Are you looking to buy your first boat? Well, we understand that it can be baffling at first.
So, before investing in your first boat, you need to know more about the manufacturers in the market. It’s also worth mentioning that boat brands can vary according to the type of boats they manufacture.
To elaborate, you can’t compare between a brand that makes a yacht and another one that makes sailboats. However, some brands have bigger reputations than others.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about the best brand boats on the market. Let’s dive into the details right away!
Best Boat Brands
Here are our top picks for the best boat brands:
1. Bertram
Bertram is known for its high-end, classy yachts. The Florida-based company is one of the world’s best yacht manufacturers.
Although Bertram has a limited number of models compared to other boat brands, it’s a name everyone trusts. You’d be surprised to know that there’s a constant demand for classic Bertram models like the 28 and the 31.
In addition, many people resell old Bertram yachts for significantly high prices for boats of their age. That’s how much people love and trust this brand.
Brand History
Richard Bertram founded the company in 1960. His love for boats started at a young age, as he owned his first boat when he was 8.
Not only that, but he participated in his first race at the age of 10. After his legendary, record-breaking win at the 1961 Miami-Nassau race, Bertram started building his boat brand.
As of 2023, Gavio Group, an Italian corporation, owns Bertram. In honor of Bertram’s legacy, all manufacturing is based in Florida.
Best Features
The best thing about Bertram boats is their excellent craftsmanship and high standards. The yachts are known for their top-tier performance and astonishing build quality, earning them a highly loyal customer base.
2. Chaparral
With almost 60 years of experience in the market, Chaparral’s boats have gained a big reputation and a loyal customer base. Many consider Chaparral the world’s best manufacturer of quality fiberglass boats, and we couldn’t agree more.
The company received 48 recognitions for the quality of its boats. Additionally, Chaparral earned the NMMA CSI Award for customer satisfaction for 10 consecutive years.
Further, the company received this award in every product line of boats they make. So, you’ll be happy with any Chaparral boat you buy!
Brand History
William Pegg and Reggie Rose founded Chaparral Boats in 1965 in Lauderdale, Florida. Initially, they called the company Fiberglass Fabricators.
The company started producing fiberglass components for many industries. In the same year, Chaparral started manufacturing its boats.
Best Features
Chaparral produces top-notch boats carved with care and precision by gifted experts. They offer a wide range of luxurious vessels. That includes bowriders, watersports boats, and wake surfing boats.
3. Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler’s boats have gained a reputation for being unsinkable. With the tagline “the unsinkable legend,” you can rest assured you’re getting a sturdy boat.
The company claims that you could cut one of their boats in half and drive away in the part that has the engine. You can tell they’re not messing around!
Boston Whaler makes a wide range of luxury and fishing boats in 38 different models. Further, the brand has won various awards and honors for its technological advancements throughout the years.
It’s no secret that Boston Whaler has set major milestones and pushed the boundaries of the industry.
Brand History
Richard T. Fisher founded Boston Whaler back in 1958. Fisher was one of the first people to think about using polyurethane foam instead of lightweight balsa in small boats.
He started working on the project and showed it to his friend, Raymond Hunt, who recognized its potential. However, the design didn’t feel good enough to them.
After countless adjustments and tests, they perfected their first model. In 1958, Fisher and Hunt released their first boat under the brand name Boston Whaler.
Although Boston Whaler is currently based in Florida, the name was kept in honor of Fisher.
Best Features
One of the best things about Boston Whaler’s boat is its resale value. You can check out any used boat website, like boats.com, and you’ll notice that the old Boston Whalers are still maintaining a good resale value.
Moreover, Boston Whaler’s boats are known for their legendary, top-tier craftsmanship.
4. Yamaha
You might recognize Yamaha by their top-notch musical instruments, but did you know they also make boats?
Genichi Kawakami, the founder of Yamaha Motor, said “It’s not a product if it’s not world-class.” That can say a lot about the company’s quality standards.
Yamaha has managed to build a wide base of loyal, trusting customers throughout the years. One of the best things about Yamaha is that it continues to improve and innovate new technologies.
Brand History
Initially, Yamaha was making musical instruments only. However, the company had to repurpose some of its facilities to produce motorcycles and engines. After that, Yamaha branched off to manufacture marine engines.
Best Features
Yamaha is one of the top choices when it comes to 19 to 24-ft vessels. The company has an astounding lineup of products that are reasonably priced considering their quality.
It’s safe to say that Yamaha boats are built to last for generations. Furthermore, many consider Yamaha’s boats to be perfect for beginners.
5. Sea Ray
Sea Ray is the all-time favorite boat brand for many enthusiasts. The company exports its boats worldwide through a huge network of dealerships that covers 80 countries across the globe.
Sea Ray was one of the first American manufacturers to utilize fiberglass in its boats. Currently, the company produces a wide range of boats, ranging from 17-foot power cruisers to over 65-foot yachts.
The brand is known for its high-quality, prestigious boats. Unfortunately, their boats tend to be on the expensive side. If you don’t have a limited budget, you should consider getting a Sea Ray boat.
Brand History
Zach Ray founded the company back in 1959. Initially, it was known as Ray Industries.
Sea Ray pioneered the industry with their fiberglass boats. The boats grabbed the attention of many investors. In 1986, Brunswick Corporation bought Sea Ray for $350 million.
Best Features
Sea Ray’s boats are made from the highest quality materials with excellent craftsmanship. The brand offers more than 40 models for many purposes.
More importantly, the brand is most well-known for its high-end luxury yachts.
6. Grady White
Grady White has had a reputation for premium quality since their early models. The brand makes some of the sturdiest, most reliable boats out there.
As of 2023, the company has five lines of boats:
- Coastal Explorers
- Center Consoles
- Dual Consoles
- Express Cabins
- Walkaround Cabins
Brand History
Glenn Grady and Don White founded the company in 1959. Initially, they wanted to build wooden boats using local craftsmen.
Although they made excellent boats, they realized the industry was moving on to newer technologies. So, they decided to use new materials, like fiberglass.
The company’s sales started going up quickly. Since then, Grady White has continued to keep up with the newest technologies and innovate new ones, making them one of the best boat brands of all time.
Best Features
Grady White has won the highest customer satisfaction recognition in many third-party surveys and studies. What’s more, Grady White’s boats are reliable, as they’re made from superior materials.
7. Bennington
Are you looking for a luxury pontoon boat? Well, this one’s for you! Indiana’s Bennington is one of the world’s leading brand names in pontoon boats.
As of 2023, the company has four pontoon lines. Let’s check them out.
- Q Series: Flagship pontoon boats
- R Series: Ultra high-end pontoon boats
- L Series: High-end pontoon boats
- S Series: Ultimate value pontoon boats
Brand History
Bennington was founded in 1997 by a group of industry veterans with one goal in mind: To make the best premium pontoon boats in the country.
Best Features
Bennington manufactures exceptional pontoons. Let me tell you why.
For starters, the boats come with stunning amenities. Additionally, all the seating arrangements are super comfortable.
Furthermore, the boats are equipped with safety features. So, you can enjoy a comfortable, safe trip with your family on any Bennington boat.
8. Viking Yachts
Viking Yachts are one of the most well-known yacht manufacturers in the country. They make convertible, open, and motor yachts, ranging from 37 to 92 feet.
Viking Yachts’ mantra is “Building a better boat every day.” So, you can tell they care about quality.
Brand History
Bob and Bill Healey founded the company in 1964. They bought Peterson Viking Builders, which was a small New Jersey company that builds wooden sportfishing boats.
They combined their knowledge with Peterson Viking Builders to make some of the best yachts back then.
Best Features
The brand is best known for its manufacturing capabilities and high standards. All the finished products are perfect from top to bottom. In addition, it’s worth mentioning that they produce 90% of the boats in-house by highly skilled craftsmen.
9. Tracker Boats
Many consider Tracker Boats to be America’s top fishing boat manufacturer. Generally, the company makes all types of hunting and fishing boats.
Brand History
Johnny Morris and his father, John A. Morris, wanted to make a completely-outfitted fishing boat package in the world.
They wanted to make a boat that has everything you need to go on a fishing trip. So, they founded Tracker Boats back in 1978.
Best Features
Tracker Boats produces various models of fishing boats. Whether you’re an expert or only starting your fishing journey, you’ll find a Tracker boat that suits your needs.
Not only that, but Tracker produces a 5-year warranty on all of its models.
10. Hurricane Boats
If deck boats are what you desire, Hurricane Boats is the brand for you. The company offers a wide variety of deck boats for all purposes. You can also customize and build your own deck boat.
Brand History
Hurricane Boats started in Elkhart, Indiana, 45 years ago. Since its launch, the company has been leading the industry in deck boats.
Best Features
Hurricane produces many boat models. So, picking the right model can be confusing.
Luckily, the company has a guide on its website that can help you find the right Hurricane deck for you. They also offer a tool that can help you visualize and customize your Hurricane model.
Wrapping Up
You can’t go wrong with any of our picks on the best brand boats list. The companies on our list have proven to be reliable and trustworthy. They also maintain a good resale value.
So, no matter what kind of boat you’re looking for, you’ll be satisfied with any of these manufacturers.
We hope our guide helps you make the right decision when buying your first boat.