seat rowing positions.
  • Front positioned drain plug with outside release valve.
  • Moulded bench seats.

 

Pros:

  • Very well designed and user friendly, with cup holders, tow rings, oar locks front and rear and stainless steel bow eye.
  • Can take a small motor if you choose to fit one.
  • Very stable and sturdy when on the water.
  • Light enough for one person to haul and launch.

 

Cons:

  • Cup holders are a little shallow.
  • Can be a little slippery around the seat area when you step onto the boat.

 

A fabulously robust fishing boat that will certainly last many years.  The cathedral style bull design allows for maximum interior space, as well as providing an extremely stable ride.  All in all, an excellent and versatile choice for the money.

 

KL Industries American 12 Jon Fishing Boat Review

American 12 Jon Fishing Boat

A wonderfully portable and easy maintenance boat that has so many features it would be impossible to list them all here.  Has closed cell polystyrene foam flotation and a shallow, draft design flat hull.  The boat is easy to manoeuvre, weighing only 110 lbs, yet has a load capacity of 510 lbs.

 

Some of the features included are:

  • Impact resistant and produced so it’s virtually maintenance free.
  • Large, spacious seating area.
  • Protective vinyl rub rail
  • Four rod holder locations and recessed drink and tackle holders.

 

Pros:

  • Moulded design gives excellent stability on the water.
  • Fore and aft battery storage locations.
  • Plenty of other storage areas for kit and tackle.
  • Seating is constructed of treated, reinforced wood.

 

Cons:

  • Seating can become a little uncomfortable if used for prolonged periods.

 

An extremely rugged little boat that really is virtually maintenance free.  Light enough for a single person to haul, yet tough for good stability on the water and a high load bearing capacity.  Lots of extra features yet these are provided with no compromise on the high standards of manufacture.

 

Classic Accessories Skagit Inflatable Pontoon Boat Review

Skagit PontoonThere’s no mistaking this great looking boat when you see it on the water. The boat’s a beauty and not just in it’s bold color. This boat offers virtually everything a fisherman might want in a pontoon boat – it’s stable on the water, allows space for a small cooler. The boat also has conveniences like two drink holders and an adjustable fishing rod holder. Plus it’s extremely lightweight, weighing only 62 pounds (yet able to support 350 lbs) and includes tow rigs for easy transportation.

Other features of the Skagit include:

  • Weight capacity of 350 pounds.
  • Adjustable seat and leg mounts.
  • Bronze oar locks
  • Two insulated drink holders.
  • Quick inflation/deflation valves.
  • Fillable mesh anchor system.
  • A fully adjustable deluxe cushioned seat with adjustable footrests, to accommodate a variety of leg lengths.
  • A unique, dual sided stripping apron with a fish ruler, allowing easy entry and exits without un-clipping.
  • A two-position, weatherproof motor mound.
  • A higher ride for ultimate visibility.
  • Armrest storage with two large zippered pockets.
  • A padded, fold down plastic seat, which is stain resistant and easy to clean.
  • Non-slip foot rests.
  • Durable, strong 6-foot steel oars.
  • A heavy-duty wire rear platform.

 

Pros:

This is a favorite among customers, who rave about the boats ease of assembly and transport. This is a high-quality boat with a beautiful finish. The rear deck allows plenty of room for extra tackle, coolers, soda, and snacks.

Cons:

May need to add water fins for added stability. Also, go ahead and order replacement valves when you buy the boat.
Overall, this beauty of a boat offers everything a fisherman could want. The higher-than-typical seat-positioning sitting makes casting and spotting fish easier, and the boat includes countless other angler-friendly features. It’s a sturdy, 8-foot, steel-framed boat that guarantees a smooth, safe sail. The boat also comes with a Class I river rating and has been approved by the ABYC. There is also a one-year free warranty.

 

Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Review

Colorado XTThe Colorado XT is a sturdy boat, with 9-foot abrasion-resistant pontoons, rugged steel supports, 7-foot aluminum oars, and bronze oar-locks that adjust to three different positions for fishing from different angles. Surprisingly, the boat weighs only 77 pounds when assembled, with a 400-pound capacity. Therefore, it’s super-easy to transport, with durable wheels that will guarantee you a safe and easy trip to your favorite fishing spot. The boat has a tough PVC bottom and a 1,100 nylon denier top, and is built to handle rocks with ease with no damage to the boat. Other important features are the boat’s Class 1 river rating and that it meets the strict standards of the ABYC. The boat comes with a two-year warranty as well.
Among its many features, the Colorado XT has

  • Removable side pockets that transform into a gear bag with 20 pockets for transporting your provisions neatly.
  • Two insulated drink holders.
  • Quick inflation/deflation valves.
  • Fillable mesh anchor system.
  • A fully adjustable deluxe cushioned seat with adjustable footrests, to accommodate a variety of leg lengths.
  • A unique, dual sided stripping apron with a fish ruler, allowing easy entry and exits without un-clipping.
  • A two-position, weatherproof motor mound.
  • Higher ride for ultimate visibility.
  • Two detachable foam fly patches.
  • Comes with a free trial membership to Trout Unlimited.

 

Pros:

Easy set up and disassembly, and the designers obviously thought of everything a modern day fisherman would want in a pontoon boat and gave their customers just that.

Cons:

None

Overall, if you’re looking for the perfect personal pontoon boat for fishing, rowing, or simply enjoying the water, the Colorado XT Pontoon Boat is definitely what you’re looking for. The Colorado XT has an endless array of comfort features, construction features, and special features, and is an impressive work of craftsmanship. Amazingly enough, the boat is an amazing value for the money.

 

Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat Review

Sevylor Fish HunterIf you want a large inflatable boat for going fishing with friends, the Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat is the boat for you. This is a spacious raft, measuring 11’9″ x 5’7″. This super-strong, sturdy raft is made of heavy 32-guage PVC and the boat’s two-chunnel chambers add lateral stability on the water. This boat can seat six people or several adults with children as long as the combined weight of all remains beneath 1,200 pounds. It’s perfect for all kinds of excursions from short trolling trips to full days out on the water. The boat also has two large inflatable bench-seats adorned with anti-chafing pads, designed to keep you and your friends comfortable on the water — even during longer fishing trips. The benches can comfortably seat three persons apiece.

The boat also features two fishing rod holders, allowing you to take a break from holding the rod now and then but assuring you won’t lose that fish! The raft also features four swivel oarlocks that make turning the boat super easy and help you stay in control of your vessel. If you want added power, you can add a motor mount for a 3-horsepower outboard motor.

Features of the Sevylor 6-Person Fish Hunter Inflatable Boat:

  • Coast Guard Compliant & NMMA Certified
  • Double Lock™ & Mini Double Lock™ Valves
  • DIN Safety Chamber
  • Inflated Floor
  • Two Fishing Rod Holders
  • 2 Berkley® Rod Holder Quick Set Mounts
  • Gear Holder
  • Grabline & Drain Plugs
  • Two Carry Handles
  • Fittings for a Motor Mount and/or Trolling Motor
  • Four Swivel Oar Locks
  • Motor Up to 3HP
  • Holds: 6-People
  • Size: 11′-7″ x 4′-9″
  • Weight: 47lbs
  • Max Load: 1200lbsMaterial: 32-Gauge PVC
  • Max HP Engine: 3.0

 

Pros:

Super value for this long lasting, durable boat.

Cons:

Seats only four comfortably, six is a tight squeeze.

Overall, this is a spacious raft offers a lot of bang for the buck, guaranteeing a durable boat that will last for many years of fishing fun. It’s many features make for a safe, convenient, and fun atmosphere.

 

Intex Excursion 4 Boat Set Review

Intex 4 Boat SetThe Intex Excursion is a very high quality, durable boat with super-easy assembly and inflation. This is a spacious raft, measuring 11’9″ x 5’7″ – spacious enough to seat a family and bait, tackle and snacks. This is a perfect boat for fishing, camping, and simply rafting with friends. Also, the boat has the built in assurance of staying afloat even in event of a puncture due to the boat’s unique multi-chamber system. The boat’s unique, patented Airtight® system guarantees you will not lose air either. Additionally, you can turn the boat into a super-powered motorboat with the bow and stem fittings already motor ready for a 2.5 HP motor. The boat also comes with a gear bag, grab line, and two inflatable seats.

Features of the Intex Excursion include

  • Rugged vinyl construction with inflatable I-Beam floor for comfort and durability
  • All around grab line and handle on bow
  • 2 fishing rod holders, gear pouch, inflatable seat cushions with backrest and oar holders included
  • Motor mount fittings attached
  • 4 person boat
  • 2 fishing rod holders, gear pouch,.
  • Inflatable seat cushions with backrest.
  • Strong oar holders.
  • Rugged vinyl construction with an inflatable I-Beam floor for comfort and durability.
  • Two fishing rod holders
  • Two inflatable seats with backrests
  • Inflatable floor for both comfort and rigidity
  • Oar locks and oar holders
  • All-around grab line
  • Grab handle on bow for easy carrying
  • Quick fill, fast-deflate Boston valves
  • Motor mount fitting
  • Gear pouch
  • Maximum weight limit: 880 pounds
  • Includes repair patch, deluxe aluminum oars, hi-output manual hand pump.

 

Pros:

Lots of bang for the buck. A long-lived boat that’s super tough.

Cons:

Cannot seat four adults as advertised but can comfortably seat three or two with children.
You’ll definitely want to consider the Intex Excursion if you want a super-tough fishing raft that you can later convert to a motorboat raft. The boat is wide enough to seat several people while narrow enough to fit in narrow reservoirs or lake areas.

 

KL Industries Sun Dolphin Sportsman Fishing Boat

Sun Dolphin - Small Fishing Boat

When we talk about cheap fishing boats, what we’re actually looking for is one that offers excellent value for money, not cheap construction.  And this boat certainly does offer a whole load of bang for your buck.  Lightweight and sturdy, it’s very easy to transport as well as being easy to manoeuvre in the water.

Features:
•    Two-man boat with a load capacity of 550 lbs
•    Deck and hull are both UV resistant
•    Both seats are swivel and removable if you wish
•    Included handrails
•    Wired for a trolling motor (not included) that can be fitted if required.
•    Storage space and pre-formed tackle and drink holders

 

 

Pros:
•    Extremely stable in the water.
•    Roomy enough to allow to choose to fish seated or standing.
•    Sits high in the water, giving excellent visibility, as well as allowing you to navigate shallow waters.
•    Low maintenance

Cons:
•    Due to it’s load capacity of 550 lbs, fisherman of a larger than average size might not find this weight limit high enough.
•    The light weight construction means that wind can affect manoeuvrability when in the water

This boat really does represent incredible value for money, but it does so without doing away with the vital features that are so necessary for a good day’s fishing.  Light enough (weighing 100 lbs), yet providing enough room for all your kit and tackle, it’s also thankfully easy to maintain and really will do the job it’s intended to do for many years to come.

 

 

 

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