Best-Selling Boats: What Makes Them So Popular?

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. When it comes to the best-selling boats, there are a few brands that stand out. In no particular order, here are some of the top-selling boat brands:

- Sea Ray: Known for its luxury cruisers and sport boats, Sea Ray is one of the most popular boat brands in the US.

- Boston Whaler: With a legendary reputation for building unsinkable boats, Boston Whaler is a favourite among fishing enthusiasts.

- Chaparral: Manufacturing a wide range of boats, including bowriders and cruisers, Chaparral is known for its quality craftsmanship and innovative designs.

- Grady-White: Specialising in family fishing boats, Grady-White has earned the highest customer satisfaction recognition in third-party studies and awards.

- Viking: While priced out of the range of the average buyer, Viking Yachts is still one of the most recognised and admired brands on the ocean.

Best fishing boats

If you're looking for the best fishing boats, there are several brands that stand out. Here's a detailed overview:

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is a well-known and highly regarded brand in the boating world. They have been manufacturing boats since 1958, and their boats are celebrated as "unsinkable". This reputation stems from the flotation foam injected between the hull and deck, ensuring the boat stays afloat even when cut in half. Boston Whaler offers a range of fishing and luxury boats, with models ranging from 13' to 42' in length. Their boats are known for their stability, safety, and resale value.

Grady-White

Grady-White is another top brand when it comes to fishing boats, especially for family fishing. They have been building boats since 1959 and are recognized for their coastal fishing boats. Grady-White offers five lines of boats, including Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Their boats are often ordered with features that cater to both family cruising and fishing.

Everglades

Everglades is a Florida-based brand that is a favorite among anglers. They build center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, and their models are commonly seen in professional-angler tournaments. Everglades boats come equipped with fishing-centric features such as rod holders, outriggers, and bait stations.

Tracker

Tracker is a best-selling brand that includes fishing boats and pontoon boats, also known as "toons." Their boats are aluminium and come with a comprehensive warranty. Tracker boats are designed for fishing and utility, with some models dedicated to hunting.

Lund

Lund has been building aluminium boats since 1948 and is a popular brand, particularly in the north/midwestern regions. They offer a range of fishing boats, including jon boats and species-specific models, as well as some cross-over watersports boats and pontoon boats. Lund boats are known for their value and performance, making them a great option for buyers on a budget.

When choosing a fishing boat, it's important to consider your specific needs and boating goals. Whether you're an avid angler, a casual fisherman, or looking for a family-friendly option, the brands mentioned above offer a variety of models to suit your requirements.

Best cruisers

Cruising with friends and family is a fun and memorable experience. If you're looking for the best cruisers, here are some top options to consider:

Cruisers Yachts

With a long history dating back to 1904, Cruisers Yachts offers a range of boats perfect for family cruising. Their models include the Cantius and GTS lines, with lengths varying from 34 to 60 feet. You can find these boats across the nation's coasts and larger lakes, providing ample space for social gatherings and quality time with loved ones.

Sea Ray

Sea Ray, based in Tennessee, has been a trusted name in boating since 1959. Their Sundancer line is a common sight on American waterways. Additionally, they offer the SLX series of luxury cruisers, the SDX series for memorable family day trips, and the SPX series of sport boats. Sea Ray's diverse range ensures that you can craft unique experiences with each boating adventure.

Azimut

Azimut, an Italian boatbuilder founded in 1969, is all about chic Italian style and high-speed family cruising. As part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, they offer six distinct lines: Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis. Each line presents a range of sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect vessel for your cruising needs.

Chaparral

Chaparral boats, in business since 1965, provide a versatile boating experience. They offer five lines, including SSI Sport Boats, SSI Outboards, SSX Luxury Bowriders, and the OSX Luxury Outboard Sport Boats. Chaparral's models can be customised for cruising, fishing, or water sports, ensuring that your time on the water aligns with your interests.

Bennington

Bennington, a leading name in pontoon boats, offers stable and family-friendly vessels ideal for cruising on lakes and inland waterways. Their four lines—the Q Line, R Bowrider, LX Sport, and SX—provide options for customisation, sportiness, and traditional styling, catering to a range of preferences and boating lifestyles.

When selecting a cruiser, consider your intended use, the number of passengers, and the features that align with your boating goals. Whether it's social gatherings, water sports, or leisurely cruises, these top cruiser brands will help you create unforgettable moments on the water.

Best daysailers

Daysailers are compact craft that offer a thrilling sailing experience without the frills of larger boats. They are perfect for those who want to get close to the water and feel the excitement and adventure of sailing. Here are some of the best daysailers available:

Saffier Yachts

Saffier Yachts offers a range of designs, from 21ft to 37ft, that are known for their seaworthiness and ease of single-handed sailing. The Saffier Se 33, launched in 2014, is a sporty design with a practical self-draining cockpit and an optional solid sprayhood, making it capable of handling most weather conditions. Prices for the Se 33 start at €114,500 (ex. VAT).

Domani S30

The S30, launched in 2018 by Belgian company Domani, is a trailable sportsboat designed to be comfortable, fast, and beautiful. Inspired by the Riva Aquarama motorboat, it features a large minimalist cockpit, a spacious aft sunbed, and a compact, classy interior. With a weight of only 1,700kg, the S30 offers exceptional performance and is offered with a long, two-part carbon rig and an electric drive as standard. The price for the S30 starts at €88,000 (ex. VAT).

Black Pepper Code 0.1

Black Pepper is a chic brand that offers a range of neo-classic daysailers and weekenders. The Code 0.1, designed by Marc Lombard, is a high-performance dayboat with a distinctive squared coachroof. It is built lightweight in carbon and epoxy, with half its displacement in the keel bulb. The Code 0.1 is available in Open and Spirit (performance/regatta) versions, with a price of £148,000 (ex. VAT).

A-Yachts A27 and A33

A-Yachts presents two models focused on performance daysailing: the A27 and A33. Designed by Lorenzo Argento, these luxury daysailers are built in Slovenia and finished in Austria. The A27 and A33 offer exciting sailing experiences, with prices starting at €98,500 and €215,000 (ex. VAT), respectively. An exciting new model, the A39, is set to launch in 2021.

B-Yachts B30 and B34

The B30 is an iconic Italian daysailer known for its lightweight carbon/epoxy build and high ballast ratio, making it excellent for light airs sailing. B-Yachts has also introduced the B34, a new model with a refreshed design that includes a new rudder profile, fixed bowsprit, revised deck gear, and a more functional interior. The B30 and B34 are priced at €118,000 and €190,000 (ex. VAT), respectively.

Leonardo Yachts

Leonardo Yachts, founded by the Boersma brothers, builds top-quality gentleman's daysailers and weekenders. Their range of designs is inspired by the timeless lines and overhangs of the J Class, combined with modern appendages. The Leonardo Yachts daysailers offer a deep, self-draining cockpit that can comfortably seat six people and a varnished mahogany interior that sleeps three. The price for their daysailers starts at €177,500 (ex. VAT).

Wally Nano MkII

The Wally Nano MkII is a masterpiece designed by Andre Hoek, combining Italian styling with Dutch workmanship and ingenuity. This daysailer features a pilot cutter-influenced plumb bow, bowsprit, and a low, squared coachroof, resulting in a retro style that is both elegant and functional. The top-class composite construction includes a keel grid built from 33 layers of carbon, ensuring a smooth and intoxicating ride on the water. The Wally Nano MkII is priced at €390,000 (ex. VAT

Best bass boats

Bass boats are excellent for fishing and are often seen on freshwater lakes and rivers. Here is a list of some of the best bass boats available:

Ranger

An industry leader with a reputation for innovation, Ranger Boats is a highly respected brand known for its diverse range of fishing boats. Their boats are celebrated for their durable construction, innovative designs, and angler-focused features, making them a top choice for serious fishermen.

Nitro

Nitro is a manufacturer that continues to make 17-foot fiberglass boats, ideal for those looking to purchase a new boat. Their boats offer a full range of accessories with options to upgrade and customise to fit your angling style and needs.

Xpress

Xpress is the choice of several top professionals, including Jason Christie, who won the Bassmaster Classic using an Xpress boat. Their boats can be run in big water and also get into nasty untouched backwaters, making them a great choice for anglers looking to get away from the crowd.

Crestliner

Crestliner has a reputation for making boats across all segments of the spectrum, from bare-bones jon boats to Bassmaster tournament-ready models. Their boats are easy to tow, easy to store, and won't break the bank, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Bass Cat

Bass Cat's flagship model, the Jaguar, is the envy of the bass boat industry. The company has also developed the Puma, which is packaged with a 250hp motor, making it blazing fast yet fuel-efficient. It's a wave killer with sports car characteristics, ready to take on everything from narrow tidal creeks to the Great Lakes.

Skeeter

Through their partnership with Yamaha and other vendors, Skeeter has managed to put together a fast and solid boat at a below-market price. They offer eight different colour options, a dual-axle trailer, and top-tier electronics, all at a more affordable price point compared to its in-class competition.

Best luxury boats

If you're looking for the best luxury boats, look no further. Here are some of the top brands and manufacturers to consider:

Sea Ray

Sea Ray has been building boats since 1959 and is based in Tennessee. While they offer a range of boats, their Sundancer line is one of the most popular choices for luxury cruisers. They also have the SLX series of luxury cruisers, the SDX series for family day-boating, and the SPX series of sport boats. Sea Ray is known for its spacious, comfortable designs, making it perfect for those seeking a premium boating experience.

Azimut

Azimut, an Italian boatbuilder founded in 1969, offers a range of chic, high-speed family cruisers. With six lines of boats (Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis), Azimut provides a variety of sizes and features to cater to different needs. As part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, they are a well-known and trusted brand.

Cruisers Yachts

Cruisers Yachts, in business since 1904, offers a range of boats perfect for cruising with friends and family. With overall lengths ranging from 34 to 60 feet, their boats can accommodate different preferences, from open tops to closed tops to flybridges. Based in Wisconsin, Cruisers Yachts is a reliable choice for those seeking a luxurious yet functional boating experience.

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and elegance. Their boats offer unparalleled luxury and performance, making them a top choice for those seeking opulence on the water. While they may specialise in larger superyachts, they also offer smaller entry-level boats for those new to the luxury boating market.

Sunseeker

Sunseeker, another well-known luxury brand, offers luxurious yachts with top-tier amenities. Their boats are popular in North America and Europe, catering to those who appreciate both performance and comfort. As the demand for luxury yacht sales grows, Sunseeker is a brand that continues to expand its offerings.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler, a brand with a legendary reputation, is known for its "unsinkable" hull design. Their boats have been celebrated as such since the inaugural 13-foot model was introduced in 1958. Boston Whaler offers fishing and luxury boats ranging from 13' to 42' in 28 different models, ensuring stability, safety, and reliability on the water.

These brands stand out for their commitment to luxury, performance, and craftsmanship, making them top choices for those seeking a sophisticated boating experience. Whether you're looking for spacious layouts, high-end finishes, or superior stability, these brands are sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions