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.
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’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
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
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 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.
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)
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
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.
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
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)
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.
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
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
Get tips for a successful weekend on the water
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