Rating of the best pleasure boats in 2022

For a boat to be considered recreational, its length from bow to stern must be between 2.5 and 24 meters. The floating craft is used for recreation, sports, travel on the river. You can use a pleasure boat for business, entertaining tourists, the capacity of the vessel must be at least 12 passengers. Beginners need to clearly understand what type of boat is better to buy, collect the necessary permits.

In our review, we will provide recommendations: what to look for in order not to make a mistake when choosing a boat; which company is better to buy a product”; we will determine the best manufacturers, popular models, firms, average prices for pleasure boats.

Types of pleasure craft

This group of pleasure craft includes the following models:

• Beach ships. Not so often used in Russia. Various maritime schools offer training in the use of some of them. This may include: canoes, kayaks, boats with pedals or powered by an engine of less than 3.5 kW, sail or motorized boards, houseboats. This section also includes inflatable boats and surfing.
• Wakeboarding and water skiing boats are the best way to have fun with a big company. Before buying or renting a boat, think about its capacity, navigation permits may be required. Top selling brands: Yamaha, Bombardier, Kawasaki, Polaris and Honda.
• Large boats with sails are made for the sea, using the breeze, they will save you from the beach heat. Thanks to sport, catamarans are coming into fashion. The design is a key factor in the popularity of the model: two hulls connected by a frame provide high stability, which allows you to travel in comfort. There are products that use only a sail for movement, others have motors (one for each hull). Regardless of the choice, traveling on the waters of the sea is usually a luxury that few can match.
• In the design described below, the bow is wider than the stern. This model is equipped with a rudder to turn, it is ideal for a family or friendly company to go around the coastal areas with an excursion. Usually there are cabins inside.
• Yachts are luxury boats that offer a number of unique features: sailing long distances, moving around the islands of various archipelagos, a higher quality of the route, an exquisite set of services. The best speed capabilities make them the most desirable for all sailing enthusiasts, and the exorbitant prices are a real whim that only a few can afford.

Below we will provide advice on choosing the right vessel that will meet your needs.

How to choose the right boat

Often, getting carried away by emotions when visiting a new show or while diving into offers of used boats on the Internet can be guided by the wrong selection criteria. Therefore, it is best to consider the buying process methodically, relying on common sense.

Remember that it is possible to have a broker who will advise you throughout the transaction process, which is important if you are going to spend a significant amount of money. The commission that you have to pay will be fully justified, as in the end you will save time and money.

Consider the features of the choice:

• Determine the budget, the price is only the starting point in determining the cost. If this is your first experience, talk to friends, acquaintances, or a broker to get an idea of ​​owning a boat. Fuel, sails, maintenance, mooring, insurance, etc. are large expenses, depending on the age of the product, its model, length. In addition to price, consider the cost of ownership.
• Choosing the type of construction that suits your needs is just as important as your budget.If this is your first experience, you need to decide on your preferences: autonomy and silence; speed, ease of navigation; one hull or catamaran; for the river or the sea; determine the required motor power; with or without awning. Keep in mind that some products combine several features, for example, there are many fishing boats that serve family cruises. Visit exhibitions of used or new boats, read the description of the equipment, go on board.
• Consult specialized portals. Today, a computer or mobile phone is an open window to the pleasure boat market, with a huge number of options at your disposal. Each brand, distributor has a website, familiarize yourself thoroughly with your favorite models, their pluses and minuses.
• Make a list of your favorite models, the main characteristics that it should have. Add desirable but not important features. This will help eliminate unnecessary options. Look at the ads, read all the available information. Analyze the photos, the general condition of the boat. Don't be swayed by aesthetics alone - don't lose sight of a good product just because you don't like its pillows.
• Visit the ship, it's always good to do it with someone who can give good advice. It can be a broker or a friend who understands all the details. Check the condition of the interior of the structure: joinery; electrician; accumulators, engine, tanks for water and fuel, hold, bathrooms, kitchen, cabins. Pay attention to condensation, whether the doors work well. Make notes about malfunctions, this will help negotiate a discount at the negotiation stage.Try to be polite, be calm about the shortcomings of the ship. Everything can be corrected, agreed upon, and defects can be useful in determining the final price. It is important to visit the owner forums to find out about the typical problems of the boat you are visiting.
• Pass the navigation test. Make sure you have enough time to complete all necessary checks. It is important to have a person who will better assess the behavior of the ship while sailing. Take notes to remember the details you think are necessary.
• Negotiate a price based on your budget, keeping in mind parts that need to be replaced or repaired. The most important thing is not to pay more than the market value and to force the owner to agree to a reduction in the sale price, equivalent to the costs that will have to be incurred to fix the ship.

If negotiations are successful, a contract must be drawn up. It is important to consult with a lawyer, maritime agency, who will take care of the transaction process. If you hire a broker, he will make documentation for the ship, calculate taxes.

Where could I buy

An inexpensive vessel is purchased by visiting the exhibition, managers will offer the best price, tell you how much the vessel costs, what is included in its kit. You can also look at the model you like in the online store online.

Rating of quality pleasure boats for 2022

Our review is based on real reviews, it takes into account the opinion of buyers who have experience in owning boats of this class.

Inexpensive

Berkut Active HT

"Berkut Active HT" has a sealed hull, which, together with safety compartments (buoyancy blocks), stiffeners and splash guards, give the boat a brutal, attractive design.

The design has clearly defined edges on the sides, the bottom and bow look quite standard. It is important to note the excellent buoyancy of the product, its stability. Berkut Active HT is capable of taking on board 1.5 tons of cargo. On navigation checks, the Berkut reached a speed of about 70 km / h with a 150 hp engine. and 2 passengers on board.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Body length	6.9 m
Width	2.45 m
Thickness of the bottom / sides	4/3 mm
deadrise angle at transom	18°
Board height amidships	1.26m
Transom height	0.51m
Recommended engine	115 - 225 HP
The weight	1100 kg
Volume of buoyancy blocks	970 l
Fuel tank capacity	180 l
load capacity	900 kg
Passenger capacity	7 people

• reliable design;
• excellent stability;
• The best ratio of price and quality.

• not detected.

Volzhanka Voyager 960

"Volzhanka Voyager 960", produced by a Russian shipyard, is made of aluminum. The novelty of the cabin design with a sealed deckhouse has gained some popularity at the European exhibition in Germany and Finland.

"Volzhanka Voyager 960" has a large size (almost 10 meters) compared to its predecessors in the line "Voyager" (Cabin). It is important to note that the classic set of options has been replenished with a set that was not available to previous models.

The increase in size functionally expanded the space inside the ship, which made it possible to organize a comfortable latrine with a shower. The new model has a galley unit, which will come in handy during long journeys.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Length	9.58m / 31'6"
Width	2.99m / 9' 10"
Draft	0.80m / 2' 8"
Fuel reserve, l	700
Maximum passengers	10
Number of cabins	1
Number of beds for guests	2
Number of bathrooms	1
Engine options	outboard motor 2 x Yamaha - 350 hp
deadrise on the transom, degrees	'18'
Seaworthiness class CE	C - Coastal waters
Type of shell	Off-road vehicle with trawler cabin
Housing material	Aluminum
Design	modern/mainstream
Purpose of application	Ride, Fishing
Shipyard	Volzhanka
Country	Russia
Series	Voyager
Model	Voyager 960 Cabin

• thruster in front;
• hydraulic steering structure;
• the possibility of attaching transom plates, spoilers;
• made of aluminum 5083;
• the thickness of the material on the bottom and sides reaches 0.5 cm;
• Power-V-Frame kit;
• double welding technology "DSW";
• reliable stem;
• shock-absorbing bar "Dragon Skin";
• rails made of aluminum;
• fuel tank 500 l;
• transom for 2 motors with deadwood length X (6.35 cm) or UX (7.62 cm);
• welded mooring cleats;
• eye in front.

• not detected.

Corvette 600WA

Walking "Corvette 600WA" is made of aluminum. Its distinguishing feature is the V-shaped body design. The product is characterized by excellent running performance. It is important to note that the "Corvette 600WA" has a spacious cabin, comfortable passages along the sides. Inside there is a sofa bed that serves as a place to relax or sleep.

"Corvette 600WA" has excellent buoyancy, so storm waves are not a hindrance to it, the aluminum body will withstand any test. The designers have made a reliable product that can provide the owner with maximum comfort. The cabin has a transparent hatch that serves as a ventilation shaft and a window that allows sunlight to enter.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Model	Corvette
Engine	Suspension
Fuel type	Petrol
Year	2020
Length	6.60 m
Power	150.00 HP
Width:	2.2 m
Height:	1.9 m
Transom height:	0.52 m
Keel draft:	0.4 m
Deadrise amidships:	21 degrees
deadrise at transom:	16 degrees
Housing material	AMG + fiberglass
Fuel supply:	180 l
Passenger capacity	6
PM power	90 - 150 HP
Volume of blocks of unsinkability	1.3 cu. m
The weight	834 kg

• deck equipment;
• protective tent,
• roof rails;
• handrails;
• hatch 40*40 cm;
• fender;
• windshield;
• comfortable sofa;
• running and parking spotlights;
• electrical equipment;
• mass key;
• comfortable steering wheel;
• fuel tank 190 liters;
• swimming ladder;
• automatic pump.

• not detected.

Medium

Centurion Ri237

The Centurion Ri237 is designed for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, which is important because these are two different sports that require increased speed characteristics from the boat. In addition to physical activity, you can spend time on the Centurion Ri237 enjoying a pleasant walk on the water surface. The new Ri237 from Centurion is a triple-purpose product:

• water sports;
• "Centurion Ri237" is a high-speed pleasure boat, which became possible due to the 20 ° deadrise of the hull "Opti-V", the ship has a smooth ride;
• tug.

Centurion claims 50% fuel savings over comparable competitor products. The Ri237 is the only world-class wakesurf tow with the same wakeboarding performance.

The ballast consists of two tanks built into the floor. Tanks stretch from the transom to the back of the driver's seat. The RamFill system fills tanks in just 90 seconds.The ballast can be dropped as needed, even if the rider is in tow.

Combined with a new hull design, the Centurion Ri237 has enough power to take the wakesurfer in any direction. "Ri237" has a special tower of a new design, it is folded with the help of electric linear drives.

Inside the ship, upholstery is made of modern materials that raise the quality bar not only for the Centurion, but for the entire industry of towing water transport. The device looks and feels luxurious. Sleek three-position sliding seat allows you to look aft and see what's going on behind the boat.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Overall length	7.19m
Hull length (incl. swim platform)	7.70m
Width (in main section)	2.59m
Draft (including propellers at full load)	0.91m
Dry weight	2.43t
Engines	PCM 409 - 550 HP
Fuel supply	238l
Passenger capacity	16

• a universal model that is appreciated in the towing, cruise markets;
• housing "Opti-V";
• 20° deadrise.

• high price.

Wellcraft 402 Fisherman

The Fisherman 402 is a luxurious, comfortable center console pleasure craft that comes with a number of features. The large, wide open casting deck in the bow transforms into a raised cocktail table at the push of a button and has comfortable seating.

The Wellcraft 402 Fisherman is a 12m, four-engine, center-console craft capable of long days of deep-sea fishing, yet comfortable enough for a family outing.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Length	12.3 m
Width	3.8 m
Draft	0.71 m
Draft maximum	1.1 m
Bridge clearance	2.9 m
Engine	1268
Fuel tank	1840 l
Water tank	72 l
The weight	8845 kg
deadrise angle	22°
Shipyard	wellcraft
Trademark	wellcraft
Ruler	Center Console

• large casting area behind the wheel, with several different layout options, comfortable seats;
• ample tackle storage space included as standard, built-in T-shaped rod holder;
• cockpit with a center console, which is a rare pleasure for vessels of this size;
• folding table that can be converted into a double bunk.

• high price.

Axis A22

"Axis A22" has features, technological advances, which are inherent in more expensive models. Designed primarily for fun on the water, the A22 comes with an auto-adjust wedge, which is a hydrofoil design.

The Axis A22 features ballast tanks, a GPS speed controller, a tower and a trailer that are essential for wakeboarding. Inside, an ergonomic steering wheel, windshield and a roomy box. The designers updated the interface software, redesigned the turret, and added several color options for the hull.

In terms of lighting, there are brighter, compared to the old models in 2015, underwater LEDs, lighting for the tower. If you want to listen to music, the Kicker stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity is at your service. All important details: mold; fit; finishing; upholstery and assembly are top notch.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Length	6.68 m
Max Power	410
Capacity	15 people
Fuel supply	181 l.
Ballast (max)	2048 l.
Width	2.59 m
Draft, max	0.69 m
The weight	2041 kg
Speed	49.7 knots

• thoughtful design for recreation and sports;
• luxurious finish;
• powerful motor.

• high price.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410

Jeanneau has completely changed the deck layout of its sailboats with the introduction of the Sun Odyssey 410. In addition to the newfangled deck, the hull of the 410 has also been redesigned. The bow is tilted towards the stern, which not only makes the boat look like a racing boat, but also reduces drag when tacking during light winds. The composite bowsprit adds functionality by pushing the truss roller further away from the rod and creating an attachment point for the gennaker. This is a good addition from an aesthetic point of view.

Standard rigging includes a Z-spar mast with double distributor, traditional mainsail with hoist and 115% genoa for a total of 865 square feet of sail area. There are no tracks on the deck for the staysail to rest against, due to the use of friction rings on the frames of the headsail.

The 410 has twin wheels and a sloped deck, meaning you never have to step over the cockpit coaming to get to the side decks. It is enough to go from one wheel to the nose and freely return to the other side. Interior 410 is equipped with two or three cabins, depending on the configuration.

The galley occupies part of the saloon. Inside there are 2 sinks, an Eno stove with two burners and an oven, a Vitrifrigo refrigerator. An additional freezer box can be added to the aft cabin on the port side, this is important when it is used as a utility room in the 2 cabin version.All in all, the new Sun Odyssey 410 is not just another sailboat, it will make you pay attention to it many times over.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Fuel reserve, l	195
Fresh water supply, l	530
Maximum passengers	8
Number of cabins	3
Number of bathrooms	2
Type of rig	Single-masted (sloop)
Keel	Fixed
Seaworthiness class CE	A - Ocean
Type of shell	Monohull
Housing material	fiberglass
Design	Standard Modern/Mainstream
Type by use	Cruise
Upper deck device	with mediterranean cockpit
Shipyard	Jeanneau
Country	France
Series	Sun Odyssey
Model	Sun Odyssey 410
Length	12.35m / 40' 7"
Width	3.99m / 13'2"
Draft	2.14m / 7' 1"

• "Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410" is equipped with two or three cabins;
• 40-45 hp Yanmar engine;
• twin wheels, sloping deck.

• not detected.

Expensive

SeaRay SLX400

Sea Ray has masterfully designed a boat that not only serves as a vehicle, but also as a platform for fun on the water, the boat is ideal for the bride and groom during their wedding walk or graduation. Part decker, cruiser, or yacht, the SLX 400 is great for partying.

The spacious deck is the most inviting place on the ship, there is also a galley where two grills are located, so that the chef can communicate with his guests while cooking. The galley includes a sink, a refrigerator for food and another one for wines. All equipment is located in such a way that it is easy to clean and you do not have to sleep in a place that smells of food.

There is plenty of seating inside, the entire cockpit is covered with a hardtop and a retractable fabric sun visor extending to the aft bench. At the top there is a sliding sunroof. The passenger seat next to the helm is double wide, it rotates on a pedestal, it can be used as a gazebo when the ship is anchored.

The SLX 400 has a flip-down bathing deck. The rear end of the starboard gunwale folds down electrically to create another platform and improve access to the water. "SLX 400" features luxurious materials, meticulous attention to detail. The glass steering wheel with two 30 cm Raymarine displays is easy to use. In addition, there is an Axius joystick that performs docking without a bow thruster. Below deck are two cabins, large enough for four people to sleep on board. It is easy to see that the SLX 400 is a unique product.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Full length	12.04 m
Body length	12.04 m
Width	3.7 m
Draft	0.84 m
Displacement	7722 kg
Fuel tank volume	946 l
Water tank volume	189 l
deadrise angle	21 °

• spacious cabins;
• comfortable galley;
• high quality electronic filling;
• plenty of comfortable seating.

• high price.

Saber 38 Salon Express

Saber has been building oceangoing sailboats for a long time and strives to demonstrate its craftsmanship by carefully blending the old with the latest technology. Motor ships with a V-shaped design are targeted at the high-end market. The planing hull of the 38 SE has a deadrise of 24° amidships, which tapers to 17° at the transom.

On deck there is a straight sofa built into the transom, connected to a cherry wood table, sliding it over the swim platform to open the cockpit. The cabin is compact but ergonomic, with a U-shaped sofa inside, a low-lying table on a pedestal, a wardrobe with a retractable LED TV.

The boat is steered with a wood-trimmed Stazo wheel, Volvo Penta IPS electronically controlled instrument panel, joystick, single VHF, Garmin 5215 multi-function display and Volvo Penta color screen make the boat easy to control while navigating.

Going down three steps we get into the galley. There is a Kenyon electric stove, microwave, refrigerator with two drawers and plenty of storage space. Aft of the galley is an open L-shaped lounge that converts into a double bed for kids or friends. The main cabin is located in front, inside the stereo system, large drawers for things.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Full length	12.74 m
Body length	11.7 m
Width	4.06 m
Draft	1.01 m
Engine	2 x 300 HP
Displacement	9752 kg
Fuel tank volume	1125 l
Water tank volume	380 l

• a sailing ship with a modern filling for lovers of antiquity;
• comfortable salon;
• thoughtful arrangement of equipment;
• cruising speed up to 25 knots (46 km/h)

• not detected.

Boston Whaler 405 Conquest

Whaler has paid great attention to creating a spacious, comfortable cockpit and helm deck. This means that less space is dedicated to the cockpit, which is appreciated by anglers.Between the dining room and the steering wheel there are resting places where you can spend time comfortably, enjoying the air-conditioned, there is also a bar counter with a wine cabinet, a refrigerator, a sink.

The deckhouse is spacious, with five rod holders on deck, cockpit footboards with molded downrigger ball mounts, and a 70 liter well for live fish in the transom. Owners of the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest can easily convert the space inside to suit their needs by choosing a fishing or recreational option.

Those more interested in fishing will opt for the extended well, which is a modular device placed in the center of the transom that can be extended up to 150 litres. It contains a sink, a place to store gear and small belongings. If fishing plays a secondary role, the space is transformed into a summer kitchen. In this case, an electric grill is installed instead of a well.

The 405th Conquest comes with four-seat Mercury Verado 300 V-8 outboards. If desired, they will be replaced by "Quad 350" or "Quad 400", then you will accelerate to 80 km / h, at 4500 rpm. Whether touring or fishing, the 405th Conquest is ready for any challenge. Near the helm, an inductive charger, marine-grade phone mount, multiple USB ports and 12-V sockets are always at hand.

There are not a lot of switches on the dashboard because the boat has a built-in digital switching system. There are a few switches for critical situations, but you can control it using the touch screens at the steering wheel."Boston Whaler" is impossible to steal, thanks to the integrated anti-theft protection with a remote shutdown function. With purchase you get geofence alarm and cellular/satellite monitoring for engine, tanks, battery, remote control of air conditioning system, lights, refrigerator.

It is important to say a few words about the reliability of the design, the two-layer body is placed inside a massive steel mold, which is sealed with liquid foam pumped under pressure. As it hardens, the body heats up to 400 ° C, thereby reliably filling all the cracks. After this procedure, you can cut the resulting sandwich (foam glass) into 1000 parts, and each of them will float.

Unsinkability is not just a marketing term, but a reality. On top of that, the resulting structure is insulating, reducing the sound of water moving through the sea or river surface, it eliminates the dull sound of vibration. "Boston Whaler 405 Conquest" definitely falls into the category of recreational fishing boat, moreover, it is one of the best.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Body length	12.60 m
Width	4.11 m
Draft	0.79 m
Engine	1200-1881
Capacity	20 people
Displacement	10160 kg
Fuel tank volume	2347 l
Water tank volume	340 l

• unsinkability;
• versatility of application;
• powerful engines;
• luxurious interior and electronics.

• high price.

We hope our review will help you decide on a suitable pleasure boat that will reliably serve you for a long time.