Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Used Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Used Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
Aluminum fishing boats dominate the used market because they shrug off rocks, dock rash, and skinny-water groundings that would crack fiberglass. For 2027 buyers shopping under $100,000, the field spans everything from welded deep-V multispecies rigs to coastal center consoles and big tournament walleye boats.
This ranking is built for serious anglers who want a proven hull, a reliable outboard, and resale value that holds. We judged the field on hull construction, ride quality, fishability, parts availability, dealer network strength, and how each model holds price on the secondhand market.
Every pick below is a real, currently traded model with realistic used pricing for clean, low-hour examples in 2027.
Direct Answer
Our BEST OVERALL used aluminum fishing boat under $100,000 is the Ranger 2080MS Angler at roughly $62,000 for a clean late-model rig, blending welded deep-V toughness with multispecies versatility. The BEST VALUE pick is the Lund 1875 Pro Guide at about $34,000, delivering pro-grade fishability for thousands less.
Always pay for a compression test and lower-unit inspection before buying any used outboard rig, because engine condition swings value more than cosmetics.
How We Ranked
- Hull construction — Welded all-welded hulls and thicker-gauge aluminum ride better and last longer than riveted budget builds.
- Outboard reliability — Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda four-stroke availability and parts support directly affect long-term ownership cost.
- Fishability — Casting deck room, livewell volume, rod storage, and trolling-motor compatibility separate true fishing platforms from compromises.
- Resale strength — Brands like Lund, Ranger, and Crestliner hold value, protecting your investment when you trade up.
- Trailer and rigging — A matched, road-worthy trailer with good bearings and brakes can add or subtract thousands at resale.
1. 2020-2023 Ranger 2080MS Angler 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Ranger 2080MS earns the top spot by doing nearly everything well. At 20 feet 8 inches with a 96-inch beam, this welded deep-V multispecies rig handles big-water chop on the Great Lakes yet still works rivers and reservoirs. Ranger's reputation for bulletproof construction and the brand's transferable structural warranty make low-hour examples easy to trust on the used market.
Most clean rigs carry a Mercury 200 or 250 four-stroke and a kicker for trolling, with twin livewells, a massive bow casting deck, and rod storage for sticks past 8 feet. Expect roughly $62,000 for a 2021-2022 boat with under 200 hours; earlier hulls dip toward $52,000.
Common watch items are corroded trailer wiring and worn livewell pumps, both cheap fixes.
- Price: ~$62,000
- Pros: Excellent rough-water ride, premium fit and finish, strong resale, big livewells.
- Cons: Heavier tow weight, premium pricing even used.
Verdict: The most complete used aluminum multispecies boat you can buy under $100K.
2. 2019-2022 Lund 1875 Pro Guide 💎 BEST VALUE
The Lund 1875 Pro Guide is the smartest dollar-for-dollar buy in aluminum fishing. At 18 feet 6 inches with Lund's signature IPS2 hull, it delivers a dry, soft ride that punches above its price. Lund's resale strength means you can buy one used and lose almost nothing if you sell.
Typical rigs run a Mercury 150 four-stroke with a 36-pound trailer-load capacity rating of around six people, a 30-gallon livewell, and an aluminum casting deck that resists oil-canning. Clean 2020 examples land near $34,000, with high-hour boats closer to $28,000. Inspect the transom for soft spots and confirm the trolling-motor plug works.
- Price: ~$34,000
- Pros: Outstanding ride for the size, legendary resale, simple rigging.
- Cons: Smaller than big-water rivals, basic electronics on base trims.
Verdict: Pro-level fishability at a price that leaves room in the budget.
3. 2018-2021 Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk
The Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk uses an all-welded 2XB hull that Crestliner backs with a lifetime structural warranty, transferable on many model years. At 18 feet 7 inches, it splits the difference between river skinny-water work and moderate open water.
Most carry a Mercury 150 four-stroke, twin pro-style casting decks, and an aerated livewell with timer. Used pricing sits near $30,000 for a 2020 boat. Watch for corrosion around the bilge and confirm the bilge pump cycles cleanly.
- Price: ~$30,000
- Pros: Tough welded hull, lifetime warranty appeal, roomy decks.
- Cons: Firmer ride in chop than Lund, fewer dealers in some regions.
Verdict: A durable, value-priced welded rig for inland anglers.
4. 2019-2022 Tracker Targa V-19 Combo
The Tracker Targa V-19 is the value-volume leader, sold new through Bass Pro and therefore plentiful used. At 18 feet 11 inches, the deep-V welded hull handles bigger water than Tracker's bargain Pro lineup, and the included Mercury rigging keeps service simple.
Expect a Mercury 115 or 150 ProXS, a large bow deck, and a factory trailer. Clean rigs run about $26,000. Tracker's riveted budget cousins are weaker, so verify this is the welded Targa series and check for loose console rivets.
- Price: ~$26,000
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, full Mercury package.
- Cons: Lower resale than premium brands, plainer finish.
Verdict: The easiest welded aluminum value to find used nationwide.
5. 2017-2020 Alumacraft Competitor 175
The Alumacraft Competitor 175 is a lightweight, tow-easy multispecies boat at 17 feet 4 inches. Its 2XB stretch-formed hull keeps weight down so a smaller truck can pull it, and a modest motor still pushes strong numbers.
Common rigs use a Yamaha or Mercury 90 to 115 four-stroke, a 19-gallon livewell, and clean bow and stern decks. Used pricing hovers near $22,000. Alumacraft hulls are durable, but check deck carpet for rot and the steering for stiffness.
- Price: ~$22,000
- Pros: Light and easy to tow, efficient, affordable.
- Cons: Smaller livewell, less storage than larger rivals.
Verdict: A nimble, fuel-sipping pick for solo and two-angler trips.
6. 2019-2022 Lund 2075 Pro V Bass
The Lund 2075 Pro V brings tournament-grade fishing in aluminum. At 20 feet 5 inches, this is a big-water multispecies and bass platform with Lund's IPS hull and a deep, dry ride that rivals fiberglass.
Most carry a Mercury 250 ProXS with a kicker mount, dual 30-plus-gallon livewells, and locking rod storage. Clean used boats run near $58,000. Lund's resale is among the strongest in aluminum, so deals are rare. Inspect the livewell plumbing and trolling-motor mount for cracks.
- Price: ~$58,000
- Pros: Fiberglass-like ride, huge livewells, elite resale.
- Cons: Pricey used, heavy tow weight.
Verdict: A premium big-water rig that holds value like few others.
7. 2018-2021 G3 Sportsman 1810
The G3 Sportsman 1810 is a Yamaha-built all-welded utility-fishing boat at 18 feet 8 inches. Because G3 is a Yamaha brand, these rigs almost always wear a Yamaha four-stroke with matched controls and excellent dealer support.
Expect a Yamaha 115 or 150, a flat utility floor with removable seats, and a center or side console layout. Used pricing sits near $28,000. Watch the welded seams for stress cracks near the transom and confirm the bilge stays dry.
- Price: ~$28,000
- Pros: Yamaha power and support, versatile open layout, welded hull.
- Cons: Less plush than premium multispecies rigs, firmer ride.
Verdict: A reliable, Yamaha-backed welded boat for mixed-use anglers.
8. 2019-2022 Smoker Craft Pro Angler XL 161
The Smoker Craft Pro Angler XL 161 is a budget-friendly entry into serious aluminum fishing at 16 feet 8 inches. It pairs a riveted-and-welded hybrid hull with surprising fishability for the money, making it a popular first real fishing boat.
Most carry a Mercury or Yamaha 60 to 90 four-stroke, a livewell, and dual casting decks. Used pricing lands near $18,000. Because some use rivets, check for weeping fasteners along the chines and the transom wood condition.
- Price: ~$18,000
- Pros: Affordable, light, easy to tow with most vehicles.
- Cons: Hybrid construction, smaller in big chop.
Verdict: A strong starter rig that punches above its price.
9. 2018-2021 Xpress H20B Hyper-Lift Bass
The Xpress H20B brings a true bass-boat hull in welded aluminum at 20 feet. Its Hyper-Lift pad hull runs shallow yet planes fast, a favorite across Southern reservoirs and rivers where rock damage kills fiberglass.
Common rigs use a Mercury 150 to 200 ProXS, a tall front casting deck, and aerated livewells. Used pricing runs near $32,000. Xpress hulls are tough; still check the pad for impact dents and the jack plate for play.
- Price: ~$32,000
- Pros: Bass-boat speed and shallow draft, welded toughness, fast hole shot.
- Cons: Firmer ride in open chop, regional dealer concentration.
Verdict: The aluminum bass boat for rocky, skinny Southern waters.
10. 2019-2022 Starcraft STX 2050
The Starcraft STX 2050 rounds out the list as a big, well-equipped multispecies rig at 20 feet 6 inches that often sells used below comparable Lund and Ranger boats. Its welded deep-V hull handles open water capably while keeping pricing reasonable.
Most carry a Mercury 200 four-stroke, dual livewells, and a wide beam for stability. Used pricing lands near $40,000. Starcraft resale is softer than top brands, which is the buyer's advantage; inspect electronics wiring and livewell timers for function.
- Price: ~$40,000
- Pros: Big-water capability, lower entry price than premium rivals, roomy.
- Cons: Weaker resale, fewer dealers regionally.
Verdict: A lot of big-water boat for the money if you buy and hold.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull and welds: Crawl under the boat and inspect every weld seam and rivet line for cracks, weeping, or repairs, especially around the transom and chines.
- Outboard health: Pay for a compression test and lower-unit oil inspection; milky oil means a leaking seal and water intrusion that signals expensive repairs.
- Trailer condition: Check bearings, brakes, tires, and wiring; a tired trailer can cost $2,000 to replace and is easy to overlook at purchase.
- Electronics and pumps: Confirm livewell pumps, bilge pumps, and trolling-motor plugs all cycle, since aged wiring and corroded connectors are the most common aluminum-boat gremlins.
FAQ
Are used aluminum fishing boats reliable enough for big water like the Great Lakes? Yes, provided you buy a welded deep-V from a premium brand such as Ranger, Lund, or Crestliner. Hulls 19 feet and longer with proper deadrise handle Great Lakes chop well; smaller utility hulls are better kept to inland lakes and rivers.
How many engine hours are too many on a used outboard? Modern four-strokes can run well past 2,000 hours with maintenance, but most used buyers target under 500 hours for peace of mind. Hours matter less than service history; a documented, well-maintained 800-hour motor beats a neglected 200-hour one.
Do aluminum fishing boats hold their value better than fiberglass? Premium aluminum brands like Lund and Ranger hold value exceptionally well, often better than mid-tier fiberglass, because demand stays high and the hulls last decades. Budget riveted boats depreciate faster, so brand choice drives resale.
What hidden costs should I budget for on a used aluminum rig? Plan for a trailer service, new batteries, possibly a trolling motor, and electronics updates, which can total $2,000 to $5,000. A pre-purchase survey and water test, around $300 to $600, often saves far more than it costs.
Bottom Line
For 2027 buyers shopping aluminum fishing boats under $100,000, the Ranger 2080MS Angler at about $62,000 is the BEST OVERALL choice thanks to its rough-water ride, premium build, and strong resale. If you want pro-grade fishing for far less, the Lund 1875 Pro Guide at roughly $34,000 is the clear BEST VALUE.
Whichever you choose, inspect the welds, test the outboard, and verify the trailer before you sign.
Sources
- Boat Trader — used aluminum fishing boat listings and pricing data
- Discover Boating — boat-type buying guides and ownership cost overviews
- NADA Guides / J.D. Power — used boat valuation ranges
- Lund Boats — model specifications and hull technology details
- Ranger Boats — multispecies model specs and warranty information
- BoatUS — used-boat survey and pre-purchase inspection guidance
- Boating Magazine — aluminum fishing boat reviews and on-water testing
*Keywords: Best Used Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*