Ideal for families and small groups, bowriders are popular recreational boats that appeal to a range of people.
Boating can be an expensive hobby, so it’s important to know how much to budget when buying a bowrider. Not only is there the price of the boat itself, but you’ll need to pay for insurance, dock fees, fuel, and maintenance.
In this article, we’ll discuss what cost factors to consider if you want to get your perfect boat.
Bowrider Boat Price
There’s a wide range in price for different bowrider brands. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay:
| Brand | Price |
| Bayliner | $10,000 to $70,000 |
| The Campion A18 | $39,000 |
| Campion 682 Explorer | $75,000 |
| Chaparral | $10,000 to $250,000 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Bowrider Boats
There are many different bowriders on the market, all with different prices. Several variables influence the boat purchase price. Being cognizant of these factors can help you estimate the cost of your boat.
Size
When purchasing bowrider boats, the measurements are a key factor. There are a wide variety of sizes available, ranging from 10 feet to 30 feet. A 16 to 20 feet boat is likely to cost you $10,000 to $50,000, whereas larger boats of 20 to 25 feet may cost $50,000 to $100,000.
If you’re unsure which size to choose, you can always talk to someone with experience with bowriders, so they can advise you on the size that works best for you. It must be noted that larger bowriders are more expensive.
Features
Bowriders come with many features. An open version allows you to see everything outside but doesn’t provide much protection from the weather. In contrast, an enclosed bowrider offers better protection from the elements and is therefore perfect for those who want a more relaxing and comfortable ride.
Additional features such as windshields, seats, and steering wheels can be found on various models. Some models include a cabin roof, while others don’t. There are other features available depending on the type of boat, though there is a caveat: The more features you want, the more you have to spend.
Boat Type or Model
Boat manufacturers produce different types of boats which have been tailored to fit the needs of certain consumers. The price of the boat you go for is dependent on the type or model of boat you want. For example, fishing boats are generally more expensive than multi-purpose boats.
Brand
Just like any other product you can think of, there are many bowrider brands. Reputable boat manufacturers should be your focus when shopping for a bowrider, and investing in a reputable brand also means you might have to spend more than if you were to buy from an unknown.
It helps when you buy from a good brand. Most reputable brands have established themselves to produce quality boats that help you save money in the long run. You wouldn’t want to buy a cheap boat that malfunctions quickly.
Some brands are known to produce expensive boats, while others make more affordable ones. Let’s examine a few of the brands available.
Bayliner
Bayliner is one of the leading manufacturers of bowriders, and their boats are renowned for being both durable and inexpensive. They offer three bowriders: the Bayliner 21, the Bayliner 22, and the Bayliner 23.
These models each have distinctive attributes. For instance, while the Bayliner 21 includes a windshield, the Bayliner 22 does not. In addition, the Bayliner 23 has a built-in stereo. All these models are available in either open or enclosed versions. Any additional features all raise the price of the craft.
If you want a bowrider from this brand, your budget should be between $17,000 and $50,000.
Campion
Campion is another well-known manufacturer of bowriders. Two Campion bowrider models are the Campion A18 and the Campion 682 Explorer. Both of these models are available in open and enclosed versions.
The Campion A18 is a smaller model that is suitable for couples, costing about $39,000. On the other hand, the Campion 682 Explorer is a bigger model suitable for families who want more space. It has an estimated cost of $75,000.
Centurion
This brand is known for its affordable boats and is therefore very popular among people looking for a low-cost bowrider. They have two main models: the Centurion 20 and the Centurion 30. Both models are available in open and enclosed versions.
For Centurion, you must set aside around $15,000 to $300,000, dependent on the type of boat you want, for example, you can get a 2002 Centurion Typhoon for $37,000. If you are willing to spend more, you can go for a 2022 Centurion Tsunami which costs about $110,000.
Chaparral
The Chaparral is a family of small, fast, and maneuverable boats. It is an extremely versatile boat that you can use for sailing, cruising, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and surfing. It is ideal for those who want a fast boat but do not want to spend much money.
You can get a Chaparral boat for anywhere between $10,000 to $250,000, dependent on the model you go for. For example, you can get a Chaparral Sunesta 274 for $47,000. If you want to spend more, you can go for 2022 Chaparral 287 SSX which costs about $212,000.
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Costs Associated with Owning a Bowrider
Owning a bowrider is an expensive hobby. There are costs outside of the initial purchase that you should be aware of.
Boat insurance
One of the biggest expenses of owning a boat is insurance. To protect yourself against financial loss, you must obtain an insurance policy that covers all aspects of your boat. Several companies provide boat insurance, such as Progressive, American Marine Underwriters (AMU), and Royal & Sun Alliance.
Maintaining your boat
Another expense that comes along with owning a boat is maintenance costs. Boats require regular maintenance, so whether you do this yourself or hire someone to take care of your boat, you’ll need to consider ongoing maintenance costs as you plan your budget.
Repairs
There are times when you may need to repair your boat. Whether it is due to damage caused by storms or accidents, you must ensure you have enough funds to cover any repairs you need to perform.
Taxes
Depending on where you live, you will be required to pay taxes on your boat. There are three types of tax that you’ll pay, regardless of the boat type: Sales tax, use tax (which varies depending on the state where you use your bowrider), and personal property tax.
Other Expenses
Fuel: Depending on the type of boat, fuel consumption can be quite high, and therefore, you will need to budget accordingly.
Storage: Having a good storage location can determine the longevity of your boat and thus when you are not using your boat, you need to store it in a safe place.
Conclusion
Although there are expensive boats on the market, when you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find affordable bowriders. Once you’ve made up your mind about what kind of boat you want, be sure to take into account any added features, plus maintenance and other costs, when planning your budget.
