Save Money by Buying a Boat this Winter

Is there anything quite as relaxing as taking a boat out on the lake to fish on a quiet Winter morning? The only thing better than spending time out on the water is saving money on the boat. If you’ve ever rented a boat you know just how expensive it can be. In order to save money this year, consider buying a boat instead.

We’re going to go over a few of the best options you can get for fishing boats for personal use. Stop overspending by renting boats and buy one of your own to save money and relax all at once.

Save Money by Buying a Boat

Ranger VS 1680

The Ranger VS 1680 is a great pick for those who want to fish for bass and muskie. Specifically, the stable casting platform and storage space make this an excellent boat for use on the lake. There are lots of high-tech accoutrements built in to the boat, making it a great companion for new and veteran fishers alike.

The boat is 16 feet long and rated for motors as strong as 90 horsepower. The boat is durable and sleek, constructed mainly of aluminum. It’s durable and elegant in equal measure, so not only will it look good out on the water, but it’ll last you for years.

If you love to fish on the lake this is the boat for you. New models of this boat start around $22,000. If you’re looking for a used Ranger VS 1680, however, you can probably find one for as low as $15,000.

Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe

The Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe is consider one of the best driftboats on the market. With its flat, open design and ample seating, this is a great boat for hitting the lake with friends. The best thing about this boat is how easy it is to pilot for newcomers. If you’ve never owned a boat before, start with this one!

There are a few different lengths available, though the 16-foot variation is a great pick for most folks. If you’re looking for power, though, this isn’t the boat for you: it’s only really rated for about a 10-horsepower engine. That said, the boat is also quite light, weighing a little under 300 pounds. That makes it easy to take out of the water and carry elsewhere even without a lot of towing capacity on a vehicle.

If you’re new to the hobby of fishing then you should strongly consider this boat to introduce yourself to it. It’s a versatile, inexpensive and easy-to-pilot craft. Whether you’re looking to kick back under the sun with friends or head out on a frosty morning to catch fish, this is a great pick for you.

If buying the boat new you can expect to see it for around $6,000. However, if you find it being sold used you could probably find it for as low as $3,000 or so. This makes it an ideal pick for newcomers when you consider how beginner-friendly it is!

Klamath Center Console

If you want to go saltwater fishing or crabbing you might consider this boat over the others on this list. The Klamath Center Console was created with a huge variety of fishing styles in mind. The stand-up helm allows the pilot to freely move about the deck and the focus on safety is top-notch. The safety features of the boat include grab rails and a bowed design that makes it harder to be flung overboard.

Options for the boat include rod holders and baitwells that make ideal companions for any fisherman. Other features include suites of fish-finding tech you can upgrade with and optional safety feature upgrades. These types of features make the boat an ideal vessel for fishing in bays or even on the open ocean.

When compared to lake fishing, ocean fishing can seem much more dangerous. The ocean swell is much stronger and harder to predict than the gentle waves you typically find on a lake. That said, with the right craft and a seasoned fisherman at the helm, ocean fishing can be a blast.

As for the price, new models of this boat tend to sell for around $8,000 or so. As with any fishing boat, looking for a used model can be a great way to save money. Sites like Boat Trader and BD Outdoors often have sellers listed from the local area so you can try to find a deal. Typically, used Klamath Center Console boats sell for around $5,000.