5 Sport Boats For Under $25,000
It is not too early to start planning for next season's fun on the water. We believe in a twist to the old adage and it goes: "You must plan your play then play your plan." To get things started we thought we'd start with sportboats, and you can get a brand new 18- to 20-footer for less money than you may have thought. Our criteria was that the boat must have a 4.3L sterndrive engine, include a trailer as standard and cost under $25k.
Glastron GT 205
 Glastron GT 205 is 20'8" (5.3 m) long x 7'10" (2.3 m) beam and weighs 2,750 lbs. (1,247 kgs.) With a 4.3L engine she has an MSRP of $23,988. |
For people looking for a large and stylish bowrider with features and hardware of up-market boats but without the high price tag, the Glastron GT 205 beckons. Its key features are: adjustable deluxe bucket seats and woodgrain steering wheel. With 4.3L engine $23,988.
See test of the Glastron
GT 205 with the 5.0L engine...
Bayliner 195 BR
 The Bayliner 195 BR is 19'0'' (5.8 m) long x 7'11" (2.4 m) and weighs 3.020 lbs. (1,370 kgs.) The model shown here has "sport seating." |
The Bayliner 195 uses a cockpit forward design to deliver a boat with outstanding space, yet still offers plenty of bow seating. This model is a versatile family runabout with seating for eight . Key features include disc brakes on the trailer, curved windshield and a 120-watt satellite-ready AM/FM stereo. MSRP with 4.3L engine and "standard seating" is $24,645.
See test of the Bayliner
195 BR with a 5.0L engine...
Four Winns H190
 Four Winns H190 is 18'6" (5.64 m) long x 7'11" (2.41 m) beam and weighs 2,650 lbs. (1,200 kg.) |
The Horizon line-up has been renamed the H Series and the 190 reflects that heritage nicely. This entry-level bowrider offers some features you may not expect to see on a boat this size. Her key features include snap-in carpet, Faria instrumentation, Sony AM/FM/CD player stereo, and Sure-Load custom-matched trailer. With the 4.3L engine she comes in with an MSRP just above our $25k minimum at $25,797.
See test of Four Winns
H190 with a 4.3L engine...
Larson LX850
 The Larson LX850 is 18'5" (5.64 m) long x 7'8" (2.33 m) beam and weighs 2,450 lbs. (1,111 kgs.) |
The Larson LX 850 offers eight engine options from 135- to 225- horsepower. Perhaps the most important aspect of this boat that sets her apart from all others in her class is that her hull is made by VEC technology, the most advanced automated construction method in the boating industry. Her key features are AM/FM stereo system w/MP3/iPod port, S1 sport bucket seats, stern bench seating, a five-year warranty on all items that Larson manufacturers, and a lifetime warranty on the VEC hull.
This boat is scheduled for testing by BoatTEST.com in the near future. In the meantime visit the Larson website for more information...
Tahoe Q5i
 The Tahoe Q5i is 19'5" (5.97 m) long x 7'7" (2.15 m) beam and weighs 2,719 lbs. (1,235 kgs.) |
The popular Tahoe Q4 has been upgraded by the Q5i Sport. The cockpit and bow areas have 4” more space each. The swim platform is 3” larger and the entire boat is deeper. The key features of the boat include an insulated cooler on the swim platform, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 ports and Sirius Satellite capabilities.