Watercraft Guide

Navigate Florida's waterways. Springs, marshes, open lakes, and coastal flats each demand different craft. 9 vessel types. Real specs. Real prices. Find your match.

🛶

Kayak

Paddle into the wild

Silent, nimble, and perfect for springs, mangroves, and narrow creeks. The most popular watercraft in Florida for good reason — low cost, no...

Draft: 3–6 in Capacity: 1–2 New: $250–3,500

Full Guide → 🛶

Canoe

Classic open-water paddling

The original Florida exploration craft. Higher sides and open deck mean more cargo capacity than a kayak — ideal for multi-day river trips, ...

Draft: 4–8 in Capacity: 2–3 New: $400–2,500

Full Guide → 🏄

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Cruise above the crystal

Stand above the water for unmatched visibility into Florida's crystal-clear springs. SUPs are the fastest-growing watercraft category in the...

Draft: 2–5 in Capacity: 1 New: $300–1,800

Full Guide → 🚤

Jon Boat

The bass angler's workhorse

Flat-bottomed, no-frills, and built for shallow Florida lakes and rivers. Jon boats are the most affordable motorized watercraft for fishing...

Draft: 4–8 in Capacity: 2–5 New: $1,500–12,000 (with motor and trailer)

Full Guide → 🎣

Bass Boat

Tournament-grade freshwater power

Purpose-built for competitive bass fishing on Florida's legendary lakes. Low-profile fiberglass hulls, massive outboards, and feature-rich d...

Draft: 10–16 in Capacity: 2–4 New: $20,000–85,000

Full Guide → 🐟

Flats Boat / Skiff

Sight-fish the shallows

The ultimate inshore saltwater platform for Florida's flats, backcountry, and mangrove shorelines. Designed to run in inches of water while ...

Draft: 6–10 in (trimmed up: 3–4 in) Capacity: 2–4 New: $30,000–110,000

Full Guide → 💨

Airboat

Skim the Everglades

The iconic Florida watercraft. Fan-powered propulsion pushes these flat-bottomed beasts across sawgrass marshes, mud flats, and flooded prai...

Draft: 0–2 in Capacity: 2–16 (tour boats) New: $25,000–120,000

Full Guide → ⛵

Pontoon Boat

Floating living room

Maximum comfort and capacity for Florida's larger lakes and protected coastal waters. Twin aluminum tubes or tritoons support a spacious dec...

Draft: 14–24 in Capacity: 8–14 New: $22,000–65,000

Full Guide → 🚢

Center Console

Offshore-ready saltwater machine

The dominant saltwater fishing platform in Florida. A center helm with 360° fishable deck space, deep-V hull for ocean swells, and serious e...

Draft: 12–28 in Capacity: 4–10 New: $30,000–200,000+

Full Guide →

Full Comparison

Scroll horizontally on mobile. Click a column header to sort.

Craft	Category	Length	Capacity	Draft	Speed	Skill	New Price	Rental
🛶 Kayak	paddle	8–14 ft	1–2	3–6 in	3–5 mph	Beginner	$250–3,500	$30–60
🛶 Canoe	paddle	14–18 ft	2–3	4–8 in	2–4 mph	Beginner–Intermediate	$400–2,500	$40–70
🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboard	paddle	9–12 ft	1	2–5 in	3–5 mph	Beginner	$300–1,800	$35–65
🚤 Jon Boat	motorized	10–18 ft	2–5	4–8 in	5–30 mph	Beginner–Intermediate	$1,500–12,000 (with motor and trailer)	$100–200
🎣 Bass Boat	motorized	17–22 ft	2–4	10–16 in	50–80 mph	Intermediate–Advanced	$20,000–85,000	$250–500
🐟 Flats Boat / Skiff	motorized	16–20 ft	2–4	6–10 in (trimmed up: 3–4 in)	25–50 mph	Intermediate–Advanced	$30,000–110,000	$350–600 (guided trip)
💨 Airboat	motorized	12–20 ft	2–16 (tour boats)	0–2 in	25–45 mph	Advanced (operator) / None (passenger)	$25,000–120,000	N/A (tours only: $40–80/person)
⛵ Pontoon Boat	motorized	18–26 ft	8–14	14–24 in	15–45 mph (tritoon)	Beginner–Intermediate	$22,000–65,000	$250–500
🚢 Center Console	motorized	18–36 ft	4–10	12–28 in	30–60 mph	Intermediate–Advanced	$30,000–200,000+	$400–1,000

Cost of Ownership

Entry-level new pricing with motor/trailer where applicable. All figures approximate — dealer pricing varies.

🛶

Kayak

New $250–3,500

Used $150–1,500

Rental $30–60

Annual Maint. $50–150

🛶

Canoe

New $400–2,500

Used $200–1,200

Rental $40–70

Annual Maint. $50–100

🏄

Stand-Up Paddleboard

New $300–1,800

Used $200–800

Rental $35–65

Annual Maint. $25–75

🚤

Jon Boat

New $1,500–12,000 (with motor and trailer)

Used $800–6,000 (with motor)

Rental $100–200

Annual Maint. $200–600

🎣

Bass Boat

New $20,000–85,000

Used $8,000–40,000

Rental $250–500

Annual Maint. $1,500–4,000

🐟

Flats Boat / Skiff

New $30,000–110,000

Used $15,000–60,000

Rental $350–600 (guided trip)

Annual Maint. $2,000–5,000

💨

Airboat

New $25,000–120,000

Used $12,000–60,000

Rental N/A (tours only: $40–80/person)

Annual Maint. $3,000–8,000

⛵

Pontoon Boat

New $22,000–65,000

Used $10,000–35,000

Rental $250–500

Annual Maint. $1,500–3,500

🚢

Center Console

New $30,000–200,000+

Used $15,000–100,000+

Rental $400–1,000

Annual Maint. $3,000–10,000

Popular Models & Pricing

Select a craft type to see top models with current MSRP.

Pelican Sentinel 100X

$300

Pelican · Sit-on-top recreational

10 ft 44 lbs

Adjustable footrests
Storage hatch
Paddle holder

Best for: Budget buyers, calm water

Perception Pescador Pro 12

$900

Perception · Sit-on-top fishing

12 ft 64 lbs

Removable stadium seat
4 rod holders
Front/rear gear tracks

Best for: Kayak fishing, rivers and flats

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120

$1,200

Wilderness Systems · Sit-on-top touring

12 ft 62 lbs

Phase 3 AirPro seat
Orbix console
4 flush rod holders

Best for: All-day trips, offshore-capable

Old Town Topwater 120 PDL

$2,300

Old Town · Pedal-drive fishing

12 ft 107 lbs

PDL pedal drive
Universal transducer mount
ElementAir seat

Best for: Serious anglers, hands-free fishing

Hobie Mirage Outback

$3,500

Hobie · Pedal-drive fishing

12 ft 9 in 101 lbs

MirageDrive 180° pedal
Kick-Up fins
H-Track mounting
Guardian transducer shield

Best for: Premium anglers, flats and coastal

Old Town Discovery 158

$950

Old Town · Recreational tandem

15 ft 8 in 82 lbs

Three-layer polyethylene
Contour center seat
Vinyl gunwales

Best for: Families, river trips

Wenonah Spirit II

$1,600

Wenonah · All-around tandem

17 ft 65 lbs

Tuf-weave flex-core
Comfortable contour seats
Excellent stability

Best for: Flatwater, lakes, easy rivers

Mad River Explorer 16

$1,400

Mad River · Expedition tandem

16 ft 2 in 75 lbs

RX hull material
Drop-in foam seats
Beefy handles

Best for: Wilderness trips, gear hauling

iROCKER All Around 11

$525

iROCKER · Inflatable all-around

11 ft 25 lbs

Triple-layer military-grade PVC
Kayak seat compatible
Action mount

Best for: Beginners, springs, lakes

BOTE Flood Aero 11'6"

$700

BOTE · Inflatable all-around

11 ft 6 in 26 lbs

AeroBOTE construction
Magnepod system
Travel bag included

Best for: Florida springs, travel

BOTE HD Aero 11'6"

$1,100

BOTE · Inflatable fishing SUP

11 ft 6 in 30 lbs

Rac system
KULA cooler compatible
Paddle sheath
Aero paddle

Best for: SUP fishing, eco-touring

SIC Maui Tao Surf 11'6"

$1,500

SIC Maui · Rigid all-around

11 ft 6 in 28 lbs

ACE-TEC construction
Full deck pad
FCS fin system

Best for: Performance paddling, fitness

Tracker Topper 1236

$1,200

Tracker · Ultra-light utility

12 ft 108 lbs

Riveted aluminum hull
Bench seating
Built-in transom

Best for: Small ponds, budget fishing

Lowe Jon L1436

$1,800

Lowe · All-purpose jon boat

14 ft 139 lbs

Pressed-rib hull
Rolled gunwale edges
Multiple bench seats

Best for: Rivers, lakes, general use

Tracker Grizzly 1648 SC

$8,500

Tracker · Side-console fishing

16 ft 430 lbs

Side console w/ windscreen
Livewell
Mod-V hull
25 HP Mercury included

Best for: Serious bass fishing, river running

Alumacraft 1860 CC

$11,000

Alumacraft · Center-console jon

18 ft 510 lbs

Center console
Rod storage
Livewell
Trolling motor mount

Best for: Tournament fishing, large lakes

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

$22,000

Tracker · Entry-level bass boat

17 ft 7 in 1,235 lbs

Mercury 75 HP included
Aerated livewell
Minn Kota trolling motor
Custom trailer

Best for: First bass boat, budget tournaments

Nitro Z19

$38,000

Nitro · Mid-range performance

19 ft 3 in 1,600 lbs

Mercury 200 HP
Dual livewells
Lowrance fishfinder
NitroPlane hull

Best for: Competitive anglers, Florida lakes

Skeeter FXR21

$62,000

Skeeter · Tournament bass boat

21 ft 1 in 1,850 lbs

Yamaha 250 HP
Dual 25-gal livewells
Minn Kota Ultrex
HDS LIVE electronics

Best for: Pro-level tournaments

Ranger Z521L

$78,000

Ranger · Elite tournament

21 ft 2 in 2,000 lbs

Mercury 250 Pro XS
DERA composite hull
Color-matched electronics
Dual console

Best for: Premier tournament fishing

Mako Pro Skiff 17

$28,000

Mako · Entry-level skiff

17 ft 1 in 940 lbs

Mercury 60 HP
Cockpit livewell
Rod holders
Poling platform option

Best for: Budget inshore fishing

Hewes Redfisher 18

$55,000

Hewes · Technical poling skiff

18 ft 1,100 lbs

Yamaha 115 HP
Integrated poling platform
Raw-water washdown
15-gal livewell

Best for: Sight fishing, Florida Keys

Maverick 18 HPX-V

$72,000

Maverick · Performance flats boat

18 ft 4 in 1,200 lbs

Variable-degree deadrise
Power Pole
Trolling motor ready
Premium helm

Best for: Backcountry guides, tournament flats

Hell's Bay Professional

$95,000

Hell's Bay · Premium technical skiff

18 ft 4 in 1,050 lbs

Ultra-shallow draft (5 in)
Carbon fiber option
Custom gelcoat
Micro Power Pole

Best for: Elite sight fishing, Everglades backcountry

Diamondback 18 Classic

$35,000

Diamondback Airboats · Recreational/hunting

18 ft 1,400 lbs

Polymer hull
LS3 V8 engine
2-seat configuration
LED light bars

Best for: Marsh hunting, recreational

Panther Pantera II

$55,000

Panther Airboats · Utility/commercial

16 ft 1,200 lbs

Lycoming aircraft engine
UHMW polymer hull
Commercial grade

Best for: Professional guides, utility

GTO Airboats 18x8

$75,000

GTO Airboats · Performance

18 ft 1,800 lbs

LS-based V8
Custom prop
LED lighting
Grass rake

Best for: High-speed marsh running

Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX

$24,000

Sun Tracker · Entry-level family

18 ft 8 in 1,850 lbs

Mercury 60 HP
Vinyl furniture
Bimini top
Changing room

Best for: Budget family cruising

Bennington 22 SSBX

$42,000

Bennington · Premium family

22 ft 2,400 lbs

Yamaha 115 HP
Sport arch
Bluetooth stereo
Ski tow bar

Best for: Watersports, family outings

Harris Solstice 230

$58,000

Harris · Luxury tri-toon

23 ft 2,800 lbs

Mercury 200 HP tritoon
Performance strakes
Premium audio
Full-width swim platform

Best for: Performance cruising, entertaining

Sea Hunt Triton 210

$42,000

Sea Hunt · Entry-level center console

21 ft 2,800 lbs

Yamaha 150 HP
T-top
Raw-water washdown
Insulated fish boxes

Best for: Nearshore, bay fishing

Sportsman Heritage 231

$65,000

Sportsman · Family/fishing crossover

23 ft 1 in 3,400 lbs

Yamaha 200 HP
Bow cushion seating
Head compartment
Dual livewells

Best for: Families who fish offshore

Robalo R272

$120,000

Robalo · Offshore center console

27 ft 2 in 5,600 lbs

Twin Yamaha 200 HP
Enclosed head
T-top with outriggers
600-qt fish box

Best for: Offshore billfish, reef fishing

Boston Whaler 330 Outrage

$350,000

Boston Whaler · Premium offshore

33 ft 8,100 lbs

Triple Mercury 300 HP
Unsinkable hull
Cabin with berth
Full electronics suite

Best for: Blue-water fishing, luxury offshore

Florida Regulations by Craft

Regulations sourced from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Always verify current rules at myfwc.com/boating before heading out.

🛶 Kayak

RegistrationNot required (non-motorized)

LicenseNot required

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person required on board

AgeNo age restriction for paddling

🛶 Canoe

RegistrationNot required (non-motorized)

LicenseNot required (unless motorized)

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person required on board

AgeNo age restriction

🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboard

RegistrationNot required (non-motorized)

LicenseNot required

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD required on board (not worn)

AgeNo age restriction

🚤 Jon Boat

RegistrationRequired for all motorized vessels

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required (born after 1/1/1988)

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person; under 6 must wear

AgeUnder 14 cannot operate without adult supervision

🎣 Bass Boat

RegistrationRequired — annual registration based on length

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required (born after 1/1/1988)

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person; throwable device required for boats 16+ ft

AgeUnder 14 cannot operate without adult supervision

🐟 Flats Boat / Skiff

RegistrationRequired — annual registration based on length

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required (born after 1/1/1988)

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person; throwable device for 16+ ft

AgeUnder 14 cannot operate without adult supervision

💨 Airboat

RegistrationRequired — motorized vessel

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required; commercial operators need USCG license

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person

AgeOperator age restrictions apply; commercial tours have own liability

⛵ Pontoon Boat

RegistrationRequired — annual registration based on length

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required (born after 1/1/1988)

PFDOne USCG-approved PFD per person; throwable device for 16+ ft; horn/whistle for 16+ ft

AgeUnder 14 cannot operate without adult supervision

🚢 Center Console

RegistrationRequired — annual registration and titling

LicenseBoating Safety ID Card required (born after 1/1/1988); USCG safety equipment per vessel class

PFDOne USCG Type I, II, or III PFD per person; at least one Type IV throwable; visual distress signals required 3+ miles from shore

AgeUnder 14 cannot operate without adult supervision

Florida Boating Safety

🦺 PFD Required

All vessels must carry one Coast Guard-approved PFD per person. Under 6 must wear one at all times.

📋 Boating License

Anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988 needs a Florida Boating Safety ID Card to operate a motorized vessel.

🐊 Alligator Awareness

Keep hands and feet inside the craft in freshwater. Never approach, feed, or provoke alligators.

⚡ Lightning Protocol

Get off the water immediately when you see lightning or hear thunder. Florida is the lightning capital of the US.