With nearly 50 million Americans who enjoy fishing in some way or form, the total sea fishing boats available on the new and used market are massive, diverse, and a little scary to navigate. Many factors, such as size, engine capacity, and fishing add-ons, can increase prices. How much does a sea fishing boat cost?
The cost of a new sea fishing boat ranges between $30,000 to $50,000 for a 16′ to 20′ boat. Expect to pay between $50,000 to $150,000 for boats measuring 21′ to 25′ and $150,000 to $300,000 for 26′ to 30′ vessels. High-end luxury vessels over 36′ can range in cost from $450,000 to tens of millions.
Sea fishing boats are expensive, as these vessels are manufactured and equipped to endure the demanding environment that is the ocean. When buying a new sea fishing boat model, you can choose whether to keep it standard or upgrade certain components. Any upgrades will increase the purchase price considerably.
How Much Does A Sea Fishing Boat Cost?
To become a captain of a ship, specifically a sea fishing boat, you will need thousands of dollars to make it a reality.
Sea fishing boats are specially designed for coastal fishing (less than 20 miles from the shore) and deep-sea fishing (more than 20 miles offshore), ranging from a couple of thousand to millions of dollars.
Factors that determine the cost of a sea fishing boat are the following:
⦁ Type of boat
⦁ Size of boat
⦁ Hull design
⦁ Motors fitted on the boat
⦁ Accessories added to the boat
Sea fishing boats come in many shapes, sizes, and price points. The following types of boats are used for saltwater fishing:
⦁ Center consoles
⦁ Dual consoles
⦁ Convertibles
⦁ Walkarounds
⦁ Express
⦁ Skiffs
⦁ Bay boats
⦁ Power catamarans
⦁ Flats boat
Sea fishing boats, on average, cost between $10,000 to $50,000 for an entry-level 16′-20′ boat and between $50,000 to $150,000 for mid-sized vessels measuring 21′-25′. The price range for larger, 26′-30′ twin-engine vessels falls between $150,000 to $300,000.
High-end sea fishing boats that measure 30′-36′ range from $200,000 to $450,000, while luxury custom vessels of over 36′ start at $450,000 and can exceed $10 million in some cases.
Adding accessories to a boat, such as bigger engines, additional seating options, and fishing-related add-ons will increase the price considerably.
The cost of a sea fishing boat has a lot to do with the vessel’s size. The bigger the boat, the more you can expect to pay.
Smaller sea fishing boats are typically fitted with single engines, featuring basic fishing components (rod holders, live wells, cooler boxes, and gear storage space) and standard electronics.
| Size Of Sea Fishing Boat | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small Vessels – 16′ to 20′ | ⦁ $10,000 to $50,000+ |
| Mid-Size Vessels – 21′ to 25′ | ⦁ $50,000 to $150,000+ |
| Large Twin Engine Vessels – 26′ to 30′ | ⦁ $150,000 to $300,000+ |
| Large High-End Vessels – 30′ to 36′ | ⦁ $200,000 to $450,000+ |
| Luxury Custom Vessels – 37′ to 66′ | ⦁ $450,000 to $10 Million |
| Luxury Custom Vessels – 66’+ | ⦁ $10+ Million |
The Cost Of A New Sea Fishing Boat
It’s easy to feel swamped when entering the fishing boat market. Open a boat-selling website, and you may feel bombarded by the sheer mass of boats on sale.
With more boat brands than you can count, all offering differently priced boats fitted with all sorts of accessories that inflate the price quicker than you can inflate a life buoy, you need to be vigilant and informed before you part with your money.
Before you officially enter the sea fishing boat market, the first step is to decide on a concrete budget, whether you want to buy a used or new boat, and what your boating requirements look like.
If you’re mainly going to fish with family and a couple of friends, you don’t need a sea fishing boat catering to 16 passengers, fitted with five power engines. Not saying you shouldn’t go big, but remember, the larger the boat, the higher the cost.
A new sea fishing boat can cost $30,000 to over $10 million, as big a range in price as the ocean is big.
Smaller sea fishing boats are typically fitted with single engines, featuring basic fishing components (rod holders, live wells, cooler boxes, and gear storage space) and standard electronics.
The following sea fishing boats are considered an excellent starting point when dipping your toes in the new sea fishing boat market:
| Small Sea Fishing Boat – $30,000 To $ 50,000 | Length Of Boat | Cost Of Boat (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater 180 cc Adventure | ⦁ 18′ | ⦁ $32,450 |
| Scout 175 Sportfish (2024 Model) | ⦁ 17′ | ⦁ $34,028 |
| Boston Whaler 160 Super Sport (2023 Model) | ⦁ 17′ 5″ | ⦁ $40,469 |
| Bulls Bay 2000 (2023 MSRP) | ⦁ 19′ 6″ | ⦁ $43,162 |
| Scout 195 Sportfish (2024 Model) | ⦁ 19′ 5″ | ⦁ $44,239 |
The prices listed above are for boats (with standard features) only and don’t include trailers and freight costs. Many boat manufacturers encourage the buyer to “Build Your Boat,” whereby you add accessories to the overall design at an extra cost.
For example, if you’re not satisfied with the standard features of the boat, you can customize your vessel in the following areas:
⦁ Engine upgrade (more powerful engine)
⦁ Color upgrade
⦁ Steering upgrade
⦁ Stereo upgrade
⦁ Upholstery upgrade
⦁ Captain’s chair upgrade
⦁ Pilot seat upgrade
⦁ Electrical upgrades (Batteries, chargers, trim tabs, LED lights, radar, satellite weather, fish finders, cockpit cameras, gyroscopic stabilizers, spotlights, VHF radios, transducers, etc.)
⦁ Power-pole upgrades
⦁ Top upgrades
⦁ Rail upgrades
⦁ Rod holder upgrades
⦁ Premium outriggers
⦁ Live well and cooler upgrades
⦁ Freezer plates
⦁ Swim platforms
⦁ Anchor rollers
⦁ Windlass
A couple of upgrades can quickly turn a $30,000 sea fishing vessel into a $50,000+ boat. Buying a second-hand boat with upgrades included often makes more financial sense, as boat owners tend to keep their boats in prime condition, especially when they’re ready to part with them.
On the flip side, the selling price of a used sea fishing boat can be higher than the current model’s MSRP, but you must factor in the cost of the add-ons compared to the standard features found on a new sea fishing boat without add-ons.
When looking at boats in the 21′ to 25′ range, expect to pay the following:
| Mid-Range Sea Fishing Boat – $50,000 To $150,000 | Boat Length | Cost Of Boat (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater 210 CC Adventure | ⦁ 20′ 10″ | ⦁ $56,640 |
| Sea Hunt Ultra 229 | ⦁ 22′ 8″ | ⦁ $60,497 |
| Cobia 220 CC | ⦁ 21′ 7″ | ⦁ $67,204 |
| Sea Fox 228 Commander | ⦁ 22′ 4″ | ⦁ $83,995 |
| Sea Fox 248 Commander | ⦁ 24′ 4″ | ⦁ $114,575 |
| Cobia 240 CC | ⦁ 23′ 7″ | ⦁ $116,850 |
| Scout 240 XSF | ⦁ 23′ 8″ | ⦁ $143,966 |
When moving into the twin-engine, 26′ to 30′ market, expect the following price ranges:
| Large Sea Fishing Boats – $150,000 to $300,000 | Boat Length | Cost Of Boat (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Hunt Escape 27 | ⦁ 27′ 4″ | ⦁ $152,013 |
| Tidewater 282 CC Adventure Bluewater | ⦁ 28′ 4″ | ⦁ $181,780 |
| Cobia 301 CC 2023 | ⦁ 29′ 7″ | ⦁ $239,485 |
| Sea Fox 288 Commander | ⦁ 28′ | ⦁ $247,850 |
| Scout 277 Dorado | ⦁ 27′ 9″ | ⦁ $292,164 |
The price range for 31′ to 35′ sea fishing boats fall in the following pricing bracket:
| High-End Sea Fishing Boats – $300,000 to $500,000 | Boat Length | Cost Of Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Cobia 350 CC | ⦁ 34′ 4″ | ⦁ $360,395 |
| Grady-White Canyon 326 | ⦁ 31′ | ⦁ $381,999 |
| Sea Fox 328 Commander | ⦁ 32′ | ⦁ $401,125 |
| Scout 330 LFX | ⦁ 32′ 9″ | ⦁ $437,084 |
| Invincible 33 Catamaran 2023 | ⦁ 33′ 11″ | ⦁ $437,009 |
The luxury high-end, custom-made market for vessels larger than 36′ is diverse:
| Luxury Custom Sea Fishing Boats – $500,000 to $10 Million Plus | Boat Length | Cost Of Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Fox 368 Commander | ⦁ 36′ | ⦁ $592,150 |
| Regal 36 XO | ⦁ 37′ 3″ | ⦁ $650,000 |
| Scout 350 LFX | ⦁ 34′ 11″ | ⦁ $689,138 |
| Everglades 435 Center Console | ⦁ 43′ | ⦁ $835,000 |
| Hydra-Sports 5300 Suenos | ⦁ 53′ | ⦁ $1,190,000 |
| Boston Whaler 405 Conquest | ⦁ 40′ | ⦁ $1,249,900 |
| Scout 425 LFX | ⦁ 42′ 2″ | ⦁ $1,274,056 |
| Bluegame BGX 70 | ⦁ 68′ 24″ | ⦁ $3,702,732 |
| HCB 65 Estrella 2021 | ⦁ 65′ | ⦁ $3,899,500 |
| Azimut 80 Fly Deep Blue | ⦁ 80′ | ⦁ $4,750,000 |
| 2023 Viking 64 Convertible | ⦁ 64′ | ⦁ $6,295,000 |
| Viking 80 Enclosed Skybridge | ⦁ 80 | ⦁ $7,990,000 |
| Custom Line Nevetta 33 | ⦁ 108′ | ⦁ $13,584,228 |
The Cost Of Used Sea Fishing Boats
When purchasing a used sea fishing boat, the world becomes your oyster, as you will be spoilt for choice in the second-hand sea fishing boat sector.
The number of second-hand boats for sale ensures that finding a boat within your budget is easy. The cost of a used sea fishing boat can range from $2,500 to $10,000, ending with used boats costing millions.
The Best Time To Buy A Sea Fishing Boat
The best time to enter the new sea fishing boat market is when summer has passed. In the fall months, you will find that many boat manufacturers and dealerships start dropping boat prices, continuing well into the winter months.
Additional Costs Of Owning A Sea Fishing Boat
You might look at the price of a sea fishing boat and think, “I can afford that,” but there are additional costs to owning a boat, lurking beneath the surface like the fish you want to catch.
From boat insurance to storage fees and maintenance costs, here are additional costs to keep in mind and budget for when purchasing a sea fishing boat:
The Cost Of Boat Insurance
While a general homeowners insurance policy will cover small recreational watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and boats with small engines (25 hp and under), it does not cover an expensive, big sea fishing boat.
You want to ensure that you take out additional boat insurance to cover you financially in the event of the following scenarios:
⦁ Accidents
⦁ Property damage
⦁ Physical injury
The cost of boat insurance will be calculated on factors such as the type of boat, the size of the boat, the motors fitted on the vessel, overall conditions (does it meet US Coast Guard safety standards?), driving record of the owner, the boat uses, location of the boat, etc.
The average range you can expect to pay for boat insurance is somewhere between $200 to $500 per annum or 1.5% of the boat’s insured amount. If you own a big and very expensive boat, you can expect to pay a premium ranging between 1-5% of the boat’s value.
The Yearly Maintenance Cost When Owning A Sea Fishing Boat
When you’ve purchased your dream boat, you might think it’s all sunsets and fresh Tuna. Owning a boat is like owning a car. You need to maintain it to enjoy the sashimi and sunsets.
Preventative maintenance should be part of looking after your boat, especially when using it in saltwater.
Set aside approximately 10% of the cost of the boat for yearly maintenance.
The Cost Of A Boat Trailer
If you decide to buy a trailer-able sea fishing boat, and no trailer is included in the sale, you will have to purchase one additionally. Whether you purchase a used or new one, you must register the trailer with the DMV.
The cost of a trailer will depend on the size of your boat, and expect a cost of $1,000 to $2,000 for a new one, while you can find used ones on online selling platforms from $300 and up.
The Fuel Cost Of Running A Sea Fishing Boat
The fuel cost associated with running your sea fishing boat depends on how much you use the boat and how many gallons it takes to fill up. To estimate the cost, use the gallon amount and multiply it by the cost per gallon.
Add to the list the cost of oil changes and regular motor maintenance.
The Cost Of Sea Fishing Boat Taxes
The tax cost varies from state to state. In Florida, sales and use tax laws are 6% of the boat’s purchase price, whereas South Carolina boat owners are charged 10.5% of their boat’s value if the boat resides in the state for more than 6 months a year.
The Cost Of Registering Your Sea Fishing Boat
The timeframe allowed to register your boat after purchase varies from state to state. Alabama grants new boat owners 3 days to register new boats, while previously registered used boats are granted 15 days for registration.
Boat registration costs range from $20-$120 (depending on the size of the boat) per year if you live in Delaware. Idaho charges you according to the length of your boat, starting at $20 and adding $2 per additional foot.
Boat registration costs are state-dependent. You may also be expected to pay for a boat title, like in Iowa, which charges $12.75 for a title if the boat is more than 17′ in length.
Storage Costs Associated With Sea Fishing Boats
Not all boats are stored at the owner’s home. Some boats can’t be fitted on a trailer and need to be stored, docked, or moored at either a marina, a mooring spot, an indoor boat storage facility, an outdoor storage facility, or a dry stacked storage facility.
Storing your boat at a self-storage facility is also an option.
If you’re lucky enough to get a mooring spot for your boat at a marina, there’s an annual rate to keep the usually prized spot. Here are estimates of what boat storage costs can look like:
⦁ $15 to $30 per foot per month – Outdoor boat storage fee
⦁ $15 to $40 per foot per month– Indoor boat storage fee
⦁ $15 to $45 per foot per month – Dry stacked storage fee
If you go the self-storage route, the cost can range between $100 to $200 per month.
Marina storage is called renting a berth or slip and varies greatly in cost. If the marina you dock at has high-end amenities such as party spots, eateries, cleaning facilities, and a bait and tackle shop, expect a higher rate than a basic marina berth.
Marina slip charges depend on location, the season, and the length of your boat. Marina storage fees range between $15 to $50 per foot per month, and the average price for a berth along the coasts of the US is $800 to $2,000 per year.
Docking in Miami or San Francisco could cost you more than $10,000 in fees. The more popular the marina, the higher the price. Mooring fees are typically lower than docking fees, estimated at a couple hundred dollars per year, with larger boats being charged more.
The Cost Of Additional Safety Equipment
Safety equipment, such as a life jacket, must be provided for all passengers aboard your sea fishing boat. Life jackets range from $7 to $140 per jacket. Other safety equipment, which costs a couple of hundred dollars, includes:
⦁ Visual distress signal apparatus (flares)
⦁ Sound-producing device
⦁ Fire extinguisher
⦁ First aid kit
⦁ Throwable flotation devices
Conclusion
The cost of a new or used sea fishing boat can range between a couple of thousand dollars to a couple of million, depending on the make of the boat, the size, the engines fitted, and the add-ons. Luckily, with such a big range of boats, finding a boat within your budget is easy.
When purchasing a sea fishing boat, the big thing to remember is to factor in additional cost factors such as boat insurance, maintenance, fuel, storage, taxes, and safety equipment.
Resources
https://www.jdpower.com/boats/shopping-guides/how-much-does-a-fishing-boat-cost
https://www.boattrader.com/boats/type-power/class-power-saltfish/
https://macgregoryachts.com/our-boats/
https://www.tidewaterboats.com/
https://scoutboats.com/build-your-scout/
https://www.rangerboats.com/saltwater/inshore/bay/2660-bay.html