Top Boat Companies: Who's Making Waves In The Industry?

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. When it comes to the best boat companies, there are several factors to consider, including consumer satisfaction, average resale values, overall sales, and search popularity. While it is challenging to select the top boat companies, here is a list of some of the most renowned brands in the boating industry:

- Bertram

- Boston Whaler

- Chaparral

- Grady-White

- Lund

- MasterCraft

- Sea Ray

- Viking Yachts

- Monterey Boats

- Bennington

- Malibu Boats

- American Tug

- Bayliner

- Chris-Craft

- Fleming Yachts

- Grand Banks Yachts

- Hatteras

- Hinckley

- Nordhavn

- Princess Yachts

- Sunseeker

- Absolute Yachts

- Azimut Yachts

- Bavaria Yachtbau

- Bénéteau

- Cranchi Yachts

- Ferretti

- Fountaine Pajot

- Galeon Yachts

- Linssen

- Pardo Yachts

- Parker

- Sanlorenzo

- Sealine

- Axopar

- Botnia

- Finnmaster

- Marex Yachts

- Nimbus Group

- Quarken

- Sargo

- Saxdor

- Windy

- XO

- Yamarin

Best Saltwater Fishing Boat Brand

Saltwater fishing boats come in many shapes and sizes, and the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the top saltwater fishing boat brands in the market:

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is one of the most well-loved and popular boat brands, known for its "unsinkable" boats. The company has been manufacturing boats since 1958, and its vessels are celebrated for their stability, safety, and reliability. Boston Whaler offers a range of fishing and luxury boats, from 13 feet to 42 feet in length, with 28 different models available as of August 2023. Their boats have excellent resale value, and even 20-year-old boats maintain a significant portion of their value. The brand has won numerous awards, including 15 consecutive Consumer Satisfaction Index Awards.

Grady-White

Grady-White is a renowned brand when it comes to family fishing boats. They have been building boats since 1959 and offer a range of coastal fishing boats, including center consoles, dual consoles, coastal explorers, express cabins, and walkaround cabins. Their boats are known for their superior stability and performance in rough waters, making them a favourite among anglers. Grady-White has won the highest customer satisfaction recognition in third-party measures and studies, and their boats are highly valued in the used boat market.

Viking Yachts

Viking Yachts is a premium brand that offers a range of offshore sportfishing models, as well as a newer line of center console fishing boats under the brand name Valhalla. Their yachts range in size from 38 feet to a massive 90 feet. Viking Yachts are known for their top-notch quality, carrying one of the top resale values for boats of their size. They build 90% of their yacht parts in-house to maintain strict quality control. While their boats may be out of reach for the average buyer due to their high cost, they are undoubtedly one of the most recognised and admired brands on the ocean.

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is a popular and well-known brand, offering a wide range of boats, including sport boats, pleasure boats, bowriders, cabin cruisers, and deck boats. They are celebrated for their innovative designs, luxury features, and reliable performance, making them a top choice for recreational boating enthusiasts. Sea Ray boats are ubiquitous on American waterways, and the company has received numerous awards for its models, including the prestigious Marine Marketers of America Neptune Award.

Everglades

Everglades is a Florida-based brand that is a favourite among anglers who enjoy catching fish. They build center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, often seen in professional-angler tournaments. Their boats are equipped with features like rod holders, outriggers, and bait stations, making them ideal for a day of fishing. Everglades boats are built with the patented RAMCAP construction technique, offering a fully retractable sliding-glass windshield and a robust console. The brand also provides a lifetime hull warranty and a five-year stem-to-stern warranty.

Best Freshwater Fishing Boat Brand

When it comes to freshwater fishing boats, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best freshwater fishing boat brand to suit your needs:

Lund

Lund has been building aluminium boats since 1948 and is one of the most popular brands, especially in the north and midwestern regions of the United States. They offer a range of fishing boats, including jon boats, species-specific models, and some cross-over watersports boats. Lund boats are known for their excellent value, and the brand consistently ranks highly in industry publications for buyers on a budget. The Lund 189 Pro-V GL, designed for walleye anglers, is a top-of-the-line model with a deep-V entry, tall protective windshield, and a powerful outboard that can reach speeds of up to 50 mph.

Tracker

Tracker Boats, including their line of Sun Tracker pontoons, is one of the best-selling brands in the nation. Their lineup consists mostly of fishing and utility boats, as well as some hunting-dedicated models. All Tracker boats are aluminium and come with a comprehensive warranty that includes five years of coverage from stem to stern, limited lifetime structural coverage, and provisions for transferring ownership. The Tracker Pro Team 190 TX is a reasonably priced bass boat that offers good performance and a long list of standard features, including a Mercury outboard engine, a large livewell, an electric trolling motor, and rod storage boxes.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is a well-loved and respected brand known for its "unsinkable" boats. This reputation dates back to 1958 when the inaugural 13-foot model, even when cut in half, stayed afloat due to the flotation foam injected between its hull and deck. Today, Boston Whaler continues to deliver boats that ensure stability, safety, and confidence on the water. Their boats have excellent resale value, with even 20-year-old models maintaining a significant portion of their original value. Boston Whaler offers a range of fishing and luxury boats from 13 to 42 feet in various models.

Grady-White

Grady-White is a family fishing boat brand that carries a lot of weight in the boating world. They have won numerous awards and are recognised for their exceptional customer satisfaction. Their boats are highly valued, both new and used, and they offer stable and safe vessels for family cruising and fishing excursions. Grady-White builds centre consoles, expresses, and dual console boats, providing a range of options for different needs.

Crestliner

Crestliner is a well-known brand that offers versatile and customisable options for freshwater fishing. One of their popular models, the Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk, boasts impressive features such as a sleek console design that can accommodate large electronics, lighted toggle switches, beverage holders, and ample storage. The boat also has an elevated casting platform and multiple aerated livewells. Crestliner provides a range of floorplan options, including side console, dual console, and walk-through layouts, ensuring you can find the perfect configuration for your fishing needs.

Best Yacht Brand

Yachts are a matter of luxury and opulence, and some brands have built a reputation for delivering the best in terms of performance, design, and craftsmanship. Here is a list of some of the best yacht brands in the world:

Bertram

Bertram is an established name in the yachting industry, known for its American and European luxury yachts. The brand has earned a loyal customer base by using cutting-edge technology and paying meticulous attention to engineering and design details. Their range includes iconic yachts like the Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser, Bertram 61, Bertram 36 Convertible, and Bertram 35.

Sunseeker

Sunseeker Yachts, a British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, is known for its revolutionary technology and superior materials. They have demonstrated their versatility by creating sports cruisers, racing boats, motor yachts, and superyachts. Their portfolio includes iconic yachts like the Tomahawk 37, Predator 80, Renegade 60, and Sunseeker 155. Sunseeker combines luxury with incredible performance and cutting-edge design, setting new industry standards.

Benetti

Benetti is synonymous with Italian yachting excellence, known for exquisite luxury and mega yachts. The brand combines skilled craftsmanship with a modern and dynamic approach, resulting in sleek lines, innovative designs, and fanatical attention to detail. Their Vision and Classic series are among the finest creations in yachting.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo, an Italian brand with about 60 years of experience, is renowned for its craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, and innovative features. They focus on delivering superior-quality luxury yachts that meet their customers' requirements. San Lorenzo yachts stand out for their balanced proportions, seamless layout, beautiful interiors, and unique designs. Their SD112 and SL106 models strike a perfect balance between design and performance.

Riva

Riva Yachts, part of the Ferretti Yachts group, exudes comfort, luxury, and timeless elegance. With a heritage dating back to the 1800s, Riva has created a unique space in the yachting industry. Their yachts, ranging from 27 to over 115 feet, blend elite styling, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched quality. The Open Flybridge Coupe and sundeck awning make Riva a timeless luxury brand.

Damen

Damen Yachting is a leader in innovation, integrating state-of-the-art technology with sustainable practices in its SeaXplorer series. Their yachts offer luxury and exploration capabilities, allowing owners to customize every detail to reflect their unique vision and lifestyle. Damen combines luxury with a minimal environmental footprint, making it one of the best yacht brands globally.

Feadship

Feadship sets the standard for bespoke yacht building, known for its timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail. They embody Dutch shipbuilding heritage with modern advancements, creating classic motor yachts and modern explorer vessels. Feadship yachts are the epitome of luxury and sophistication, solidifying their position as one of the top yacht brands.

These brands represent the pinnacle of yachting, offering a combination of performance, luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation that sets them apart in the industry.

Best Pontoon Boat Brand

When shopping for a pontoon boat, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Here is a list of some of the best pontoon boat brands to help you make an informed decision:

Avalon and Tahoe

Known for their innovative products and unique exterior styling, Avalon and Tahoe are worth considering. Avalon has been in the industry for over 50 years and offers a wide range of models in its Catalina series. Tahoe, on the other hand, provides affordable and practical options.

Bennington

Bennington is one of the largest manufacturers of pontoon boats, offering a huge selection of models, options, and price points. They are known for their lavish and stylish boats, with four distinct lines: Q Line, R Bowrider Line, LX Sport Line, and SX Line.

Harris

With over 60 years of experience, Harris is a legacy brand known for its styling and features. They offer various models, including the Grand Mariner series, which provides luxury and power with speeds up to 300 HP.

Manitou

Manitou appeals to consumers who value forward-looking, technologically savvy designs. Their boats are known for their hidden inboard engine and extended stern deck, providing a quiet ride even at high speeds. The Rotax engine is available in single or dual options.

Sun Tracker

Sun Tracker, including their line of pontoons marketed as Sun Tracker, is one of the best-selling brands in the nation. They offer a range of fishing boats and pontoons at competitive prices, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Prince and Tahoe

Prince and Tahoe are reputable brands that offer versatile and affordable options. While Princecraft is known for its innovative designs and electric power, Tahoe provides sturdy and feature-rich boats ideal for family fun and watersports.

Best Day Cruising Boat Brand

Day cruising is a popular form of boating as it offers limitless activities. From island-hopping to sightseeing, day cruises can be done on virtually any type or size of boat.

When it comes to choosing the best boat brand for day cruising, several factors come into play, including the number of people on board, the type of waterways you'll be navigating, and your desired level of comfort and luxury. Here are some of the top boat brands that are well-suited for day cruising:

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is one of the most popular recreational boat builders globally, known for its spacious layouts and family-friendly features. Their Sundancer series, ranging from 32'10" to 37'8", offers expanded outdoor areas without compromising on luxury and spacious overnighting capabilities. Sea Ray boats are ideal for families who want to enjoy both the cruise and the destinations.

Chaparral

Chaparral is a Georgia-based company that has been in business since 1965. They offer versatile models with family-friendly features, making them a good choice for day cruising. Their line-up includes sport boats, luxury bowriders, outboard sport boats, and wakesports boats. Many of their models can be trailered, and they can be outfitted with features for cruising, fishing, and water sports.

Bennington

Bennington is an Indiana-based brand known for its pontoon boats, which are ideal for family cruising. Pontoon boats are stable and have higher sides, making them appealing to parents with small children. Bennington offers four lines: the customizable Q Line, the sporty R Bowrider line, the higher-end LX Sport line, and the traditional SX line.

Crownline

Crownline offers small cabin cruiser boats that are perfect for overnight cruising. Their models feature convertible settee areas, fully outfitted galleys, and comfortable sleeping accommodations. Their boats provide a balance of space and appointments, making them stand out in the small cabin cruiser category.

Regal

With a long history dating back to 1969, Regal is known for building boats that are ideal for beginners. Their small cabin cruiser options include the 26 Express, 26 XO, and 28 Express, commonly termed "mid-cabin" cruisers. These boats offer elevated cockpits, small cabins, saloons that convert to berths, enclosed head compartments, and galleys.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is a well-known brand in the boating world, renowned for its unsinkable hull design. Their Conquest series, including the 285, 325, and 405 models, offers full cabins with all the comforts of home. The fiberglass-foam-fiberglass construction provides peace of mind, especially when cruising with loved ones.

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, but they also offer excellent options for family cruising. Their Express Cabin and Marlin models, as well as the 456 Canyon, provide a balance of fishing features and comfortable cabins.

Cruisers Yachts

Cruisers Yachts is a Wisconsin-based company with a long history, dating back to 1904. They offer the Cantius and GTS lines, with boats ranging from 34 to 60 feet in length. Their boats are designed for cruising with friends and family and can be found on coasts and larger lakes. The Cantius series is particularly notable for its massive saloons, hull-side windows, and retractable sunroofs.

These brands offer a range of options for day cruising, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize space, stability, luxury, or fishing capabilities, one of these brands is sure to enhance your day cruising experience.

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