Three New Fishing Boats for Under $15,000

It’s hard (as in, impossible) to logically justify spending big bucks on a fishing boat. If logic comes into play at all in the decision-making process, you’re doomed. We buy boats because we love them, not because we need them. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could find new fishing boats, that beat the $15,000 mark? That were inexpensive enough to leave guilt in their wakes? We can! Check out these three new boats, and their low MSRP pricing.

1. Mako Pro Skiff 16 – This little powercat is set up for fishing, comes with a 25 horsepower outboard and a trailer, and starts at $12,995. I’ve spent some time zipping across the water on the Pro Skiff, and thought it rode better than virtually any 16 foot V-hull boat, handled great, and had plenty of power with the little 25 on the transom. No, it’s not super-fast, but a cruise in the upper-teens is plenty on a boat of this size. Standards include an eight gallon livewell, a console with vertical rodracks and a stainless-steel grabrail, and an 85-qt. cooler/helm seat. Did I mention that this price includes a trailer?

2. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy – If a pontoon boat is what you’re looking for, the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX hits the mark. It lists at $11,395 with a 20 HP outboard. Features that come standard include pedestal-mounted fishing chairs, vertical rod holders, and a Bimini top. But my favorite feature of the Bass Buggy actually has nothing to do with the boat, and everything to do with what it comes with: a 10 year bow-to-stern warranty. That’s practically unheard-of in boats sold these days. And on top of that, there’s a lifetime limited structural and deck warranty. Yes, the warranty can be transferred to a second owner, boosting resale value.

3. Princecraft DLX Yukon – True, the Princecraft DLX Yukon is a simple, spartan boat. Yes, the base powerplant is a mere 9.9 HP. But not only is the price tag under $15,000, it’s W-A-Y under. In fact, you can get this rig for right around $7,000. That leaves plenty of room for upgrades, not to mention bait and gas money. Plus, it does have a few features that set it apart from your basic aluminum semi-V. There is a 10 gallon livewell, built into the front bench. The boat comes with nav lights, as well as the slick urethane paint job. And more importantly, the boat is constructed of 5052-H36 alloy aluminum, which is a cut above the industry norm.

So, you see? Logic never needs to come into the equation. At least, that’s what I tell myself, every time I get another fishing boat.