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It’s no wonder that our lakes and bays are buzzing with all types of small boats. When it comes to buying a boat, small is best for many boat buyers, and they offer an excellent way to get out on the water and enjoy a multitude of activities whether you’re looking for a luxury boat or a good quality affordable boat.
Small boats today are innovatively designed, offering great value for the money as well as packing in many of the features you’d find in a much larger vessel. We’re talking ski tow pylons, fishing accessories, swim platforms, sun loungers, and in some cases even small cabins. They’re affordable—especially when bought on the used market—speedy, multi-functional, and easy to trailer and launch.
The term “small” can be relative but for our purposes, let’s call them any boat under 25 feet in length. There are hundreds of small boat brands across the world building a huge variety of styles. Here we take a look at some of the best brands on the market, but it’s important to keep in mind that there are many others to choose from so be sure to look around.
Best Small Fishing Boats
Fishing is one of the top activities to do with a small boat, and there are many purpose-built fishing boats out there with all the accessories and gear you could need. Some small fishing boats are designed for multi-use, such as fish and ski boats, while others are dedicated to a particular catch like bass boats. But what they have in common is equipment such as livewells, rod holders, and plenty of deck space for casting. Many will also often have a trolling motor system which allows for quiet, hands-free movement.
Best Small Fishing Boat Brands
Crestliner Boats
A stalwart of the small fishing boat industry, Crestliner is renowned for its high performance and its broad range of over 70 models. Choose from fish-and-ski boats, center and side console fishing boats, bass and bay boats, and deep V fishing boats. The Commander Series in particular is ultra tough and able to tackle big waters with ease. Crestliner boats for sale
Tracker Boats
Rugged and compact characterizes Tracker’s boats. Their enormous range of aluminum models includes mod V bass boats, deep V boats, and the ever-popular Grizzly Series of Jon boats. The latter offers the option of a raised shooting deck bow fishing, too. A highlight of all their models is Tracker’s standout warranty, standard on their all-welded boats, which includes a five-year stem-to-stern and limited lifetime structural coverage. Tracker boats for sale
Grady-White
Grady-White needs little introduction, so impressive is its reputation as one of the premier fishing boat brands in the US. Its range spans small fishing boats all the way up to 45-foot sportfishing models. At the smaller end the Fisherman range offers compact center consoles packed with features, while the Freedom range of dual console models are offered from 21-feet. Grady-white boats for sale
For more advice see our guide to the best small fishing boat brands and check out our huge range of fishing boats for sale
Photo credit: Tracker Boats
Best Small Bass Boats
As we’ve seen above, many small fishing boats offer opportunities for multi-species angling, although there is certainly a big variation across the different models depending on the fishing grounds. One of the main exceptions—and one of the biggest-selling styles of boat in the United States—is the bass boat. Designed for recreational and tournament-level largemouth bass fishing, these boats offer high speeds, stable platforms, large casting decks, and big storage and livewells.
Best Small Bass Boat Brands
Ranger Boats
Ranger is one of the top names in the small fishing boat sector, with an excellent reputation for building high-powered, well-built boats. In particular its Z Comanche series is favored by many pros, reaching impressive speeds around 70 mph. Ranger boats for sale
Lowe
Lowe’s extensive range of aluminum bass boats are well-known for offering good value for money. Its Stinger series, for example, offers performance of 50-plus mph at an attractive price, with choices of models including pure bass boats or boats designed for bass, crappie, multi-species fishing. Lowe boats for sale
Nitro Boats
Nitro Boats offers a broad choice of fiberglass fishing boats including the current Z Series bass boats which range from the compact Z17 to the Z21. All models are equipped with trolling motors, fish finders, remote livewell drain controls, a trailer, motor, and their custom tackle management system as standard. Nitro boats for sale
Photo credit: Lowe Boats
Best Small Center Console Boats
Center console boats are hugely popular styles of small boat, especially with anglers, as the centrally positioned helm allows for wraparound decks and therefore more casting space. The term center console is used to describe the layout of the boat, and there are many styles which fall under this umbrella term including skiffs, bay boats, flats boats, runabouts, and offshore sport fishing boats.
Best Small Center Console Boat Brands
Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler is one of the longest-standing builders of small boats in the United States with a reputation for being unsinkable thanks to its innovative construction technique. Its current Montauk Series of center consoles ranges from 15 to 21 feet in length and are capable, comfortable, versatile, and low maintenance small boats. Boston Whaler boats for sale
Scout
Scout brings luxury to the small center console fishing boat market with its sleek, elegant, and high performance models. Their five center console XSF models and the smallest two models of their bay boat range come in under 25 feet and feature plush seating, booming stereos, advanced electronics, and all the fishing accessories you could need. They also boast top-end performance, and even the smallest model, the 175 Sportfish, breaks the 40-mph mark with base power (a 90-hp Yamaha or Mercury outboard). Scout boats for sale
Robalo Boats
Robalo offers a wide range of small center consoles, with 11 different offerings under 25’. They’re best known for delivering the maximum bang for your buck, often posting MSRP pricing that’s lower than close competitors, yet also including far more standard features than the norm. On top of that these are family-friendly center consoles, with comfy seating, head compartments inside the consoles, and plenty of eye-appeal. Robalo boats for sale
Check out our range of small center console boats for sale
Photo credit: Scout
Best Small Boats for Lakes
Inland waters such as lakes are popular boating destinations, especially in the United States, and there are many excellent brands producing small boats designed for use on lakes. The styles vary widely and include many of those seen on this list such as Jon boats, fishing boats, small cuddy cabin boats, watersports boats, Jon boats, and pontoon boats. Choosing the right brand ultimately depends on what you want to use your boat for.
Best Small Lake Boat Brands
Triton Boats
Triton Boats’ range of fish-and-ski, bass, and walleye boats are renowned for their high performance. While its bass boats are popular choices for tournament-level pro anglers, mention must be made of its Allure fish-and-ski range which offers great versatility for fishing, watersports and cruising. Triton boats for sale
Sea Ray
You don’t have to look far to spot a Sea Ray zooming across the lake, so much is their immense popularity. In fact the brand is historically one of the biggest players in this small lake boat sector, having built many compact sports boats, deck boats, and bowriders (as well as larger luxury cabin cruisers) through the years. You’ll find plenty of these on the used market, though today their lineup of small boats is limited to the SPX series. This includes 19’, 21’, and 23’ bowrider models in both outboard and sterndrive configurations. Sea Ray boats for sale
Bayliner
Bayliner’s compact deck boats and bowriders are ideal for family day cruising, while serious anglers will want to opt for the center consoles. They provide a wide range of options, too, with 22 different small boat models. Bayliner also has a pair of 23’ pilothouse boats which will be of interest to those searching for a small boat with a cabin, with one offered in a fishing version and the other in a cruising version. Bayliner boats for sale
Photo credit: Sea Ray
Best Small Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats have long been known for their ability to accommodate multiple passengers on a small and stable platform supported by large floating tubes. They promise days on the lake swimming, cruising, and partying, and make ideal first boats for families. Pontoons can range from 15 feet to more than 30 feet, but for the most part they easily fall within our small boat parameters.
Best Small Pontoon Brands
Suncatcher
This popular brand has a huge range of pontoon boats in the 16- to 20-foot category, all of which focus on family fun, as well as fishing opportunities. It offers clever use of space, comfortable seating, stern fishing platforms, and livewells, and there are models designed for both freshwater and saltwater. Suncatcher boats for sale
Princecraft
Princecraft are one of the top brands bringing small, high-end electric pontoon boats to the market. These ultra quiet, eco-friendly pontoons start at 17’7” in length and go up to 21’7”, and offer pontoons with H36 aluminum alloy keels, plenty of seating, rotomolded helm consoles, and electric engines (up to approximately 25-hp equivalent) made by Torqeedo and Mercury. Princecraft boats for sale
SeaDoo
Well-known for their jet skis and personal watercraft over the decades, SeaDoo has now brought their expertise to the pontoon world. The result is a multi-functional, speedy, affordable range of compact pontoons that come as a complete package including a trailer. They’re fun, fast, and ready for action. SeaDoo boats for sale
Bennington
Bennington is one of the most luxurious brands of pontoon boats out there, building boats between 16- and 25-feet in length. Its R Series, L Series, and S Series offers smaller models than its flagship Q Series, yet all have the same high-end finish, plush seating, sleek silhouette, and powerful engines that the brand is known for. Bennington boats for sale
Photo credit: SeaDoo
Best Small Sailboats
Small sailboats promise a back-to-basics experience, allowing you to connect to the ocean and the weather, feel the sea beneath you, and to master the skills of sailing before opting for something more complex. They are characterized by simple rigs, ease of sailing, and are trailerable. Bath tub-sized dinghies are popular first boats for children, while larger models offer the chance for the whole family to sail together.
Best Small Sailboat Brands
Catalina
No list of small sailboats would be complete without Catalina on it. It’s one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands of sailboats and has decades of experience. There are many different models on the used market, which offer a good value starter boat. Its current range offers the compact Sport Series with models ranging from a pocket-sized 12 feet up to 27 feet in length. Catalina boats for sale
Beneteau
Beneteau’s huge fleet includes sailboats and motor yachts up to 60-feet, but its aptly named First Series offers sailors a range of fast, easy-to-sail, and downright fun dinghies and small sailboats. Smaller models range from the First 14 dinghy to the First 27 pocket cruiser complete with bow cabin. Beneteau boats for sale
RS Sailing
With nearly two dozen models 21 feet and shorter, both monohull dinghies and catamarans, RS Sailing is a small boat brand through and through that builds boats for racing, learning, and family time together. Based in the UK, RS models are distributed throughout Europe and the U.S., and some of their racing models have become bona fide international classes, selling by the thousands. Some of the best known are the two-person RS Feva, the one-person RS Aero, and the RS Quest, a durable trainer that can carry a whole family..
With these three brands, we’ve barely scratched the surface when talking small sailboats. For more, see our article on best small sailboats to buy.
Photo credit: Beneteau
Best Small Cuddy Cabin Boats
The sheer versatility of the cuddy cabin boat has ensured that, despite a rise in open day boats, it is still a popular style. The small below deck cabin lends itself to multiple uses, from overnight trips to a space to take shelter from rain or sun, or simply somewhere for the kids (or you) to take a nap. Usually designed for fishing and recreational use, cuddy cabins can be anything from simple fishing vessels, to compact elegant cruisers.
Best Small Cuddy Cabin Boat Brands
Regal Boats
Regal boats focuses on luxury cabin sport boats, and while many of its models fall into the mid-sized and large boat categories, it has several small Express Cruiser models too. Expect lots of luxury features such as wet bars, seats that convert to sun loungers, showers and sinks, stereos, and of course a comfortable cabin. Regal boats for sale
Parker Offshore
Sturdy and practical, Parker Offshore’s range of Sport Cabin boats are true cuddy cabins. Its boats offer shelter from the elements, allowing for multi-season cruising, as well as a cozy forward berth. With deep-V hulls and large cockpits, they are well-equipped to handle large offshore seas. Parker Offshore boats for sale
Silver Streak
Silver Streak’s huge range of aluminum boats spans everything from hunting models to jet boats to cuddy cabin boats, the latter with models starting at a very pocket-sized 18-feet in length. Clever use of space offers full cabins which can be combined with diesel heaters and good insulation for overnight trips. Add to that a range of fishing and electronics options and they’re highly capable, tough boats.
Photo credit: Regal Boats
Best Small Bay Boats
Bay boats are compact fishing boats that are designed with shallow drafts to run through varying fishing grounds. They are generally between 18 and 26 feet in length and have fore and aft casting decks, a center console, and lots of fishing accessories such as big livewells and tackle storage. You’ll find a whole range of styles of bay boat, with some brands putting a focus on purely fishing with others offering more multi-use bay boats that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Best Small Bay Boat Brands
Sea Hunt
Sea Hunt certainly knows its fishing boats and has a huge line-up including the BX Series of bay boats. All three current models are designed for the intercoastal waterways and flats, delivering a fast, dry, smooth ride as well as features such as shallow drafts, dual casting platforms, lockable rod storage, and aerated livewells. Sea Hunt boats for sale
Pathfinder
The Pathfinder lineup includes eight center console bay and hybrid bay boats, five of which fall into our small boat category. The brand has a reputation for offering excellent performance, a fit and finish well above par, and high-tech construction. Their boats are also well equipped for fishing with perks like multiple livewells, plenty of rod holders, large fishboxes, and raised casting decks. Pathfinder boats for sale
G3
G3 build tough, serious small aluminum fishing boats and their Bay Series is no different. Ranging from 17- to 22-feet in length they’re equipped with fore and aft casting decks, impressive storage, and big livewells. Tunnel hull versions are available for those who want to sneak into the skinniest waters around, and all of G3’s bay boat models are customizable thanks to a long list of optional features ranging from pole anchors to foam-padded decking to electric shallow water pole anchors. G3 boats for sale
Photo credit: Sea Hunt
Best Small Jet Boats
Jet boats are in fact any boat that is powered by a jet-drive propulsion system, so the types and styles can vary widely. Differently to propeller-drive engines, jet drives work by drawing in the water and then using a high-powered jet impeller to propel the boat forwards. The main benefits are that jet boats can be operate in shallow waters as well as being safer for swimming and watersports as there is no propeller hazard. Jet boats can include fishing boats, bowriders, RIBs, and personal watercraft such as jet skis.
Best Small Jet Boat Brands
Yamaha
Out of a huge 30-boat lineup, 28 of Yamaha’s jet boats fall into the small boat category. The brand ranks at the top of the charts for popularity and among their offerings you’ll find everything from simple bowriders, to center console fishing jet boats, to luxury runabouts. All are powered with Yamaha inboards blasting water through high-pressure pump drive units, and all provide the sporty, exciting handling jet boats are known for.
Rogue Jet Boats
Tough, hardy, and highly capable sums up Rogue’s range of rugged aluminum jet boats. Designed to handle bays, lakes, oceans, estuaries, and any other fishing grounds you could find, it offers boats geared for fishing, hunting sports, and recreational uses.
Scarab
Scarab’s ultra-cool sports boats include eight models sized to fit our category, with a broad range of models designed for cruising, fishing, and wake sports, all powered by state-of-the-art jet drives. These are a mix of bowriders and center consoles, plus in the case of the smallest (the 165s) a pair of side-console jet boats. Scarabs are also known for their sporty looks, with customizable color pattern and wild graphics
For more advice check out our guide to the Best Small Jet Boats to buy
Photo credit: Scarab
This article was published in November 2021 and was last updated in October 2024 by Lenny Rudow.
