8 Cheapest Pontoon Boats (Best Affordable Options)
Pontoon boats are usually made from aluminum, which explains their affordability and lightweight design. They are effortless to maintain and primarily used in freshwaters because bigger waves present problems.
Finding a cheap and affordable option requires understanding the market and the boat. This includes finding the right size, capacity, and price.
Pontoon boats are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the water without spending much money. There are many affordable pontoon boats on the market, and it is essential to know what to look for to find the right boat.
Below we explain how to keep these factors in mind while shopping on a budget. Here are the eight cheapest pontoon boats worth considering.
1. Starcraft LX 16 R
The Starcraft LX 16 R is one of the best cheap pontoon boats for those who want to enjoy fishing and boating in the water. This pontoon boat has many features that make it an excellent choice for all freshwater recreational activities.
While this isn't the cheapest overall boat, it is the best affordable option when factoring in features, size, and capabilities. Pricing is around $24,000-$25,000, and this boat is unmatched when comparing performance in this price range.
It also has an open bow with a bench seat which can be used as a seating space as a way to relax and enjoy the scenery on the water. It fits up to six people with a 40-horsepower engine.
This boat is also 17 feet long with a dry weight of 1,275 pounds. It handles well and provides excellent long-term durability because of the stable sea weave flooring and 25" tube upgrade.
2. Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise
The Cypress Cay 171 Cruise is an excellent choice for someone who wants an affordable pontoon boat with exceptional durability. The average price for this boat is around $18,000, with a compact yet comfortable design.
It is one of the best options for those looking for an affordable pontoon boat with good features. This boat has all the features most people would expect from a more expensive pontoon boat.
This is a 17-foot-long pontoon boat with an aluminum hull and fiberglass decking. It also has an open bow design that allows passengers to be closer to the water while still being protected by the bulkhead on either side of the front deck area.
The engine size is 50 horsepower, giving it plenty of power to get through choppy waters or tow another vessel if necessary. It can also fit up to 8 people, which is impressive for a boat in this price range.
3. Sea Doo Switch Compact Pontoon
The Sea Doo Switch Compact pontoon boat is one of the cheapest and best affordable pontoon boats available on the market. This 13-foot boat features a spacious seating area that can accommodate up to 5 people with a maximum load capacity of 804 pounds.
This boat comes with a Polytec finish, which provides a robust and scratch-resistant surface quality. The starting price for this new model is $17,999, with the option to upgrade some features or add additional accessories.
It also comes with impressive technology to make travel on the water safer and more efficient. This includes a 4.5-inch digital display with some essential functions like:
- Speedometer
- Digital Clock
- Fuel Consumption
- Fuel Autonomy Distance
- Time to empty
This boat is an excellent starter for anyone with no previous boating experience. It can reach maximum speeds of up to 28 MPH with 100 horsepower. It can be used as a fishing boat, a water taxi, or even as a party barge.
4. Sunchaser Vista 16 LR
The Sunchaser Vista 16 LR is one of the cheapest and best affordable pontoon boats on the market today. It’s the perfect option for families sitting at 17 feet with enough space and capacity for up to 6 passengers.
Sunchaser does not publicly advertise this boat's price, but we found an MSRP of around $20,000 to $21,000. This is an exceptional price when compared to many other boats this size on the market.
The layout of this boat is simple but effective, with a dry weight of 1,275 pounds. It has sea weave carpeting and a stylish Bimini top in all standard models for extra sun protection and comfort.
This boat is made of aluminum, which provides strength and durability. The seating includes two sofas on each side with a third port-side sofa in the stern. There is also an individual arm resting chair in this area.
5. Avalon Venture Compact Cruise
The Avalon Venture Compact Cruise is an affordable pontoon boat that offers a lot for its low price. There are many available floorplans, but the cheapest option is a 15-foot model starting at $24,820.
This pontoon boat seats up to 5 people and has many different amenities. The maximum weight capacity is 800 pounds with a 23-inch width and approximately 14 feet in deck length.
The tapered front deck and extended rear deck create the perfect open layout to enjoy all aspects of this boat. It has optional Sport or Express packages for performance, and the base model provides 40 horsepower.
There are two bow benches, both port and starboard, with corner seating. This design also includes two smaller sundecks and lots of storage compartments to make it easier to travel.
Avalon Venture has created a pontoon boat that is affordable and easy to use. This compact cruiser is perfect for the family who wants to get out on the water.
6. Bennington S16 L-Bench
The Bennington S16 L-Bench is a pontoon boat perfect for fishing, cruising, and even water sports. This boat is affordable, costs around $25,000, and can accommodate up to seven people.
It also comes with storage compartments in the floorboard at the bow and stern and bench seating with armrests on both sides of the center console, which provide more space for people to sit comfortably while on board this boat.
The layout includes a quad bench, L-bench, and a fishing area. This is one of the most fishing-friendly pontoon boats around the price range.
The bench seats are comfortable, and there is enough space to stand up inside the boat. There is also a Quick Release 10' Bimini Top included with each boat.
This is a cheap and affordable pontoon boat. It has a maximum weight capacity, making it a good option for fishing or just spending time on the water.
7. Godfrey Sweetwater Xperience Cruise
The Godfrey Sweetwater Xperience Cruise is the perfect pontoon boat designed for all-around use. This boat is perfect for family and friends who want to go on a day trip to the lake or river.
Brand new, this pontoon boat is available for $30,315 and even cheaper when finding a one or two-year-old used model. This pontoon boat has a maximum capacity of 8-11 people, depending on the deck size purchase.
This boat is spacious, with plenty of seating and storage space. It’s also lightweight, easy to handle, and great for fishing or water sports activities. It also features an optional bimini top cover add-on for an additional cost. It’s available in different sizes, between 17 feet and 20 feet.
There are five total models with varying sizes. The 17.5-footer is the cheapest and fits 8-9 passengers with a maximum horsepower of up to 70.
This boat is perfect for families and small groups because of the open floor plan and storage space. It also has a weight capacity of under 2,000 pounds.
8. Pinecraft Brio E15 Electric Boat
The Pinecraft Brio E15 Electric Boat is designed for people who have an active lifestyle and enjoy being on the water. While we don’t love this boat when compared to gas engine options, the unbelievable price is worth mentioning.
The base price of this boat starts at $11,200. This is significantly cheaper than any option mentioned, and upkeep and maintenance costs are lower because there is no fuel cost required.
The aluminum material is extremely lightweight, and this joyriding boat has excellent versatility. It’s smaller than other boats and only holds up to four people, but it’s a fun pontoon boat to drive.
This boat is perfect for fishing and family boating. It comes with a portable cooler and rod holders, so it's possible to spend more time on the water. There are also two seats for passengers in the rear of the boat and another two in the front.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Pontoon Boat?
Maintaining a pontoon boat is a challenging task. The cost depends on the size of the boat, how often it's used, and where it's stored. Generally, it will cost between $3,000 and $7,000 per year to maintain.
But costs can quickly rise depending on fuel use, docking costs, insurance, unexpected repairs, and more. Some of these costs can be planned, like insurance, but fuel and repairs can vary significantly per person.
Pontoon boats are durable and easier to maintain than a typical boat too. This is one reason they have become so popular, making it more accessible for the average person on a tighter budget.
Are Pontoon Boats Cheaper Than Regular Boats?
A pontoon boat is cheaper than a traditional boat with a deck because the design is simplified. This includes less engine power, horsepower, and speed, but the open design makes it ideal for relaxing on the water with bigger groups.
Many people who purchase pontoon boats use them for recreational purposes such as fishing or water sports.
Pontoon boats are also popular among those who want to travel with their family or friends in a group. The aluminum base design also makes it easier to drive for beginners.
However, it’s still possible to find some luxury pontoon boats with similar prices to regular deck boats.
Are Pontoon Boats Worth The Investment?
Pontoon boats are well-known for their stability in the water but cannot consistently withstand rough waters.
However, they are also relatively inexpensive, making them an attractive option for people with little money to spare.
We recommend pontoon boats to families and people looking for fun boats to enjoy lakes with their friends. They can hold many people with open floor plans, so it's easy to socialize while on board.
How Long Do Pontoon Boats Last?
Pontoon boats can last anywhere from 10-15 years on average. This is because they are usually made from strong materials that can withstand water, sun, and other environmental factors.
This is about the same length as other boats, like pontoon boats. But generally, they will only last for a short time as fishing boats and others specially designed for the ocean.
