Top Boat Brands For Your Next Purchase

There are countless boat brands and manufacturers in the world, each with its own unique models, features and specifications. When it comes to choosing the best boat brand, it is important to consider factors such as intended use, budget, quality, and personal preferences. While the definition of best may vary from person to person, here is a list of some of the most popular and well-regarded boat brands in the industry:

- Bertram: Known for its diverse range of boats, including centre consoles, dual console runabouts, and larger models. Bertram is one of the top-regarded boat manufacturers globally, with a strong reputation for quality and performance.

- Boston Whaler: Renowned for its unsinkable boats, Boston Whaler has been in the industry for over 60 years. Their boats are celebrated for their stability, safety, and high resale value.

- Chaparral: With nearly 60 years of experience, Chaparral offers a wide range of boats, including bowriders, wake surf boats, watersports boats, and cruisers. They are known for their innovative designs and commitment to their employees.

- Grady-White: Specialising in family fishing boats, Grady-White has earned the highest customer satisfaction recognition in third-party studies and surveys. Their boats are highly valued in both the new and used markets.

- Lund: A leading brand in aluminium boats, Lund has been in the industry since 1948. They offer a range of fishing boats, species-specific models, and cross-over watersports boats. Lund boats are known for their quality and value for money.

- MasterCraft: MasterCraft is synonymous with single-mission watersports boats. They consistently rank among the top boat brands, especially for wake boats and wake surfing models. MasterCraft offers advanced technology and an unusual five-year warranty.

- Sea Ray: Sea Ray is one of the most popular boat brands, known for its diverse range of models, from bowriders to luxury yachts. They have received numerous awards and are often a top choice for boat rentals.

- Tracker: Tracker Boats, including their line of Sun Tracker pontoons, is one of the best-selling brands in the nation. They offer fishing boats, utility boats, and hunting-dedicated models, known for their durability and performance.

- Yamaha: Yamaha is a leading brand in jet-powered watercraft, including runabouts and personal watercraft. They are also expanding into the fishing boat market with jet-powered centre consoles. Yamaha boats are known for their performance and innovation.

- Viking Yachts: Viking Yachts is a premium brand known for its luxury and quality. They build offshore sportfish models, centre console fishing boats, and luxury yachts, offering superior craftsmanship and resale value.

Best fishing boat brands

When it comes to the best fishing boat brands, there are several manufacturers that stand out for their quality, performance, and features tailored to anglers' needs. Here are some of the top fishing boat brands to consider:

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is renowned for its "unsinkable" hull design, a reputation that dates back to the brand's inaugural model in 1958. Their boats are constructed with a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich construction, making them extremely buoyant. Boston Whaler offers a diverse range of fishing boats, from 13-foot models to the impressive 420 Outrage, a 42-foot fishing machine capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. The brand is consistently ranked among the best boat brands and is a top choice for fishing enthusiasts.

Grady-White

Grady-White is a well-respected boat builder known for its superior stability and performance in rough waters. Their boats are designed with variable-degree deadrise hulls that provide a smooth ride, along with family-friendly features like cushioned seating and freshwater showers. Grady-White has a diverse lineup, including centre console boats dedicated to both offshore and inshore fishing. The brand consistently receives high marks for customer satisfaction and is a popular choice for anglers.

Tracker

Tracker is known for its affordable and versatile fishing boats, including its line of pontoon boats marketed as Sun Tracker. Their boats are all-welded aluminium constructions, equipped with electronics and trolling motors. Tracker boats offer impressive rod-storing capacity, raised casting platforms, and ample seating. They are sold as complete packages, making them ready for fishing right out of the box. Tracker has established itself as one of the best-selling fishing boat brands in the nation.

Lund

Lund is a popular brand among aluminium fishing boats, known for their closed-cell foam-injected hulls for better flotation and vibration dampening. Their model line ranges from beginner boats to top-tier designs, catering to various fisheries. Lund boats are prevalent in the American Midwest and Canada but can be found worldwide due to their immense popularity. The brand consistently ranks among the most popular fishing boat brands and is recognised for its quality and performance.

Bertram

Bertram is a legendary name in deep-sea fishing yachts, with a history that dates back to the 1960 Miami to Nassau race won by founder Richard Bertram. Today, Bertram builds three models that qualify as deep-sea fishing yachts: 35-foot, 50-foot, and 61-foot convertibles, along with a 50-foot express. Their boats blend seakeeping abilities, luxury, and fishing features. Bertram is an iconic brand that continues to garner mass loyalty and is recognised for its classic models that retain their value over time.

Other Notable Brands

Several other brands are worth mentioning for their exceptional fishing boats:

• Alumacraft: Known for high-quality aluminium fishing boats that are durable and affordable.
• Crestliner: Features welded seams instead of rivets and offers user-friendly designs with ample storage.
• Contender Boats: Specialises in offshore fishing boats with aggressive V-hulls and Yamaha outboard engines, ranging from 24 to 44 feet in length.
• Mako: The Pro Skiff line is popular for its stability and enhanced deck space due to its unique "Advanced Inverted V" hull design.
• Robalo: Builds exceptionally well-constructed centre consoles, dual consoles, and walkarounds, with a focus on durability and performance.
• Sportsman: Offers a range of bodacious bay boats, including the spacious 267 OE, which can handle both inshore and offshore fishing.

Best boat brands for family cruising

When it comes to family cruising, you'll want a boat with a spacious layout and family-friendly features. Here are some of the best boat brands for family cruising:

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is a Tennessee-based company that has been building boats since 1959. They offer a range of boat lines, including the Sundancer, SLX series of luxury cruisers, SDX series for family day-boating, and SPX series of sport boats. Sea Ray boats are known for their spacious, comfortable designs, making them perfect for family outings. They are also one of the most popular boat brands in the United States, offering a premium boating experience with high-end materials and finishes.

Chaparral

Chaparral is another well-known boat brand that offers versatile models with family-friendly features. They have been in business since 1965 and manufacture a wide range of boats, including sport boats, luxury bowriders, and luxury outboard sport boats. Chaparral boats are known for their quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, making them a popular choice for families.

Grady-White

Grady-White is a North Carolina-based company that has been building boats since 1959. They are known for their coastal fishing boats, with five lines available, including Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of their boats can be ordered with features that make them great for family cruising, such as comfy seating and enclosed head compartments. Grady-White boats are also valued for their superior stability and performance in rough waters.

Bayliner

Bayliner is a good option for budget-conscious buyers or first-time boat owners. They build a range of boats, including fishing boats, bowriders, and deck boats, that are simple and straightforward without a lot of luxury items. This keeps the cost down while still providing a quality boat built to National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) standards. Bayliner regularly wins NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index Awards, ensuring that you're getting a boat that's reliable and will keep your family safe.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is another well-known and respected boat brand, known for its "unsinkable" hull design. They have been building boats since 1958 and offer a range of fishing and luxury boats. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with their unsinkable reputation, Boston Whaler boats are also valued for their stability, safety, and resale value. They have won numerous awards, including 15 consecutive Consumer Satisfaction Index Awards, ensuring that you're getting a boat that will provide a great experience for your family.

Best luxury boat brands

When it comes to luxury, there are a variety of boat brands that offer premier experiences. Here are some of the best luxury boat brands in the market:

Sunseeker

Sunseeker is a British motor yacht builder known for its variety of yachts, from large cruisers to sporty models. Their yachts offer both performance and luxury, ensuring that owners travel in style and comfort. Sunseeker's Predator 80, Manhattan 52 and Sunseeker 155 models are notable examples of their range.

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts, a well-known brand in the yachting industry, offers exceptional craftsmanship and elegance. Their yachts are fully custom or semi-custom, providing a unique experience for buyers. Princess is recognised as one of the most reliable yacht brands, delivering both luxury and performance.

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is a popular boat brand that focuses on luxury with high-end materials and finishes. They offer a premium boating experience, prioritising comfort and style. Sea Ray has a wide range of boats, including sport boats, pleasure boats, bowriders, cabin cruisers, and deck boats, ensuring there is something for every taste.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is a renowned boat brand, celebrated for its "unsinkable" hull design. Their boats are known for their durability, safety and reliability. Boston Whaler builds fishing and luxury boats ranging from 13' to 42', with 28 different models available as of August 2023.

Sanlorenzo Yachts

Sanlorenzo Yachts, an Italian company established in 1958, is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, spacious designs, beautiful interiors, and superior quality. They offer motor yachts ranging from 70 to 110 feet and superyachts that are over 120 feet in length.

Wally Yachts

Wally Yachts builds avant-garde sail and motor yachts with head-turning styling and innovative functionality. Their yachts feature plumb bows and sleek profiles, making them stand out in ports worldwide. Wally recently launched the Wally Wind 110 carbon fibre speedster, showcasing their commitment to cutting-edge design.

Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti Yachts, an Italian company with over 50 years of experience, builds premier flybridge designs ranging from 50 to 100 feet. Their yachts are renowned for their exquisite details and finishes, offering a luxurious experience on the water.

These brands represent some of the top choices for luxury boat enthusiasts, offering a combination of performance, craftsmanship, and elegant design.

Best bass boat brands

When it comes to bass boats, there are a plethora of brands to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the best bass boat brands in the market:

Ranger

The Ranger name carries a lot of weight in the bass boat world. They are industry legends known for their outstanding hand-laid hulls, which are extremely durable and reliable. Ranger boats offer exceptional stability in rough water, and their customisation options are endless. The brand is also known for its excellent customer service and strong resale value.

Bass Cat

Bass Cat is a brand that many bass fishermen swear by. They build boats that are comparable to Ranger in quality, but within a smaller, more personal operation. Bass Cat boats offer superior ride and comfort in rough water, and their customer service is considered one of the best in the business.

Legend

Legend boats are known for their exceptional fit and finish, with outstanding attention to detail. Their hulls are extremely stable, and they handle high speeds better than most other manufacturers. Legend boats have wide decks, making them very fishable, and their customer service is highly regarded.

Skeeter

If you're looking for speed, Skeeter is the brand for you. Their boats are known for being fast and stable, with responsive handling that allows for sharp, 90-degree turns. Skeeter has been in business for almost 70 years, and their exacting engineering standards and tough testing regime ensure a high-quality product.

Nitro

Nitro is a high-volume bass boat brand that offers a solid boat with a lot of bang for your buck. Their Z series are dedicated bass boats, constructed from tough fiberglass and packed with fishing-friendly features. Nitro is also certified by the NMMA for superb customer satisfaction.

Crestliner

Crestliner is a well-known name in the bass boat world, offering a range of models constructed entirely from aluminum. Their Mod-V series of bass boats are perfect for freshwater bass fishing, with exceptionally strong, all-welded hulls that can handle challenging conditions and reach shallow spots. Crestliner has won CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) awards for 15 consecutive years.

Tracker

Tracker offers a range of Mod-V bass boats, including the economically priced Bass Tracker Classic XL. Their boats are packed with features, including a Lowrance colour fishfinder and Minn Kota trolling motor. Tracker boats are sold through a network of dealerships across North America and are known for their excellent warranties.

Xpress

Xpress has a dizzying range of boats, including three series designed exclusively for bass fishing: the Xclusive Pro Bass, the Hyper-Lift Bass, and the Xplorer Bass. Their boats are cleverly designed to navigate shallow waters, and their hulls are known for their high quality, strength, and agility. Xpress boats are also proud of their impressive exteriors, with the Xplorer Bass series featuring a striking camouflage design.

Allison

Allison is known for its innovation in the bass boat world, with industry firsts such as quick-change windshields and a Livewell flush-out drain. Their boats offer impressive fuel efficiency, with the XB-21 BasSport model providing double the gas mileage of other bass boats. Allison boats combine style, performance, and comfort, with bucket seats, well-designed consoles, and impressive front storage.

Triton

Triton offers nine different bass boat series, all with fiberglass construction, and are the choice of serious tournament anglers. They focus on performance, functionality, and dependability, with options ranging from the economical 179 TRX to the high-end 21 XRT. Triton boats come with impressive warranties, including a lifetime hull warranty for the first owner.

Lowe

Lowe offers a diverse range of fishing boats, including two series specifically for bass fishing: the Stinger 8-Series and the 5-Series. The Stinger series includes four models of aluminum boats, while the 5-Series offers two models that are perfect for those looking for a bass and multi-species boat. Lowe boats are highly customisable and come with a limited lifetime warranty on several components.

Best boat brands for first-time buyers

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best boat brand for first-time buyers. The most important thing to keep in mind is to keep it simple. This means opting for a boat that is relatively easy to operate and maintain, and that offers versatility and flexibility without being too complex.

Dinghys

Dinghy boats are an excellent choice for first-time boat buyers due to their versatility and lightweight construction. They are typically under 15 feet long and can be powered by a small outboard engine, a sail, or even a pair of oars. Dinghies are simple to use and perfect for attaching to a trailer, making them a great entry point into the boating world.

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Aluminum fishing boats are rugged, versatile, and perfect for navigating shallow or secluded waters. They are easy to transport and can be an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore different bodies of water.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are stable, easy to maneuver, and perfect for hosting guests. They have a spacious flat deck and are known for their stability, making them a popular choice for families or those who enjoy entertaining on the water.

Bowriders

Bowriders are relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and perfect for learning the ins and outs of boating. They offer a good balance between performance and handling, with some models reaching speeds above 50 mph, making them suitable for various water sports.

Recommended Boat Brands:

• Four Winns: Known for their quality construction and attention to detail, Four Winns offers entry-level models like the Horizon F190, which provides a great balance between cost and features.
• Bayliner: Bayliner boats are a great choice for fishing enthusiasts. The Bayliner Element F18, for example, offers excellent fuel efficiency and stability.
• Yamaha: Yamaha is a well-known brand in the boating world, particularly for their jet-powered watercraft. The Yamaha SX210 is an excellent choice for a jet boat, offering a quiet ride and a range of convenient features.
• Escape: The Escape RT 220 pontoon boat offers a stable and customizable experience, with molded glass parts to reduce rattles and vibrations.
• Fletcher: Fletcher boats are known for their user-friendliness and performance. The Fletcher 22 GTS is a great starter boat, offering a manageable size, a diesel engine for lower running costs, and a sociable layout.
• Regal: Regal boats offer a balance between affordability and quality. Their 24-foot boat provides a functional cockpit and a proper plumbed-in sea toilet, making it a great choice for coastal cruising.
• Axopar: Axopar boats are known for their innate practicality and confidence-inspiring design. The Axopar 37 is a fast and versatile boat with a customizable aft end, offering either a raised sunpad or a flat deck for watersports.
• Marex: Marex boats are Scandinavian-designed and built, focusing on cruising practicality. The Marex 310 features a well-protected cockpit and a clever canopy system, making it ideal for year-round use.

When choosing a boat brand as a first-time buyer, it is essential to consider your budget, intended use, and level of boating experience. It is also recommended to consider purchasing a used boat to save costs and avoid the worries of scratching or damaging a brand-new vessel.

Frequently asked questions