Bass boats can be pretty expensive, so we compiled some of the best affordable bass boats for you.
One of the most significant barriers to fishing is a lack of a boat. You can, of course, fish from the shoreline or go with friends. However, almost everyone wishes to own a boat at some point in their lives.
You may believe that a brand-new boat is completely out of your price range, especially if you’ve ever walked around a boat show and seen the prices of the items on display.
But there are options that are less expensive than you think, and many of them have the standard features of much larger and more expensive boats. Here is the list of some cheap bass boats we’ve found.
Key Takeaways
- Owning a boat can be a barrier to fishing for many people, but there are options that are less expensive than you may think.
- Bass boats can be expensive, but many affordable options have the standard features of much larger and more expensive boats.
- Tracker Pro 160 & 170 Series, Tracker Guide V-16, Lund 1600 Rebel, and Lowe Roughneck 1546 are some of the best affordable bass boat options.
- The Lund 1600 Rebel has a simple and clean design and is ideal for anglers who don’t require a lot of bells and whistles.
- The Lowe Roughneck 1546 is an excellent shallow-water boat for anglers who enjoy exploring backwaters and other areas where larger boats cannot go.
Top 9 Affordable Bass Boat Alternatives
Tracker Pro 160 & 170 Series $11-15,000
Tracker offers a wide range of options ideal for bass enthusiasts. The Pro 160 and 170 are both aluminum one-piece hull designs powered by a Mercury four-stroke motor. They both come standard with Lowrance fish finders and a Minn Kota trolling motor. The livewell on the 160 is nine gallons, while the one on the 170 is fifteen gallons.
In any case, these boats are fishing machines designed to handle a variety of bass fishing situations and range in price from $10,000 to $15,000.
Tracker Guide V-16 $10,400
The Guide V-16 Laker DLX T is very similar to the above-mentioned Pro series. Both boats are made of aluminum. The main distinction is that the V-16 is an all-species boat designed for freshwater fishing enthusiast who enjoys variety.
This boat has a deep V-hull for added stability and comes standard with a Mercury four-stroke motor. This boat has a lot of features for a low price of around $10,000, with plenty of room to upgrade later if desired.
Lund 1600 Rebel $12,000
The Lund 1600 Rebel has a simple and clean design that is ideal for anglers who don’t require a lot of bells and whistles. Dual rod storage lockers on the port and starboard sides will keep your expensive gear dry.
This boat also has two gear storage areas in the bow, a casting deck, a 6-gallon fuel capacity, and a much lower sticker price than many of Lund’s fiberglass boats.
Lowe Roughneck 1546 $8,000
The Roughneck is a straightforward boat that can be used in a variety of situations. It has a 15-foot length, and a 15-horsepower outboard, and can accommodate up to four people. This is an excellent shallow-water boat for anglers who enjoy exploring backwaters and other areas where larger boats cannot go.
The fact that you can get this boat in two different camo patterns is fantastic. As a result, this is a boat that could also be used for waterfowl hunting, giving you a lot more bang for your buck.
Alumacraft Jon Boats $2-9,000
The great thing about a Jon boat is that they are relatively inexpensive. The Alumacraft website allows you to customize a Jon boat with various engines, seats, and other accessories.
If you’re looking for a Jon boat, you’d be better off getting a basic model like the 1448 Jon for a little more than $2,000. This is a great option for a budget-conscious angler because it allows you to customize the boat as you go.
Ranger MPV 1652 $15,000
Ranger produces high-quality boats, and while many are quite expensive, the MPV 1652 is reasonably priced in the mid-range at around $15,000. This is another straightforward but functional design.
It has a rod storage locker, optional electronics from Garmin, Hummingbird, or Lowrance, optional Minn Kota or Motorguide trolling motors, and four different camo paint schemes, making it suitable for stump fields for bass as well as wetlands for ducks.
Sun Dolphin 10.2 ft Fishing Boat $1,500
Some anglers may be put off by a plastic boat, but the Sun Dolphin is a more than adequate bass boat on a budget.
The deck and hull are even covered by a lifetime warranty. This small boat can accommodate two anglers and features a live well and an enclosed battery compartment similar to those found on larger boats. It also has rod holders and a tri-hull for stability. For years, my father and I fished from a similar-sized boat that was more than adequate for our needs.
Another advantage of a boat like this is that it can be powered by a simple trolling motor. There is no need for an expensive outboard. Depending on where you buy it, the Sun Dolphin can be had for as little as $1,200.
Bass Hunter 120 $999
These are some of the smallest pontoon boats available for purchase. This is as straightforward as it gets. This is a good option for the solo angler, or for fishermen who want to get back into areas that are too shallow or overgrown for other boats to pass through.
Another advantage of a plastic boat is its ease of maintenance. Simply hose away the dirt and mud, and you’re ready to go. These, like the Sun Dolphin, can be powered by a simple trolling motor and cost less than $1,000.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Kayak $260
Kayak fishing isn’t a bad idea for anyone looking to get on the water on a budget, but it’s important to get a fishing kayak because many other types of kayaks aren’t built for fishing, and fishing from one that isn’t can be an awkward and uncomfortable experience.
This one has a swivel rod holder, storage compartments, and an open design that makes it less cramped than an enclosed model. Kayaks also have the advantage of not requiring boat registration, depending on your state or province. That means you could literally buy one of these at Walmart and drive straight to the lake to go fishing.
