Light tackle anglers who are searching for the perfect fishing boat, rejoice – you can still get a cool new bay boat 100-percent rigged and ready for under $60,000. No, these won’t be the biggest nor the fanciest boats in the world. Yes, the published prices are apt to rise a bit when you include things like taxes (though in all these cases you’ll still have no problem hitching up and towing away under that $50K mark). But all three of these choices are well-built, well-equipped fishing machines that will get you into the game for about as much money as you’ll spend on your tow vehicle.
G3 Bay 21 GX
- Price - $40,663
- LOA – 21'3”
- Beam – 8’1”
- Hull Draft – 0’8”
Included in the Price Tag: A Yamaha F115 outboard, console tackle stowage with three trays, twin aerated livewells, locking stowage compartments, six vertical rod holders.
High Points: This is the only aluminum rig we picked, and as a rule aluminum is a bit louder and bumpier than most fiberglass boats, but G3 builds the Bay 21 GX with a stout 0.125" thick hull. They also give it a coating of spray-in liner to boost fit and finish and comfort level inside the boat. This boat has the biggest footprint of any we chose in the price range, and for 2026 is offered with new cushions with color packages. Also note that with stock power this rig will out-perform the other fishing boats under $50,000 included here, reaching speeds in the 40s and cruising in the 30 mph range.
Low Points: Plan to tack on close to $6,000 if you want a trailer, which you surely will. Fit and finish is very good for an aluminum boat, but still not quite as nice as on most similar fiberglass boats.
Visit G3 Boats to learn more.
Scout 177 XSS
- Price - $38,595
- LOA – 7'3”
- Beam – 8’6”
- Draft – 0’10”
Included in the Price Tag: A Yamaha F70, six vertical rodholders in the console and a pair of flush-mounts in the gunwales, helm seating with a drop-in backrest, two tackle trays, dual USB ports at the helm, a small livewell. Note that you can upgrade the outboard to 115 horses, but you really don't need to. The F70 gets you a cruise in the mid-20s and a top-end in the mid-30s, and that's more than enough speed on a 17 foot fishing boat.
High Points: Scout boats are well built, have an excellent reputation, and maintain a strong resale value. They also tend to ride exceptionally well for their size. Fit and finish is well above par, too.
Low Points: There’s not a ton of room, which is no surprise considering the boat's size. A number of features we'd say are musts (like the windshield, console grabrail, and battery switch) are listed as cost-adding options. There's no trailer option.
For more information, visit Scout Boats. Added bonus: in FishTalk's area buying a Scout means you'll likely be dealing with Anchor Boats, which is a topnotch operation with an excellent reputation.
Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC
- Price - $43,995
- LOA – 19’4”
- Beam – 8’0”
- Hull Draft – 0’9”
Included in the Price Tag: A 90 hp Mercury FourStroke, custom tandem-axel trailer, 13- and 26-gallon livewells, six vertical rod holders plus three rocket launchers on the leaning post, 12-V and USB ports, cockpit courtesy lights.
High Points: The Mako Inverted V hull design delivers excellent stability. The boat has exceptionally large fore and aft casting decks for its size and the aft livewell has Pro-Air aeration, so this boat will be a top pick of serious anglers. The trailer is no slouch, either, with perks like Super Lube hubs, a swing-away tongue, and hot-dipped galvanized construction. Plus it's designed specifically for the boat and is included in the package price instead of being a cost-adding option.
Low Points: There aren't any gunwale rodholders. The livewell lid in the aft casting deck is clear acrylic, which looks nice, but on a casting deck it's likely to get scuffed up in short order.
For more information visit Mako Boats.
Also be sure to see:
- The World's Five Best Cheap Fishing Boats
- 10 Best Fishing Boats Under $10,000
- 10 Top Center Console Fishing Boats Under $20,000
Editor's note: This article was updated in May of 2026 to reflect current options and pricing. Please remember that boat pricing can change rapidly, and if you see this at a later date the numbers included here may have increased.