Have you ever dreamed of casting a line out on the open water, but your wallet whispered, “Not today”? You’re not alone! Many anglers long for the freedom of a fishing boat but get stuck when prices soar. Finding a reliable, affordable fishing boat feels like searching for buried treasure—it’s exciting but often frustrating.
The truth is, owning a boat shouldn’t break the bank. Too often, people assume “cheap” means “low quality,” leading to boats that leak, break down, or just aren’t safe. You want to spend your time fishing, not constantly fixing a leaky hull or worrying about the engine.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you smart ways to find excellent, budget-friendly fishing boats. You will learn what features matter most, where to look for great deals, and how to avoid common pitfalls so you can launch your dream boat without emptying your savings account.
Top Cheap Fishing Boat Recommendations
- Durable: Our patented RAM-X material is known for its high-impact resistance and will make your fishing boat last through time.
- High Capacity: This fishing boat holds a maximum weight capacity of 420 lb, ensuring you enough room to bring someone along on your fishing trip and space for all your gear. Its spacious interior can contain up to 36 cubic feet of cargo.
- Safe: This boat is designed to provide excellent stability and balance when you're casting lines and reeling in fish. Our unique manufacturing process allows us to include additional flotation inside the hull of all of our fishing boats in order to meet or surpass ABYC standards.
- Two Metal Motor Mounts: Featuring a built-in metal bow trolling mount and stern motor mount, the INTRUDER 12 is ready to take your choice of electric or gas motor (maximum 6 HP).
- Oarlock Receptacles: This boat also features two oarlock receptacles on either side.
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance
- DUAL BOSTON VALVES – Located on the side of the boat, the boston valves on two main hull chambers will provide easy quick inflation and fast deflation.
- EXTRA STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your pond or lake adventure; stainless steel D-rings also allow the safety and ease of tying down dry bags and gear
- SPACIOUS – With an inflated size of 12' x 5'6" x 1'5" and a maximum weight capacity of 1300 pounds, the Excursion 5 is able to sit five adults comfortably
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Intex 5 person inflatable boat includes two 54 inch boat oars, four detachable fishing rod holders, gear pouch, carry bag, high-output pump and a repair patch
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance.
- DUAL BOSTON VALVES – Located on the side of the boat, the boston valves on two main hull chambers will provide easy quick inflation and fast deflation.
- EXTRA STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your adventure; stainless steel D-rings also allow the safety and ease of tying down dry bags and gear.
- SPACIOUS – With an inflated size of 10'4" x 5'5" x 1'5" and a maximum weight capacity of 1100 pounds, the Excursion 4 blow up boat is large enough to sit four adults comfortably.
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Includes two 54 inch boat oars, two detachable fishing rod holders, gear pouch, carry bag, high-output pump and a repair patch.
- Durable: Our patented RAM-X material is known for its high-impact resistance and will make your fishing boat last through time.
- Comfortable: Navigate in comfort with two folding seats that can slide along the tracks so you can adjust your position on the boat. This comfortable seat also swivels 360 degrees so you can face any direction while you're fishing or reaching for equipment. Additional features include multiple storage compartments, drink holders and two vertical rod holders for your convenience.
- Pre-Wired: The BASS RAIDER 10E fishing boat is pre-wired to easily connect an electric motor and/or a sonar with a 12 V electrical outlet.
- High Capacity: This fishing boat holds a maximum weight capacity of 600 lb, ensuring plenty of room to bring someone along on your fishing trip and space for all your gear.
- Safe: This boat is designed to provide excellent stability and balance when you're casting lines and reeling in fish. Our unique manufacturing process allows us to include additional flotation inside the hull of all of our fishing boats in order to meet or surpass ABYC standards.
- NOTE: 1. Acetone and other chemicals will destroy the adhesive, so preparing the surface with clean water is enough. 2. An overheated surface will also destroy the adhesive. Please apply the ruler sticker at night or cool down the surface to under 95 Fahrenheit degree/35 Celsius degree in advance.***
- Easy to Use - Simply peel and stick, the ruler sticker can be lifted off and repositioned again without residue, fits any solid smooth surface.
- Easy to Read - The adhesive measuring tape is clearly printed, large numbers, black text on a white background
- Waterproof and Easy to Clean - The adhesive tape measure is covered with a PET laminate with UV screening to protect from weather and sunlight, which is durable and easy to clean
- Extra-long 40 Inches - This fish measuring sticker features 1/4 markings and is extra-long at 40 inches. Great for use on fishing rods, spears, gunwales, tables at craft rooms/sewing workrooms, etc.
- Mini Ship Model Fishing Boat Chinese Wind Boat Model Statue, suitable for DIY fairy tale garden bonsai marine beach decoration
- This product uses high -quality resin materials to make exquisite and realistic.
- The resin boat have lifelike characteristics. These mini resin boat decorations can meet your different home decoration needs. Add decoration to your outdoor space.
- Light weight, which can be easily placed indoors and outdoor, adding a little fun to your family or garden. Can be used for decorations in gardens, bonsai or other places.
- Mini boat decorations can also be given to you as a festive gift. These mini boats can be used as mini garden decoration, flower pot decoration, micro -landscape props
- Include 2 Pcs Fishing Rod Holders. Universal cradle holds almost any rod and reel setup and has a front locking ring to prevent rod loss when travelling.
- This fishing boat rod holder is totally made of high quality material--strong & anti-corrosion, constructed with high impact resistant heavy duty ABS.
- Includes 2 combination mount. Multi-Positional Mounting on boat or anywhere firm, sturdy and flat. Great for boats or kayaks. Includes stainless steel hardware.
- Allows for 360-degree adjustment vertically and horizontally, allowing optimal rod tip placement. Spring loaded tension knob for quick rod adjustment.
- These fishing rod holders are designed to make things easy when fishing: When fishes bite slowly, our fishing rod holder can do a big favor for you by doing the most tedious task: hold the rod. It can be the best gift for your family member or friends who are addicted to fishing.
- 🐟【High Load Capacity & Great Buoyancy】 The inflatable fishing float tube measures 135 x 109 x 54 cm/53” x 43” x 21” (L x W x H), providing excellent buoyancy for smooth and safe riding in the lake. And it ensures a 150 kg/350 lbs large loading capacity, providing reliable support for solo fishing trips. Besides, there exists a comfy inflatable seat and adjustable backrest, providing ultimate comfort.
- 🎣【Premium & Durable Materials】 The fishing float tube adopts a superior PVC interior, enhancing the tube's resistance to punctures and tears. The exterior is crafted of thickened 600D polyester fabric, which can withstand rough outdoor conditions, ensuring long-term outdoor use.
- 🐟【Enjoy Pleasant Fishing Time】 The adult manual foldable float tube is equipped with an adjustable fishing rod holder, which can keep your hands free for other tasks while waiting for the perfect catch, and there exist 2 fish hook stators to keep your hooks organized and within reach. Other than that, it also comes with a fish ruler to accurately measure the size of the catch.
- 🎣【Easy Inflation & Portable Design】 This inflatable fishing float tube features a manual pump with different nozzles, thus you can quickly inflate the float bladders in minutes. When it is not in use, just open the sealed value for quick deflation. More than that, it comes with adjustable shoulder straps, making carrying and transportation a breeze.
- 🐟【Multifunctional Accessories】 This float tube includes an aluminum paddle and 2 PP flippers, ensuring excellent control and maneuverability. And with its side fasteners and D-rings, you can secure your paddle on the side when not in use. Additionally, there are 2 large-capacity side storage bags and a fish storage rear net, providing convenient storage of your fishing gear and catch.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Cheap Fishing Boats
Finding a great fishing boat without spending a fortune is possible. You need to know what to look for. This guide helps you find a reliable, cheap fishing boat for your next adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an affordable boat, focus on these important features first.
Size and Capacity
- Boat Length: Smaller boats (under 14 feet) are cheaper to buy and store. They work well for calm lakes and small rivers.
- Passenger Limit: Check how many people the boat safely holds. Don’t overload a small, inexpensive boat.
Stability and Hull Type
The hull is the main body of the boat. It affects how the boat floats and handles waves.
- Flat Bottom Hulls: These are very stable in calm water. They are usually cheaper. They don’t handle big waves well.
- V-Hulls (Slight V): These cut through small chop better. They offer a slightly smoother ride but might cost a little more than flat bottoms.
Storage and Features
Look for basic, functional storage. Extra fancy features drive up the price.
- Simple bench seats or basic storage compartments are usually enough for a budget boat.
- A place to mount a small trolling motor is a must-have for quiet fishing.
Important Materials for Durability
The material affects the boat’s lifespan and maintenance needs. Cheap doesn’t have to mean weak.
Aluminum Boats
Aluminum is the king of budget fishing boats. It is lightweight, strong, and needs very little upkeep. Aluminum boats resist dents better than you might think. They are easy to transport on a small trailer or even strap to a roof rack.
Fiberglass (Older/Used)
You might find older, smaller fiberglass boats cheaply. Fiberglass offers a smoother ride. However, older fiberglass needs careful inspection. Check for “blisters” or soft spots in the material.
Plastic/Rotomolded Boats
These are often the absolute cheapest option. They are very tough and almost impossible to sink or puncture. They are great for solo fishing in shallow water. They are heavier than aluminum for the same size.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality on a budget comes down to how well the boat was cared for and its initial design.
Quality Boosters
- Good Rivets/Welds: If the boat is aluminum, check all seams. Strong welds or tight rivets mean the boat will last longer.
- Good Transom: The transom is the back wall where the motor attaches. It must be solid. A weak transom is dangerous when you attach an outboard motor.
Quality Reducers
- Heavy Patching: Too much patching on a used boat suggests past major damage.
- Corrosion (Rust/Oxidation): Look for excessive white powder on aluminum (oxidation) or deep rust on steel parts. This means the boat was stored poorly.
- Soft Spots: On any hull, push down on the floor and sides. If it feels spongy, water has gotten inside the structure, reducing its quality significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you fish most often. This decides the best cheap boat for you.
Pond and Small Lake Fishing (The “Jon Boat” Life)
For calm, protected waters, a simple, flat-bottomed aluminum Jon boat is perfect. They are very stable when you stand up to cast. You only need a small electric trolling motor or a tiny gas engine (like 5 HP).
River Cruising (Moving Water)
If you fish rivers, you need a little more hull shape to handle currents. A shallow V-hull aluminum boat works better. You must always watch for submerged rocks and logs.
Portability is Key
Many cheap boats are small enough that you do not need a full trailer. You can often load them onto a truck bed or use a simple dolly. This saves hundreds of dollars in registration and trailer maintenance.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Fishing Boats
Q: How cheap is “cheap”?
A: You can often find used, smaller aluminum boats (10-12 feet) for under $1,000 if you are willing to clean them up a bit.
Q: Do I need a trailer for a cheap boat?
A: Not always. Many small boats (under 14 feet) are light enough to transport on a vehicle roof rack or in a pickup bed without a dedicated trailer.
Q: Is a used boat always lower quality?
A: No. A well-maintained, older aluminum boat is often better than a brand-new, poorly made plastic boat.
Q: What engine size do cheap boats usually take?
A: Most small Jon boats are rated for 5 to 10 horsepower (HP) gas motors, or they work perfectly fine with a 30-55 lb thrust electric trolling motor.
Q: What is the biggest risk when buying used?
A: The biggest risk is hidden structural damage, especially rot in wooden components or serious leaks in the hull seams.
Q: Are cheap boats safe in choppy water?
A: Generally, no. Cheap, small boats are best used on calm water, like ponds or small, protected lakes. Big waves can easily swamp them.
Q: How do I check for leaks before buying?
A: Ask the seller to let you put water in the boat for a few minutes, or at least inspect the hull carefully for any signs of old sealant or wet spots.
Q: What maintenance do these boats need?
A: Mainly cleaning and checking the motor mounts. Aluminum boats need very little other than rinsing off saltwater if you use them there.
Q: Should I buy brand new or used?
A: For the lowest price, buy used. You get more boat for your money by letting someone else take the initial depreciation hit.
Q: Can I fish standing up in a cheap boat?
A: Yes, especially in a flat-bottomed Jon boat. They offer excellent stability for casting, even in smaller sizes.