Outdoors

14 boats for fun on the water

Cottage living doesn’t end at the dock, and we’ve got you covered with these great boats that are sure to please even the staunchest landlubbers.

Go Fish

Whether it’s catching some dinner with the kids or setting out to win the holiday weekend tournament, today’s fishing boats are a joy even when the fish won’t bite.

 

Lund SSV 14

Simple, durable and utterly maintenance-free, the classic 14-footer is a genuine Canadian icon. With its walk-through seating and under-seat gas tank storage, Lund’s contemporary take on the classic tinny is tough to beat.

Key features:

  • Walk-through middle seat
  • Under-seat fuel tank storage
  • Aluminum corner castings
  • Aluminum splash pan

Suggested retail: $7,750 (boat only)

MSRP: US$5,527

 

Crestliner PT 18

Crestliner’s PT 18 is a versatile cottage fishing boat that won’t break the bank thanks to its lightweight aluminum hull. It’s also tough enough to take occasional brushes with the Canadian Shield in stride.

Key features:

  • 33 gallon aerated live well
  • In-deck storage for rods to 12’ 8”
  • Massive elevated bow casting deck
  • Recessed trolling motor pedal well
  • Available Hot Foot throttle

Suggested retail: $39,000 (includes a Mercury 115 hp Pro XS outboard)

MSRP: US$28,306

 

Princecraft Kapture 187

Made in Quebec, Princecraft’s Kapture 187 combines a deep, big-water hull with a walk-through windshield and a boatload of fishing features to let anglers enjoy wetting a line any time from ice-out to freeze-up.

Key features:

  • In-deck rod storage
  • Aerated 64L live well
  • Integrated ice chest
  • Galvanized trailer with swing-away tongue
  • Mercury 115 hp outboard

Suggested retail: $46,124 (includes a Mercury 115 hp and a galvanized trailer)

MSRP: $46,124

 

Triton TRX 19 TRX

Serious anglers will appreciate the Triton’s smooth ride and low profile, which reduces any tendency to blow off course in a breeze. V6 power lets it get to those distant spots and return in time for a fresh fish breakfast.

Key features:

  • Minn Kota Edge 70 lb. trolling motor
  • Lowrance Hook 2 – 5 fish finder
  • Onboard battery chargers
  • Hot Foot Throttle
  • Clarion stereo

Suggested retail: $65,000 (includes a Mercury 225 hp Pro XS outboard)

MSRP: US$46,905

 

Ranger Z Comanche Z521L

Ranger has been the choice of top tournament pros for decades on the strength of its incredible performance, superlative comfort, and unbeatable build quality. When anglers dream, this is what it’s all about.

Key features:

  • Handmade UltraComfort seats
  • Ventilated rod storage
  • Keyless ignition
  • Twin Lowrance HDS displays
  • Matching trailer

Suggested retail: $105,000 (includes a Mercury hp Pro XS outboard)

MSRP: US$73,395

 

Family Fun

The classic cottage bowrider has come a long way baby, with more comfort, incredible sound systems and greater capability than ever.

 Chaparral SSi 21

Now with outboard power, Chaparral’s SSi 21 makes those cross-lake ice cream runs more enjoyable than ever with its premium upholstery, audiophile stereo and snap-in carpet for all the comforts of home. Note that once you factor in the popular add-ons, you could easily add $20,000 to the ticket price.

Key features:

  • Built-in 70 quart cooler
  • Cockpit LED lighting
  • Stainless steel drink holders and grab handles throughout
  • Ultra Comfort seats
  • Trailer with swing-away tongue

Suggested retail: see retailer

MSRP: US$38,895 (includes a Yamaha 150 hp outboard)

 

Regal OBX 21

With its impressive list of standard features and an eye-popping option list, Regal’s OBX 21 is all about getting exactly what you want – including a choice of outboard or sterndrive power.

Key features:

  • Over-sized bow seating
  • Versatile cockpit layout with premium upholstery
  • Storage lazarette
  • Wraparound swim platform
  • Fusion audiophile stereo system with six speakers

Suggested retail: $78,000 (including a Yamaha 150 hp outboard)

MSRP: US$55,870

 

Boston Whaler Vantage 230

A thoroughly modern take on the unsinkable legend, Boston Whaler’s Vantage 230 blends a dual-console layout, an all-new hull design and unmatched versatility into what might just be the ultimate cottage runabout.

Key features:

  • Unsinkable hull
  • Head complete with molded sink and lockable entry door
  • All stainless steel hardware
  • Integrated swim platform
  • Available fishing package with live well, rod holders and more

Suggested retail: $185,000 (includes a Mercury 250 hp Verado outboard)

MSRP: US$131,640

 

Fun In The Sun

 When it comes to enjoying the summer with the entire family, it’s hard to beat the comfort and amenities of a pontoon boat. With their flat floors, wide entry gates and expansive seating pontoons are often likened to floating patios. A wide range of optional upgrades allow buyers to get exactly what they want.

 

Lowe SS210V

Comfortable, agile and with seating for up to 12 people, Lowe’s SS210V comes with a fuel-sipping Mercury 60 hp outboard and a standard Bimini top for protection from the mid-day sun.

Key features:

  • 3 entry gates
  • L-shaped stern lounge
  • Twin bow loungers
  • Storage under all seats
  • Jensen stereo with Bluetooth streaming

Suggested retail: $29,000 (includes a Mercury 60 hp outboard, but before popular add-ons)

MSRP: US$20,495

 

Sylvan Mirage 8520 4 Pt.

Love the spacious flat floor of a pontoon but really like to fish? Sylvan’s Mirage 8520 4 Pt. comes with four pedestal-mount fishing chairs, a live well, rod holders and a Bimini top to blend style and substance.

Key features:

  • L-shaped lounge seat with cockpit table
  • Jensen stereo with Bluetooth streaming
  • 24 ounce marine carpet
  • Available third tube for enhanced handling
  • Accepts up to 200 hp outboards with third tube package

Suggested retail: $28,600 (boat only)

MSRP: US$20,465 (boat only)

 

Harris Crowne SL270

With its upscale amenities and cutting-edge style, the Crowne 270 from Harris comes with a long list of luxurious standard features and an even longer list of optional upgrades to really set this boat apart.

Key features:

  • Power stern double-wide lounge seat
  • 12-foot Bikini top
  • JL stereo with Bluetooth streaming
  • Removable woodgrain table
  • Upholstered interior panels

Suggested retail: See dealer

MSRP: US$115,316 (includes Mercury 150 hp)

 

Watersport boats

 Like to wakeboard, wake surf, or just watch the kids have fun? These incredible watersports boats will help you find your groove. Modern surf boats create luxurious wakes that delight riders, then dissipate promptly to minimize shoreline impacts. If you’re new to surfing, stay well offshore and surf over deeper water for the most enjoyable ride.

 

MasterCraft NXT 20

With seating for 11 in a hull that’s compact enough to store inside a standard garage, MasterCraft’s NXT 20 gets a bunch of great updates for 2020 starting with an Ilmor 6.0L engine that delivers more grunt than ever.

Key features:

  • Updated Gen 2 Surf System for unmatched control
  • 1,770 lbs. of ballast
  • ZFT2 tower
  • Zero Off speed control
  • DockStar handling package

Suggested retail: $112,000 (includes Ilmor 6.0L engine

MSRP: US$79,995

 

Malibu Boats Wakesetter 25 LSV

Malibu’s Wakesetter has been the top-selling wakeboarding and wake surfing boat for years and it gets even better for 2020 with Surf Band, letting riders control the wake right from their wrist.

Key features:

  • SternTurn steering assist
  • Swim Step retractable swim platform
  • Available full-length awning
  • 4,825 lbs. of ballast
  • Multi-view bench seat

Suggested retail: $195,000 (with Monsoon 6.2L

MSRP: US$140,320

 

Nautique Super Air G23

Named wakeboard boat of the year seven times and wake surf boat of the year five times and counting, Nautique’s Super Air G23 remains the choice of top riders in professional competition worldwide.

Key features:

  • 2,850 lbs. of sub-floor ballast
  • Reversible stern seat
  • Handheld remote control of wake functions
  • Garmin watch integration
  • Integrated steering assist for easy docking

Suggested retail: $230,000 (includes PCM 6.2L engine)

MSRP: US$166,053

 

Read more: What you need to know about the legalities of buying a boat

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