Powerboats make up a large portion of boats available in 2024.
Whether you are looking for a boat for cruising, something built for fishing, or an all-encompassing model that meets the needs of all your family members, you’re in the right spot.
We’ve collected the best powerboat brands you should know about in 2024. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time power boat owner, this list should help you get your search started.
Leading Power Boat Manufacturers: Overall Top Picks
Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Yamaha, Grady White, and Malibu Boats are the top five leading power boat manufacturers in 2024. They all have a strong reputation and are common names in the boating world.
Each one has its own place in the industry, from fishing to wakeboarding to cruising. You’ll notice with many of these leading boat manufacturers, each offers a wide array of models, including sport boats, cabin cruisers, and deck boats.
Want to know what makes each of these top manufacturers stand out? Look no further.
| Boat Brand | Known For | Size Range | Starting Price (New) |
| Sea Ray | Sport boats, cabin cruisers, deck boats | 19-40 feet | $40,000 – $1M+ |
| Boston Whaler | Unsinkable design, fishing boats, day cruising | 13-42 feet | $20,000 – $1.5M+ |
| Yamaha | Jet-powered watercraft, family fun | 19-27 feet | $30,000 – $150,000 |
| Grady White | Offshore fishing, safety in rough waters | 18-45 feet | $80,000 – $1M+ |
| Malibu Boats | Wakeboarding, tow sports | 21-26 feet | $75,000 – $200,000+ |
Sea Ray Boats
Sea Ray Boats was founded by Zach Ray in 1959. Sea Ray is easily recognized as one of the best boat brands in the industry.
Sea Ray is a favorite for its reliable and durable designs, ideal for day cruising and water sports.
People who are new to boating find boats from Sea Ray to be user-friendly and high-quality.
Here are some of the top models from this top-rated boat brand:
| Model | Starting Price (New) | Key Features | Gas Mileage |
| Sea Ray SLX 400 | $800,000+ | Luxury features, twin engines, seating for 22 | 0.9 – 1.2 mpg |
| Sea Ray Sundancer 320 | $280,000+ | Convertible seating, hardtop with sunroof, twin engines | 1.5 – 1.8 mpg |
| Sea Ray SPX 230 | $70,000+ | Spacious layout, watersports tower, 250 hp engine | 2.5 – 3.0 mpg |
Boston Whaler
If someone told you a boat was unsinkable, you would probably feel a little more comfortable investing in it. That’s where Boston Whaler comes in. It is renowned for its legendary unsinkable design, which ensures safety and enhances resale value.
Models like the vintage Boston Whaler Temptation 2500 remain highly regarded among enthusiasts. The models below have also earned special attention.
Note that the price differences between used and new Boston Whalers can be minimal, so keep your eyes peeled for affordable, brand-new Boston Whaler vessels.
| Model | Starting Price (New) | Key Features | Gas Mileage |
| Boston Whaler 420 Outrage | $1.2M+ | Quad engines, extensive fishing amenities, luxurious cabin | 0.5 – 0.8 mpg |
| Boston Whaler 280 Vantage | $300,000+ | Dual consoles, versatile seating, fishing and watersports features | 1.0 – 1.5 mpg |
| Boston Whaler 170 Montauk | $45,000+ | Classic design, center console, durable hull | 3.0 – 4.0 mpg |
Yamaha
Yamaha Boats transitioned from producing outboard motors to becoming a top U.S. boat brand. These jet-powered watercraft are great for boaters interested in watersports, swimming, and even fishing.
| Model | Starting Price (New) | Key Features | Gas Mileage |
| Yamaha 255XD | $100,000+ | Twin 1.8L supercharged engines, integrated wake booster | 2.5 – 3.0 mpg |
| Yamaha AR210 | $60,000+ | Twin TR-1 HO engines, spacious interior, swim platform | 3.5 – 4.0 mpg |
| Yamaha 190 FSH Deluxe | $45,000+ | Jet propulsion, center console, fishing features | 4.0 – 5.0 mpg |
Grady White
| Model | Starting Price (New) | Key Features | Gas Mileage |
| Grady White Canyon 456 | $1M+ | Quad Yamaha engines, integrated Seakeeper, luxury features | 0.5 – 0.7 mpg |
| Grady White Freedom 285 | $300,000+ | Dual consoles, family-friendly layout, hardtop | 1.0 – 1.5 mpg |
| Grady White Fisherman 216 | $100,000+ | Center console, offshore capabilities, versatile layout | 2.0 – 2.5 mpg |
Since its founding in 1959, Grady White has earned a stellar reputation for its increasingly comfortable boat models. Known for smooth rides even in rough waters, Grady White offers models like Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Like Boston Whaler, Grady White is a brand that holds up over time.
Malibu Boats
Malibu Boats are for those who want to have fun out on the water. Whether it’s wakeboarding or tow sports, Malibu Boats is a top-pick brand among both riders and skiers, thanks to their innovative hull designs and cutting-edge technology.
| Model | Starting Price (New) | Key Features | Gas Mileage |
| Malibu M240 | $200,000+ | 6,200 lbs, watersports-focused, premium surf system | 1.0 – 1.5 mpg |
| Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV | $150,000+ | Most popular model, customizable wave options | 1.5 – 2.0 mpg |
| Malibu 25 LSV | $160,000+ | Larger wake, seating for 18, advanced sound system | 1.0 – 1.5 mpg |
Best Power Boat Brands for Fishing
For fishing enthusiasts, the right boat can make all the difference. Brands like Everglades, Ranger Boats, and Yellowfin offer features like rod holders and bait stations, along with specialized designs for both inshore and offshore fishing.
If you are thinking of investing in a power boat specifically for fishing, three brands to consider are Everglades, Ranger Boats, and Yellowfin.
| Brand | Top Models | Price Range | Key Features |
| Everglades | 243cc, 335cc, 435cc | $150,000 – $900,000 | High-quality construction, angler-specific features |
| Ranger Boats | Z521L, RT188P, 620FS Pro | $30,000 – $90,000 | Durability and versatility when freshwater fishing |
| Yellowfin | 36 Offshore, 39 Offshore, 42 Offshore | $350,000 – $1.5M | High-performance offshore capabilities, top-notch materials |
Top Power Boat Brands for Families
The best boats for large families typically strike a balance between comfort and sportiness. These boats have enough features to keep everyone busy but also ensure that you are safe and ready for any family adventure. Three top brands to consider are Bennington (pontoons), Chaparral, and Hurricane.
| Brand | Top Models | Price Range | Key Features |
| Bennington | 22SX, 25QX, 23RX | $35,000 – $120,000 | Spacious seating and amenities ideal for family outings on the lake |
| Chaparral | 21 SSi, 23 Surf, 257 SSX | $40,000 – $150,000+ | Customizable sport boats designed for water sports and leisure |
| Hurricane | SunDeck 187 OB, SunDeck 217 OB, FunDeck 236 WB | $30,000 – $90,000 | Spacious and affordable deck boats |
Brands Known for Their High-Performance Power Boats
Some folks shopping for a powerboat only plan on taking occasional cruises out on the water, while others are focused on speed and thrill when weighing between different models. If you fall into the latter category, then the Cigarette, Nor-Tech, or Invincible boats are your best options.
| Brand | Top Models | Price Range | Key Features |
| Cigarette | 515, 42X, 41’ Nighthawk | $300,000 – $2M+ | Exceptional engineering, high-speed capabilities, ideal for thrill-seekers |
| Nor-Tech | 450 Sport, 392 Superfish, 340 Sport | $400,000 – $1.5M+ | Innovative hull designs offering more speed, stylish and comfortable rides |
| Invincible | 37 Open, 42 Cat, 33 Cat | $300,000 – $1M+ | Center consoles engineered for speed, stability, and reliability in offshore fishing |
Luxury Power Boat Brands
You’ll need a sizable budget for any of the boats in this list, but in the case that you have a limitless budget, here are the best powerboat brands to know. These luxury models, the Azimut, Princess, and Sunseeker, step things up a notch.
With these brands, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for customization, not to mention impressive craftsmanship and performance that only the biggest budgets can afford.
| Brand | Top Models | Price Range | Key Features |
| Azimut Yachts | Fly, S, Grande lines | $500,000 – $10M+ | High-speed family cruising yachts, extensive customization options for tailored luxury |
| Princess Yachts | R35, X95, Y85 | $750,000 – $10M+ | Sophisticated design, advanced technology, blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation |
| Sunseeker | Predator, Manhattan, 86 Yacht | $1M+ – $10M+ | Meticulous craftsmanship, superior performance, seamless combination of luxury and high performance |
Budget-Friendly Power Boat Brands
Unlike the brands in the previous category, Bayliner, Tracker, and Tidewater are for those folks who want to invest in a boat (that isn’t the equivalent of a waterfront mansion).
| Brand | Top Models | Price Range | Key Features |
| Bayliner | VR5 Bowrider, Element E18, Trophy T22CC | $15,000 – $60,000 | Ideal for new boaters, known for fiberglass motorboats and express cruisers |
| Tracker | Pro Team 175 TXW, Grizzly 2072, Targa V-18 WT | $10,000 – $35,000 | Reliable performance, backed by a 5-year warranty |
| Tidewater | 320 CC Adventure, 230 LXF, 380 CC Adventure Custom | $40,000 – $200,000+ | Foam-filled hulls, composite construction, great value for budget-conscious buyers |
Summary
Picking the best power boat for your needs is just the first step. Once you have one, you need to figure out where to store it. If your garage or property has no space, consider Neighbor, a peer-to-peer boat storage marketplace.
You’ll find storage options up to 50% cheaper than you get from traditional storage providers. Most importantly, you can keep your new power boat right in your neighborhood!
