Top 10 Fish-and-Ski Boats 2027

<!--HERO-->

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each boat against what real fish-and-ski shoppers tell dealers they actually need: equal competence at fishing and watersports without a painful compromise. We leaned on published data from Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Build quality & reliability — 25%
• On-water performance (fishing + tow) — 20%
• Value & price — 15%
• Comfort & layout — 15%
• Fishing + watersports features — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A boat that fishes beautifully but can't pull a skier, or tows great but has nowhere to keep bait alive, drops fast. The winners do both jobs without apology.

1. Tahoe 2150 CC 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Tahoe 2150 CC

Starting MSRP: $48,995 | Best for: Families who want one fiberglass boat that fishes and skis equally well

The Tahoe 2150 CC is the most complete fish-and-ski crossover in the class. It runs 21 ft 6 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam and a fiberglass deep-V hull rated for a max 250 hp outboard, typically rigged with a Mercury 200 or 250 FourStroke. The center-console layout opens 360-degree fishability, while a 27-gallon aerated livewell keeps bait and catch alive. A removable ski/tow pylon and bench seating convert it for watersports in minutes. It holds 45 gallons of fuel, seats up to 10, draws about 16 inches, and comes wired for a 7-inch Garmin helm display with available trolling-motor plug.

Pros:

• True center-console fishability with a 27-gallon aerated livewell
• Removable ski/tow pylon converts it for watersports fast
• Deep-V fiberglass hull handles chop and big lakes
• Strong resale and a proven Mercury rigging package

Cons:

• Costs more than aluminum fish-and-ski rivals
• 200-hp base engine feels modest at full passenger load

Verdict: The 2150 CC wins on balance — it genuinely fishes like a console boat and tows like a runabout with no real weak spot.

2. Lund Crossover XS

Lund Crossover XS

Starting MSRP: $52,495 | Best for: Serious anglers who still want a sharp watersports tow

The Lund 219 Crossover XS is the premium aluminum answer, built on Lund's legendary welded hull. It measures 21 ft 5 in LOA with a 102-inch beam, carries a max 300 hp, and is usually rigged with a Mercury 250 Pro XS. Twin aerated livewells total 38 gallons, while a fold-down tow pylon and a convertible rear bench shift it to ski duty. It holds 52 gallons of fuel, seats 8, and offers IPS2 hull strakes for a dry, stable ride. A removable ski pylon plus optional wakeboard tower make it a credible watersports platform.

Pros:

• Bulletproof welded Lund aluminum hull
• Twin aerated livewells totaling 38 gallons
• Available wakeboard tower and removable ski pylon
• 300-hp rating delivers strong hole-shot for tubing

Cons:

• Premium aluminum pricing rivals fiberglass
• Tall freeboard catches wind on windy days

Verdict: The angler's crossover — buy it if fishing leads and watersports is the welcome bonus.

3. Crestliner 1850 Sportfish

Crestliner 1850 Sportfish

Starting MSRP: $39,995 | Best for: Budget-minded families wanting aluminum durability

The Crestliner 1850 Sportfish brings welded aluminum toughness at a friendlier price. It runs 18 ft 8 in LOA with a 96-inch beam, carries a max 150 hp, and pairs naturally with a Mercury 150 FourStroke. A 22-gallon aerated livewell sits aft, and a removable ski tow pylon plus convertible seating handle watersports. It holds 38 gallons of fuel, seats 7, and rides on Crestliner's 2.0 Deep-V hull for a stable, dry platform on mid-size lakes.

Pros:

• Welded aluminum hull at an approachable price
• 22-gallon aerated livewell for serious fishing
• Removable ski pylon for tubing and skiing
• Lightweight hull tows easily behind a mid-size SUV

Cons:

• 150-hp ceiling limits big-water watersports pull
• Smaller cockpit than 21-foot rivals

Verdict: A smart, durable mid-size crossover — ideal for families on a tighter budget who fish more than they ski.

4. Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo 💎 BEST VALUE

Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo

Starting MSRP: $26,995 | Best for: First-time buyers who want maximum dual-purpose boat per dollar

The Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo is the smartest value play in the segment, sold as a complete package with motor and trailer. It measures 17 ft 7 in LOA with a 94-inch beam, carries a max 115 hp, and ships with a Mercury 115 FourStroke. Two aerated livewells total 30 gallons, while a folding tow pylon and rear jump seats convert it for tubing and skiing. It holds 24 gallons of fuel, seats 6, and rides Tracker's welded Deep V aluminum hull. The all-in price including trailer is the lowest of any real dual-purpose pick here.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any pick, trailer and motor included
• Two aerated livewells totaling 30 gallons
• Folding tow pylon plus jump seats for watersports
• Welded aluminum hull backed by Tracker's warranty

Cons:

• 115-hp ceiling limits skier pull with a full load
• Basic helm electronics versus pricier rivals

Verdict: The value champion — a complete fish-and-ski package, trailer included, for less than most rivals' bare hull.

5. Bayliner Trophy 22

Bayliner Trophy 22

Starting MSRP: $44,999 | Best for: Coastal families who want a saltwater-ready crossover

The Bayliner Trophy 22 is the saltwater-leaning pick, with a fiberglass dual-console layout that fishes hard and tows comfortably. It runs 22 ft LOA with a 102-inch beam, carries a max 250 hp, and is typically rigged with a Mercury 225 FourStroke. An aft 20-gallon aerated livewell, rod holders, and a forward casting area handle fishing, while a removable ski tow pylon and wraparound seating cover watersports. It holds 80 gallons of fuel for long runs, seats 9, and rides a modified-V hull tuned for nearshore chop.

Pros:

• Saltwater-ready fiberglass hull with 80-gallon fuel capacity
• Aft aerated livewell plus integrated rod holders
• Removable ski tow pylon for watersports duty
• Comfortable dual-console layout for family cruising

Cons:

• Heavier hull needs a stout tow vehicle
• Fishing layout is less open than a center console

Verdict: The coastal crossover — pick it for nearshore saltwater fishing that still tows the kids on weekends.

6. Ranger Reata 220FC

Ranger Reata 220FC

Starting MSRP: $57,995 | Best for: Buyers who want Ranger build quality in a true crossover

The Ranger Reata 220FC marries Ranger's renowned fishing pedigree with fiberglass family comfort. It measures 22 ft LOA with a 102-inch beam, carries a max 300 hp, and is commonly rigged with a Mercury 250 Pro XS. A bow and aft livewell combo totals 34 gallons with aeration and recirculation, while a removable ski pylon and convertible lounge seating cover watersports. It holds 48 gallons of fuel, seats 8, and rides Ranger's GuideFiber deep-V hull built for stability and a dry ride.

Pros:

• Ranger fishing pedigree with dual aerated livewells
• 34 gallons of aerated, recirculating livewell capacity
• Removable ski pylon and convertible lounge seating
• GuideFiber deep-V hull for a stable, dry ride

Cons:

• Premium pricing tops most of this list
• Heavier rig demands a capable tow vehicle

Verdict: The premium fiberglass crossover — worth it if you want Ranger fishing DNA without sacrificing family comfort.

7. Stratos 386 XF

Stratos 386 XF

Starting MSRP: $42,495 | Best for: Anglers who want bass-boat speed plus a tow pylon

The Stratos 386 XF brings bass-boat heritage to the fish-and-ski conversation. It runs 18 ft 6 in LOA with a 94-inch beam, carries a max 200 hp, and pairs with a Mercury 200 Pro XS for serious speed. A 23-gallon aerated, recirculating livewell sits aft, while a removable ski tow pylon and rear flip seats convert it for tubing. It holds 35 gallons of fuel, seats 5, and rides a low-profile fiberglass hull tuned for hole-shot and high-end pace — making it the quickest pull on this list.

Pros:

• Bass-boat speed with a 200 Pro XS rigging
• 23-gallon aerated, recirculating livewell
• Removable ski pylon for tubing and skiing
• Quick hole-shot for snappy skier and wakeboard pulls

Cons:

• Low freeboard limits big-water comfort
• Five-passenger capacity is tight for big families

Verdict: The speed pick — choose it if you fish bass tournaments and want lively watersports pull on the side.

8. Nitro ZV21

Nitro ZV21

Starting MSRP: $54,995 | Best for: Multi-species anglers who want big-water fishing and tubing

The Nitro ZV21 is a deep-V multi-species rig that doubles as a capable tow boat. It measures 20 ft 6 in LOA with a 96-inch beam, carries a max 250 hp, and is usually rigged with a Mercury 250 Pro XS. Twin aerated livewells total 36 gallons, while a removable ski tow pylon and convertible rear bench handle watersports. It holds 44 gallons of fuel, seats 6, and rides Nitro's Rapid Planing System deep-V hull for a dry, stable ride in chop.

Pros:

• Deep-V hull tackles big, rough water confidently
• Twin aerated livewells totaling 36 gallons
• Removable ski tow pylon for watersports
• Rapid Planing System hull for a dry, stable ride

Cons:

• Fishing-focused layout sacrifices some lounge comfort
• Pricing creeps into premium fiberglass territory

Verdict: The big-water multi-species pick — buy it for rough-lake fishing that still pulls a tube.

9. Yamaha AR210

Yamaha AR210

Starting MSRP: $54,499 | Best for: Watersports-first families who still want to wet a line

The Yamaha AR210 flips the formula — it's a jet-drive watersports boat with enough fishing utility to count. It runs 21 ft 3 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, powered by twin Yamaha 1.8L jet engines producing a combined 200 hp with no exposed prop. A removable wakeboard tower and integrated ballast make it a serious tow boat, while a clip-in fishing/cooler package and rod holders add light angling duty. It holds 50 gallons of fuel, seats 8, and draws under 12 inches thanks to its shallow jet drive.

Pros:

• Twin-jet drive with no prop for shallow, swim-safe runs
• Integrated ballast and removable tower for real watersports
• Clip-in fishing package with rod holders
• Shallow draft under 12 inches for skinny water

Cons:

• Fishing capability is lighter than dedicated crossovers
• No true aerated livewell in base configuration

Verdict: The watersports-first pick — best if you tow far more than you fish but still want to drop a line.

10. Chaparral 19 SSi

Chaparral 19 SSi

Starting MSRP: $45,995 | Best for: Buyers who prioritize a premium ski runabout with light fishing

The Chaparral 19 SSi is a refined fiberglass bowrider that adds light fishing duty to a polished ski platform. It measures 20 ft 2 in LOA with a 96-inch beam, carries a sterndrive making up to 250 hp, commonly a Volvo Penta 4.5L. A removable ski tow pylon or available tower anchors watersports, while a clip-in fishing package with a portable livewell and rod holders covers angling. It holds 38 gallons of fuel, seats 8, and rides Chaparral's Extended V-Plane hull for a smooth, predictable wake and turn.

Pros:

• Premium fiberglass finish and helm fit-and-finish
• Extended V-Plane hull for a clean ski wake
• Removable ski pylon plus optional wakeboard tower
• Clip-in fishing package with portable livewell

Cons:

• Fishing is a clip-in afterthought, not built-in
• Sterndrive maintenance is costlier than an outboard

Verdict: The premium ski-first pick — ideal for watersports families who want occasional, casual fishing.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Fish-and-Ski Boat

• A real livewell, not a cooler — Confirm the boat has an aerated, recirculating livewell sized to your catch; clip-in coolers don't keep bait alive on hot days. The Tahoe, Lund, and Nitro all build theirs in.
• A removable or folding tow pylon — A proper ski/tow pylon or tower pulls skiers and wakeboarders with a safe pull point; verify it's rated and removable so it doesn't block fishing.
• Hull type for your water — A deep-V rides drier and safer on big or rough lakes; a flatter hull is fine for calm ponds. Match the hull to where you actually run.
• Aluminum vs fiberglass tradeoffs — Aluminum is lighter, cheaper, and easier to tow; fiberglass rides smoother and holds resale better. Pick by budget and water.
• Enough horsepower for a full load — A skier behind a fully loaded boat needs power; don't under-engine. Aim for the upper half of the max-HP rating if watersports matter.
• Storage and seating that convert — Look for fold-flat seating and rod storage that lets the boat switch jobs in minutes without unloading gear.

What matters less than marketing implies: gel-coat color options, branded graphics packages, and top-speed bragging numbers. A livewell that keeps fish alive, a pylon rated for your skier, and a hull suited to your water affect your day far more than a two-mph speed claim.

FAQ

What is the best fish-and-ski boat for 2027? The Tahoe 2150 CC earns our top spot, pairing a true center-console 27-gallon aerated livewell with a removable ski/tow pylon and a deep-V fiberglass hull that fishes and tows equally well from around $48,995.

What is the best value fish-and-ski boat? The Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo at about $26,995 is the value leader — a complete package with motor and trailer, two livewells, and a folding tow pylon for thousands less than the fiberglass field.

Are aluminum or fiberglass fish-and-ski boats better? Aluminum boats like the Lund Crossover XS and Tracker Pro Guide are lighter, cheaper, and easier to tow; fiberglass picks like the Tahoe 2150 CC and Ranger Reata 220FC ride smoother in chop and hold resale better. Choose by budget and water type.

Can a fish-and-ski boat really do both jobs well? Yes. Crossovers like the Tahoe 2150 CC and Lund Crossover XS build in aerated livewells for fishing and a removable ski pylon for watersports, so neither job is a compromise — though the Yamaha AR210 leans watersports and the Nitro ZV21 leans fishing.

How much horsepower do I need to pull a skier? For confident skier and wakeboard pulls with a full load, aim for the upper half of the boat's max rating — a 200–250 hp outboard, as on the Tahoe, Lund, or Nitro, gives strong hole-shot; the 115-hp Tracker handles tubing but works harder with a full crew.

Which fish-and-ski boat is best for saltwater? The Bayliner Trophy 22 is the saltwater-leaning pick, with an 80-gallon fuel capacity, a corrosion-minded fiberglass hull, and an aft aerated livewell for nearshore coastal fishing that still tows the family.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Tahoe 2150 CC is our Best Overall fish-and-ski boat — starting around $48,995, it wins on a true center-console livewell, a removable ski/tow pylon, and a deep-V hull that does both jobs without compromise. The Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo, from about $26,995 with motor and trailer, is our Best Value, delivering two livewells and a folding tow pylon for the lowest all-in price here. If your needs lean toward premium aluminum, saltwater fishing, watersports-first towing, or bass-boat speed, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Lund, Bayliner, Yamaha, or Stratos instead. Buy on livewell quality, pylon rating, and the right hull for your water — not gel-coat color — and you'll fish and ski happy for years.

Related on PULSE

• [Top 10 Aluminum Fishing Boats 2024](/knowledge/bt0396)
• [Top 10 Bay Boats 2024](/knowledge/bt0395)
• [Top 10 Jet Boats 2024](/knowledge/bt0394)

Sources

• Boating Magazine — fish-and-ski boat reviews and tests
• Discover Boating — boat types and buying guides
• BoatTEST — independent boat tests and specs
• boats.com — listings, reviews, and pricing
• Wakeboarding &amp; Watersports — tow-boat features and gear
• Tahoe Boats — 2150 CC specs and pricing
• Lund Boats — Crossover XS specs
• Tracker Boats — Pro Guide V-175 Combo
• Ranger Boats — Reata 220FC specs
• Yamaha Boats — AR210 specs and pricing

*Fish-and-ski boat review — best fish-and-ski boat 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top dual-purpose picks for buyers.*

People also search for: best fish-and-ski boats 2027 · top fish-and-ski boats 2027 · top rated fish-and-ski boats 2027 · top ranked fish-and-ski boats 2027 · highest rated fish-and-ski boats 2027 · fish-and-ski boats reviews 2027