Starting something new can often be a bit tricky. However, with the help of tutorials, 101 classes, beginner’s guides, and countless other starter options, trying something new becomes a bit easier. When it comes to boating, most experienced boaters would agree an entry-level boat would be the best option for beginners trying to get their sea legs. From easy controls to a simplistic design, an entry-level model is a good boat for beginners. For those wondering where to start, here are ten entry-level boats to help you get out on the water.
Avalon 1980 Venture Cruise
With a sleek design and a well-built frame, this boat is easy to trailer and comes equipped with helpful storage space and comfortable seating arrangements. This entry Avalon also comes equipped with two sun decks allowing you to sunbathe to your heart’s content while out on the water. While you may not immediately feel like a true captain out on the water, you’ll definitely feel like a king or queen with this royal pontoon. This exquisite design hearkens back to the simple good looks that ignited the public’s original love of pontoon boats. Plus, with Avalon’s premium quality construction; their vertically integrated production process ensures meticulous attention to detail and quality you can literally feel.
You’ll feel right at home when you take a seat in the captain’s chair. Driven to build the finest boats that a king would enjoy, Avalon wants what’s best for its customers.
- LOA:15’ 7”
- Beam:7’ 6″
- Max HP:50hp
- Starting Price:$21,050 (w/ Yamaha F9.9LEB)
Though it might look small in the photos, this pontoon packs a powerful punch. Godfrey’s Mighty G 1476 fishing model is a perfect starter boat. With 50 max horsepower, this pontoon will help you get comfortable on the water while avoiding any fast-paced catastrophes. Having the capability to hold seven passengers on the boat, you can have a full-fledged crew to help you traverse the wild waters on your adventures. The fuel capacity is topped off at 6 gallons, and it is equipped with a very sleek and versatile design. Plus, with plenty of cupholders and storage space, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy a nice cool drink while out on the water. It also has a place to store your fishing rods so you can focus on driving without having to worry about fishing gear getting in your way.
Organization and order is truly key here, due to the marvelous compact space and storage that the Mighty G holds. For more than 60 years, Godfrey has been dedicated to bringing your family closer and to make your boating experience a wonderful one.
The NauticStar 203 DC delivers comfort and performance in all aspects of its design. This Dual Console delivers easy-to-use lifestyle features and comfort as well as excellent performance. Whatever water adventure you pursue, the 203 DC is a great boat to get you there. The cockpit is equipped with a ski locker, ski tower bar, galley sink, walk-through transom, and custom upholstery. The hull has NAUTICSTAR exclusive air-assist chines that provide graceful and responsive handling.
In addition, the 203 DC has plenty of options and packages to help you create that perfect boat for you and your family. With a holding capacity of up to 10 people, the 203 DC is designed for large and small family excursions. It can also be equipped with top-of-the-line Yamaha engines to help your boat excel on the water.
NauticStar has a strong focus on agility paired with top-tier fishing amenities to create an experience that suits even the most advanced boaters.
- LOA:15’ 6”
- Beam:8’ 1′
- Max HP:50hp
- Starting Price:$16,333 (w/ Mercury 9.9 ELPT BF)
Accessing the water with your crew has never been easier. The Switch provides all the essentials for family fun on the water with room to customize the experience as your family and taste in adventure grows. With their goal to help you escape the ordinary, Sea-Doo is there to give you something different and new. The Switch 13 is a marvelous starter boat for anyone wanting to test the water. With a trailer already included, the Switch 13 is set up for those who may need an extra bump in the right direction when it comes to boating.
When you’re at the helm of this elegant boat, you’ll notice a great grip on the wheel and a helpful Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system to help you stay safe and keep control of your boat while on the water. The boat is also equipped to be versatile to allow you to customize and transform your on board layout accordingly. The hull design is also equipped with a higher position, allowing greater stability and smoothness while boating. The pontoon also comes equipped with ample storage and plenty of room for even an anchor.
Enjoy the open waters with the LX series 16R. This versatile and affordable pontoon is not only available as a 16-footer but also in floorplans ranging from 17 to 22 feet. The LX cruising models come with upgraded sea weave flooring, a custom-molded console, and a Bimini top for protection from the sun. With countless colors to choose from, you’ll be able to colorize your boat from top to bottom with options for the panel, upholstery, the Bimini top, and even a couple of options for flooring. The LX16 R also comes with 6-person seating and 21-gallon fuel capacity tank. This boat is great for all ages, whether old or young.
For longer than a century, Starcraft’s family boating heritage has remained intact, and they are continually dedicated to providing the next great boat for your journey. Whether you’re looking for performance, style, or space for the whole family, Starcraft is dedicated to becoming part of your favorite memories. No matter what boat you’re looking for, Starcraft can provide one that’s versatile, affordable, stylish, and safety-minded.
Built on its high-performing Z-Plane hull, the 172SC is ready to wow you. There’s in-floor storage with an oversize door to store gear with ease, the 25-quart cooler is the perfect size for the day’s drinks and snacks and is removable for easy pre-loading before your adventure, and the oversized cup holders will hold just about any drink. At the helm, enjoy the comfort of an oversized Italian steering wheel, and of course you can choose from multiple available hull colors to personalize your new 172SC.
And if you’re into water sports, you’ll want to add the optional ski/tow cage. Stingray wants boaters to trust their boats, so they also have included hull protection plans to help keep your boat afloat on the water. They know that starting a hobby in boating is no easy task, but they are here to make sure you’ll have an enjoyable time whether it’s your first boat purchase or you’re a veteran boat owner. The 172SC is an extremely well-built boat, with stainless steel, stain-resistant vinyl, and countless other high-valued materials built in.
SunCatcher pontoons continue to gain popularity as their feature-rich models get in more customer hands. The Select 20 C is packed with features. The bow seating area has wrap-around couches that provide a ton of storage for all of your gear. The L-shaped couch in the stern gives your crew plenty of room to spread out and provides storage underneath. For the sun lovers, the single sundeck has plenty of lounge area and opens up for additional storage.
The Select 20 C is one of SunCatcher’s most popular pontoons. For 2023, all 20-foot models will be available in a three-log version. A table comes standard with deep cup holders and has a molded lip to keep cleanups easy. An optional oval table is available for an upgrade with SeaDek mat inserts with SunCatcher branding. Extra length ladder with improved curved design provides quick boarding after a swim and is easily secured when done. A direct remote fuel system has been added to all SunCatcher models. The new system is located in the motor pod and is designed to make fueling easy.
The Del Mar C is an amazing versatile pontoon boat loaded with tons of seating for everyone. It is fashioned with standard features and the affordable pontoon continues to grow in popularity. While the 16C is a great option, there are larger versions such as the 18C and 20C in the Del Mar lineup to give you more space if you need it. However, with exclusive fencing and access stripping, the Del Mar line at any size is a great boat to start out with. It has loads of optional features to choose from to make your boat even better, and it also includes some high-quality standard features.
To list just a few, the Del Mar 16C comes equipped with a retractable ladder, teleflex steering, and LCI premium furniture. In addition, the pontoon also includes a full boat cover and plenty of storage space in and around the deck. Viaggio wants to give you a wonderful life experience on the water, and they know the Del Mar 16C can easily accomplish that. Being in the boat business for 33 years, it’s clear that Viaggio is very well-respected. The word “Viaggio” actually means journey in Italian, and you will certainly feel like you’re on one when using one of these boats. With their focus on quality and comfort, you’re sure to enjoy every minute of your boat ride. Try this one on for size, and enjoy the journey.