5 Best Starter Boats of 2025 for Beginners
Fun, safe, and easy to handle—these starter boats are perfect for first-timers who want to make waves without losing their minds.
First, let’s talk about the elephant on the dock: shopping for starter boats is exciting—but also a little terrifying. You're dreaming of that perfect Saturday: sunglasses on, snacks packed, kids (or friends) aboard, and the open water calling your name. But then reality hits. What kind of boat do we need? Can I even drive this thing? What if I hit something? Am I going to be that person on YouTube who docks like a wrecking ball?
Breathe. We got you.
Boating has never been more beginner-friendly than it is in 2025. Boatbuilders are finally designing with first-timers in mind—boats that are easier to drive, easier to dock, and way easier to love. Whether you're a couple looking for a fun weekend ride or a family ready to make memories (without blowing your budget or your back), there’s a starter boat out there with your name on it.
We’ve rounded up five of the best beginner boats for couples and families—boats that balance comfort, versatility, and ease of use. From compact pontoons to bowriders and even a jet-powered surf machine, these boats are as approachable as they are awesome.
2025 Sea Doo Switch makes a great starter boat. Photo courtesy of Sea Doo.
1. Sea-Doo Switch: One of the most fun starter boats.
Length: 13'–21'
Starting Price: ~$23,799
Best For: Couples, families, and anyone new to boating
This isn’t your grandpa’s pontoon—it’s part pontoon, part jet ski, and completely fun. The Sea-Doo Switch is one of the best starter boats out there because it has intuitive handlebar steering, jet propulsion (no propeller to worry about), and a modular deck you can rearrange like floating LEGO. It’s approachable, playful, and comes with its own trailer. Bonus: you don’t need a captain’s license or a six-figure budget.
Find Sea-Doos for sale now.
Photo courtesy of Stingray Boats.
2. Stingray 172SC Deck Boat
Length: 17'
Starting Price: ~$30,000
Best For: Families looking for an easygoing all-day cruiser
The Stingray 172SC is a compact deck boat with big-boat vibes. It’s lightweight and easy to trailer, with wide-open seating that feels spacious without being overwhelming. The hull design offers a stable, dry ride, and it’s perfect for swimming, lounging, or towing a tube. It’s as close as you’ll get to a floating living room for under 30 grand.
Aluminum skiffs make great starter boats. Photo courtesy of Alumacraft.
3. Alumacraft V16 Tiller
Length: 16'
Starting Price: ~$10,977
Best For: Simplicity and fishing-focused fun
Aluminum boats are the unsung heroes of the boat world and make amazing starter boats. My family's first boat was an aluminum skiff named Beach Bug. The Alumacraft V16 Tiller is ultra-light, easy to tow and launch, and tough enough to take a beating without flinching. It’s a great choice for new anglers or quiet lake cruisers who want to keep things easy and affordable.
Starter boats can even be sexy. Photo courtesy of Bayliner.
4. Bayliner Element F16
Length: 16'2"
Starting Price: ~$15,299
Best For: Fishing, cruising, and small-family adventures
The Element F16 brings center console flexibility to beginner-friendly design and makes it one of the best starter boats for families. Bayliner’s signature M-hull keeps the ride stable and the turns smooth, while the open layout gives plenty of room for gear and guests. It’s low-maintenance, easy to clean, and ready for fishing, tubing, or just drifting the day away.
The best starter boat for aspiring wake surfers. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
5. Yamaha AR190
Length: 19'5"
Starting Price: ~$40,999
Best For: Families who want watersports without the inboard learning curve
The Yamaha AR190 is a jet boat with serious family appeal. It’s compact, sporty, and comes equipped with a wake tower and ballast for basic wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Jet propulsion means no exposed prop, and Yamaha’s no-wake mode and intuitive throttle make it a breeze to handle. If you want surf sessions and swimming stops in the same day—without stressing about a steep learning curve—this is your boat.
Browse wakeboats for sale now.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first boat can feel like a lot—but these five options give you a smoother, safer, and far more exciting way to start. Whether you’re planning sunset cruises, tubing days, or Saturday morning fishing runs, there’s a beginner boat here that fits the vibe.
Pro tip: Always test drive before you buy, and factor in costs like storage, fuel, safety gear, and maintenance. The more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have once you’re out on the water.
