Buying a boat without breaking the bank. Budget-buying guide to Miami boat show

While the Miami International Boat Show grabs headlines for its eye-popping superyachts and flashy speedboats, aspiring owners shopping on a budget can find more boat options than you might think.

This weekend at the world’s largest boating extravaganza, those looking for entry-level boats should head to the Miami Beach Convention Center. You’ll find the boats under 50 feet on display, alongside Jet Skis and paddle boards.

A Miami Herald reporter hit the convention center floor Friday to see what consumers can find for less than $45,000.

“Going to a boat show is a great way to get the lay of the land and the Miami show is like the Super Bowl of boating,” said Ellen Bradley, chief brand officer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

“Many people don’t realize that boating is more accessible than you’d think and the majority of boaters are middle-income,” she said.

Bradley noted that according to the association’s market research, 61% of boat owners have a household income of less than $100,000 and 95% of boats in the U.S. are under 26 feet.

Jet Skis, pontoon boats, runabouts, which are small powerboats, and center console fishing boats are the most popular starter boats. Also, remember boats can be purchased with financing.

Yamaha’s 19-foot models on the convention center floor might fit the bill. The brand has seven 19-foot boats — center console fishing boats and runabouts — that range from $36,000 to $48,000. And Yamaha’s WaveRunners, similar to Jet Skis, cost from $8,900 to $20,000 and can carry one to three people.

First-time boat owners can also check out the Sea-Doo Switch. The brand best known for its personal watercraft reentered the boating market for the first time in 10 years with the debut of the Switch in 2021, a boat designed for novice boaters. It won Boating Magazine’s boat of the year award in 2022. The Switch’s five models range from $21,800 to $40,400 depending on size and horsepower.

It’s a pontoon-style boat with a friendly navigational design. Captains steer with a horizontal, Jet Ski-style handlebar instead of a traditional steering wheel, and the seats are all removable and easily rearranged like building blocks.

“We wanted to make this boat really easy to drive for first-time boat owners. Our Sea-Doo personal watercrafts are so easy to maneuver so we kept the steering the same,” said Tim McKercher, who markets Sea-Doo boats.

“We want to grow boating and get the next generation into it. This boat is for the person who has always dreamed of owning a boat, but has been intimidated and thought they couldn’t afford it.”

Interested buyers also need to consider the array of expenses that come with boat ownership, including maintaining a boat, storage, a marina slip, repairs and insurance.

Those not ready to buy, but who want to test the waters can stop by booths at the convention center for boat clubs. For example, Freedom Boat Club allows people to buy a membership and then take boats out for the day on the water. Boat rentals from individual owners in South Florida is also becoming more popular via platforms like Sailo and Click&Boat.