No matter the hull shape or layout, new boats can feel out of reach for many buyers today. Center consoles, for example, have grown to 40-plus feet and often carry three or four outboards; a 40-footer commonly lists for $600,000 to $800,000. For those who want to be on the water without a huge price tag, smaller, well-designed boats still deliver capability, comfort and versatility.
Large boats do offer advantages: longer range, a smoother ride in rough seas and more creature comforts. But those benefits come with higher acquisition, maintenance and storage costs. I searched for practical, enjoyable boats that steer clear of six-figure price tags and found 13 strong candidates under 30 feet and under $200,000. They fall into four groups: center consoles, express-style boats (including walkarounds and pocket cruisers), pilothouse models, and dual-console/bowriders. These selections favor simplicity, lower operating costs and the ability to explore shallow waters and trailer to diverse destinations.
Smaller boats are generally easier to operate, service and store. Their shallower draft opens up skinny-water anchoring, and many are trailerable, offering flexibility to visit new fishing, diving and cruising spots. While small boats aren’t suited for severe offshore conditions, careful weather selection and proper safety equipment allow many to make safe offshore runs. In short: small boats are practical and often more fun.
Center Consoles
Southport 272 TE (Tournament Edition)
The Southport 272 TE is a serious midsize center console that performs well inshore and offshore. Built on a C. Raymond Hunt deep-vee hull using resin infusion, the single-level deck includes a large 80-gallon insulated foredeck fish box, two storage lockers under the cockpit sole, rod stowage, a 30-gallon livewell, a bait-prep center and a sturdy T-top with integrated rod racks. The 272 TE is positioned to bring Southport’s ride quality and build standards to buyers who want a premium feel without a premium price.
With a single Yamaha or Suzuki DF300 the boat achieves about 1.9 mpg at 32 mph. Twin DF200s improve economy to roughly 2.2 mpg at 29.2 mph.
LOA: 26 feet, 6 inches BEAM: 9 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 10 inches DISPLACEMENT: 4,600 pounds FUEL: 204 gallons POWER: single 300-hp 4-stroke or twin 200s (Yamaha or Suzuki) SPEED: 42 mph top with single Yamaha F300, 50 mph top with twin 200 Yamahas or Suzukis, 30–33 mph cruise with all power options PRICE: $141,900–$157,325. Southport Boats, Augusta, Maine, (207) 620-7998.
Pursuit C 238
The Pursuit C 238 replaces the C 230 with a topside redesign that adds a fiberglass hardtop, walk-in console with head and a tempered-glass windshield. The hull is similar to the C 230, but cockpit and seating arrangements are updated: integrated hardtop supports, increased cockpit volume, forward-facing backrests for the bow seats, double-wide helm chairs and a swim platform that extends aft for improved engine access. A Yamaha F300 provides strong performance, with reported cruise economy near 3 mpg at 26–31 mph depending on speed.
LOA: 24 feet, 4 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 5 inches DISPLACEMENT: 4,580 pounds FUEL: 105 gallons POWER: Yamaha F300 SPEED: 48.4 mph top, 25–30 mph cruise PRICE: around $102,790. Pursuit Boats, Fort Pierce, Florida, (772) 465-6006.
Ribcraft 7.8
Ribcraft’s 7.8 RIB blends sportboat performance with yacht-quality finishing and customization options. Owners can choose different console configurations, seating layouts and T-top styles, from a molded two-person bow seat to integrated aft benches or cooler seats. RIBs are lighter than traditional fiberglass boats, so they need less power to get on plane and are easier to tow. With a single Yamaha F300 the 7.8 cruises at about 30 mph and returns nearly 2.75 mpg, making it a fuel-efficient choice for a 25-foot RIB built in the U.S.
LOA: 25 feet, 7 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 9 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 2,670 pounds FUEL: 100 gallons POWER: Yamaha F300 SPEED: 55 mph top, 30 mph cruise PRICE: approx. $130,000 with electronics and trailer. Ribcraft USA, Marblehead, Massachusetts, (781) 639-9065.
Pro-Line 24 Bay
The Pro-Line 24 Bay focuses on a simple, functional layout optimized for bay fishing and dayboating. A shallow 10-inch draft and optional hydraulic jackplate help access skinny water. The redesigned deck and console add practical fishing features as standard equipment: baitwell, rod holders, leaning post and cast-net storage in the bow. Options include a T-top, extra baitwell and jackplate. Powering options range up to 250 hp, with a 150-hp setup delivering about 40 mph and larger engines enabling higher top speeds.
LOA: 23 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 10 inches DISPLACEMENT: 2,700 pounds FUEL: 82 gallons POWER: 150–250 hp (Mercury, Suzuki or Honda) SPEED: up to 60 mph with larger power PRICE: $48,000–$55,000 depending on options. Pro-Line Boats, Washington, North Carolina, (252) 975-2000.
Express
Cutwater 24
The Cutwater 24 is the smallest pocket cruiser in a line known for efficient use of interior space. With smartly designed convertible furniture, the boat packs a saloon and cabin comparable to larger models: a dinette for four that converts to a berth, a large amidships double berth, a two-person V-berth, galley appliances and a head with shower. Several components perform double duty—helm and companion seats fold to expand galley or cockpit space, and a foredeck lounge stows flush when not in use. Power choices include a gas Volvo Penta 240-hp sterndrive, an optional diesel sterndrive or an optional Yamaha F300 outboard.
LOA: 25 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 9 inches DISPLACEMENT: 5,300 pounds FUEL: 116–125 gallons POWER: single 240-hp gas sterndrive (standard), optional diesel I/O or F300 outboard SPEED: about 40 mph top, 26 mph cruise (diesel I/O) PRICE: roughly $99,937–$119,937 depending on power. Cutwater Boats, Monroe, Washington, (800) 349-7198.
Striper 270 Walkaround
The Striper 270 Walkaround is a family-friendly cuddy that balances fishing features and creature comforts. Its compact galley offers a sink and single-burner stove, with options for fridge, hot water and air conditioning. The standup head includes a portable pumpout and shower fixture. Secure cockpit design, large fishboxes and twin aerated livewells support serious fishing, while fold-down bench seats and companion seating make it comfortable for day trips. With twin 200-hp outboards it cruises efficiently for long-range days on the water.
LOA: 27 feet, 2 inches BEAM: 9 feet DRAFT: 1 foot, 8 inches DISPLACEMENT: 6,800 pounds FUEL: 188 gallons POWER: twin 200-hp outboards SPEED: 53 mph top, 30 mph cruise PRICE: approx. $140,840 with twin 200-hp engines. Larson Boats, Little Falls, Minnesota, (320) 632-5481.
Four Winns Vista 255
The Four Winns Vista 255 is a sterndrive pocket cruiser offering generous seating, on-deck galley options and comfortable below-deck accommodations with over six feet of headroom. A V-berth converts to a dinette and the midcabin berth provides additional sleeping space. Sterndrive power delivers good speed and reasonable fuel economy for this category; a MerCruiser 250-hp setup averages around 1.4 mpg at 30 mph.
LOA: 25 feet, 2 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 5 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 10 inches DISPLACEMENT: 6,175 pounds FUEL: 70 gallons POWER: 240–300 hp sterndrives SPEED: about 41 mph top, 26 mph cruise PRICE: around $95,154 with trailer. Four Winns, Cadillac, Michigan, (231) 775-1351.
Pilothouse
NorthCoast 27
Pilothouse designs extend the boating season by keeping crew comfortable in wind, rain or cold. The NorthCoast 27, built on a capable hull by C&C Marine, blends fish-boat functionality with pocket-cruiser amenities. Reported sea-keeping and fuel consumption on a cruise from Newport showed comfortable performance in 4–5-foot swells. The layout includes a practical cockpit with dry and insulated storage, side decks for safe movement, and below-deck accommodations with V-berth, aft cabin and standup head with shower—all on a compact platform.
LOA: 27 feet, 10 inches BEAM: 10 feet, 2 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 9 inches DISPLACEMENT: 7,470 pounds FUEL: 240 gallons POWER: twin DF250 Suzuki outboards SPEED: 41 knots top, 21 knots cruise PRICE: around $178,000. NorthCoast/C&C Marine, Bristol, Rhode Island, (888) 802-2132.
Rosborough RF-246
The Rosborough RF-246 received refreshed interiors and options after tooling moved to Eastern Boats in New Hampshire. Upgrades include improved upholstery, LED lighting, teak trim and a high-low teak table. Interior layouts are offered in several arrangements—some models place the head forward in the V-berth while others locate it aft—giving buyers more flexibility. A single Yamaha F150 provides modest performance and efficient cruising for coastal use.
LOA: 25 feet BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 5,400 pounds FUEL: 120 gallons POWER: Yamaha F150 SPEED: 25 mph top, 16 mph cruise PRICE: $122,000–$126,000 depending on layout. Eastern Boats, Milton, New Hampshire, (603) 652-9213.
Sargo 25 Explorer
The Sargo 25 Explorer is a rugged, all-weather cruiser with practical overnight accommodations. The pilothouse design includes a V-berth, standup head, a topside galley and a dinette. Optional gear such as windlass, heating/air, bow thruster and upgraded electronics add cruising convenience. Recent styling and material updates include bonded windows and an “Explorer” appearance package with contemporary finishes. A single Volvo Penta 225-hp diesel sterndrive cruises efficiently and runs quietly, making it appealing for extended outings.
LOA: 25 feet, 9 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 8 inches DRAFT: 3 feet, 3 inches DISPLACEMENT: 6,614 pounds FUEL: 87 gallons POWER: 225-hp Volvo Penta diesel sterndrive SPEED: 32 knots top, 25–30 knots cruise PRICE: about $138,000. Skarne Marine, Milford, Connecticut, (203) 283-5300.
Dual Console/Bowrider
Grady-White Freedom 275
The Grady-White Freedom 275 receives updates to its deck plan while retaining a proven hull. Revisions include a wider port-console entry, redesigned wet bar, improved seating, tablet and USB storage, and a through-hull anchor chute for easier deployment. Bow seating accommodates six, and the cockpit features a patented folding bench to reclaim space when needed. The SeaV2 variable-vee hull ensures a smooth, stable ride and good tracking for trolling. Fuel economy varies by power; twin Yamaha F200s delivered roughly 2.33 mpg at a 30-mph cruise in tests.
LOA: 26 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 8 inches DISPLACEMENT: 4,972 pounds FUEL: 184 gallons POWER: options include single F350 or twin F200/F250/F150 Yamaha outboards SPEED: up to 49 mph, 30 mph cruise with typical power PRICE: base around $153,420. Grady-White, Greenville, North Carolina, (252) 752-2111.
Bayliner VR6
Bayliner continues to focus on value with compact bowriders and deckboats. The VR6 is a budget-friendly bowrider with comfortable padded seating from bow to stern, a lockable changing room in the companion console, and a versatile aft-facing companion seat useful for watersports. The package includes a tandem-axle trailer, and optional configurations target fishing or water-sports buyers. With sterndrive power, the VR6 achieves solid mid-range speeds and respectable economy in its class.
LOA: 22 feet, 4 inches BEAM: 8 feet DRAFT: 2 feet, 10 inches DISPLACEMENT: 2,840 pounds FUEL: 33 gallons POWER: MerCruiser sterndrive options SPEED: up to 52 mph with higher power, 30–35 mph cruise PRICE: starting around $33,299. Bayliner, Knoxville, Tennessee, (865) 582-2315.
Glastron GT 240
Glastron’s GT 240 reflects the broader market move toward outboard power for lighter weight, better performance and easier maintenance. The GT 240 can be equipped up to a 300-hp outboard, reaching high speeds at wide-open throttle while offering a practical companion-console changing room and optional head. Seating is designed for comfort and storage, with a transom lounge that converts for swim-platform access. The GT 240 delivers spirited performance while remaining a versatile family boat.
LOA: 24 feet BEAM: 8 feet, 4 inches DRAFT: 1 foot, 3 inches DISPLACEMENT: 3,280 pounds FUEL: 52 gallons POWER: 200–300 hp outboards SPEED: up to 54 mph with a 300-hp engine PRICE: approx. $52,933–$60,133 depending on engine. Glastron, Cadillac, Michigan, (231) 775-1351.
This article originally appeared in the February 2016 issue.