Top 10 Sportsman Boat Models 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall Sportsman for 2027 is the Sportsman Open 282 Center Console, starting around $179,995, a 28-foot offshore rig that pairs twin-engine power, a deep-V hull, and a fully loaded fishing layout with the comfort coastal families want for a long day on the water.

The Best Value pick is the Sportsman Island Reef 19, starting near $44,995, which delivers Sportsman's hand-laid build, a fishable bay package, and skinny-water access at the most accessible price in the lineup. This list is built for saltwater anglers who fish flats and nearshore reefs out to offshore wrecks, plus coastal families who want a dry, capable boat that finishes clean.

Budgets here run from a sensible $40,000 bay boat up to a loaded $300,000-plus offshore flagship. Every pick uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs across the Open, Masters, Heritage, and Tournament series.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each Sportsman against what reef-and-offshore buyers actually tell dealers they care about, leaning on data from Boating Magazine, BoatTEST, boats.com, Salt Water Sportsman, Discover Boating, and Sportsman's own published specs. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance and ride — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Features and fishing tech — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A boat that fishes well but pounds in a sea, or rides soft but skimps on rod storage, drops fast. The winners balance all six across Sportsman's hand-laminated, foam-flotation hulls.

1. Sportsman Open 282 Center Console 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $179,995 | Best for: Offshore anglers who still want family comfort

The Sportsman Open 282 is the most complete boat in the lineup, hitting the sweet spot between a serious offshore rig and a comfortable family cruiser. It runs 28 feet 2 inches LOA with a 9-foot 6-inch beam and a sharp 22-degree transom deadrise that knocks down a head sea.

Power tops out at twin Yamaha outboards up to 600 total horsepower, fed by a 220-gallon fuel capacity for real offshore range. It carries up to 12 passengers, draws about 20 inches, and packs a 40-gallon livewell, dual insulated fish boxes, a fiberglass hardtop with electronics box, and forward seating that converts to a sun lounge.

A glass helm supports twin Garmin displays standard.

Pros:

• Twin-engine offshore power up to 600 horsepower
• 220-gallon fuel for true offshore range
• 22-degree deadrise hull rides dry in a chop
• Convertible bow seating blends fishing and family use

Cons:

• Twin-engine builds push past $200,000
• Big footprint needs a serious trailer or slip

Verdict: The Open 282 wins on balance — offshore muscle, a dry ride, and family comfort with no real weak spot.

2. Sportsman Island Reef 19 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $44,995 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum Sportsman per dollar

The Sportsman Island Reef 19 is the smartest value in the brand, delivering the same hand-laid fiberglass build and clean finish as the big boats at the lowest entry price. The hull measures 19 feet 6 inches LOA with a 7-foot 11-inch beam and a 16-degree deadrise tuned for bays and flats.

A single Yamaha outboard up to 150 horsepower moves it efficiently, with a 52-gallon fuel capacity. It seats up to 6, draws a skinny 12 inches, and includes a livewell, forward casting deck, fish boxes, and rod holders molded throughout. A leaning post with tackle storage and an available T-top round out a genuinely fishable bay package.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price in the lineup at $44,995
• Single 150-hp engine keeps fuel and maintenance low
• Same hand-laid hull and finish as the flagships
• Skinny 12-inch draft opens up flats and inlets

Cons:

• 52-gallon fuel limits longer nearshore runs
• 16-degree deadrise is built for calmer water

Verdict: The value champion — Sportsman build quality and a real bay fishing layout at the most accessible price.

3. Sportsman Open 322 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $289,995 | Best for: Serious offshore crews who want the flagship

The Sportsman Open 322 is the top of the center console range and the boat for crews chasing pelagics far offshore. It stretches 32 feet 4 inches LOA on a 10-foot 4-inch beam, with a deep 24-degree deadrise built to run in big water. Power reaches triple Yamaha outboards up to 1,200 total horsepower, and a 360-gallon fuel capacity delivers extended range.

It seats up to 13, features a 50-gallon pressurized livewell, oversized fish boxes, an enclosed head with berth, and a fully rigged hardtop with room for a full electronics array and outriggers.

Pros:

• Triple outboards up to 1,200 total horsepower
• 360-gallon fuel for long offshore runs
• Enclosed head with berth for overnight trips
• 24-degree deadrise built for big-water seas

Cons:

• Flagship pricing climbs past $320,000 loaded
• Fuel burn at speed is substantial

Verdict: The offshore flagship — buy it when range, capacity, and big-water capability top the list.

4. Sportsman Open 232 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $94,995 | Best for: All-around anglers who want a do-everything 23-footer

The Sportsman Open 232 is the brand's best-selling all-rounder, sized right for the largest slice of coastal buyers. It measures 23 feet 2 inches LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a 20-degree deadrise. A single Yamaha outboard up to 300 horsepower moves it efficiently, and a 110-gallon fuel capacity stretches range.

It seats up to 10, draws roughly 16 inches, and includes a 31-gallon livewell, forward and aft fish boxes, a console head, and a standard leaning post. An available hardtop and convertible forward seating make it a true family-and-fishing compromise.

Pros:

• Single 300-hp engine balances power and economy
• Console head in a trailerable 23-footer
• Best-selling all-around size and layout
• 110-gallon fuel for genuine nearshore range

Cons:

• Single engine limits offshore redundancy
• 20-degree deadrise pounds more than the bigger hulls

Verdict: The do-everything pick — the smart center console for buyers who want one versatile coastal boat.

5. Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat

Starting MSRP: $89,995 | Best for: Inshore anglers who want a premium bay platform

The Sportsman Masters 247 is the brand's flagship bay boat, a hybrid built to fish flats yet brave nearshore reefs. It runs 24 feet 7 inches LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a 17-degree deadrise tuned for shallow comfort. A single Yamaha outboard up to 300 horsepower and a 76-gallon fuel capacity keep it efficient.

It seats up to 8, draws a shallow 14 inches, and features a wide forward casting deck, an elevated leaning post with tackle storage, dual livewells, fold-away rear seating, and a recessed trolling motor mount up front for stealthy flats work.

Pros:

• Wide forward casting deck for sight fishing
• Dual livewells for serious bait management
• Shallow 14-inch draft for flats access
• Trolling motor ready for stealthy inshore work

Cons:

• 17-degree deadrise limits rougher offshore use
• Bay layout trades some passenger seating

Verdict: The premium bay pick — the inshore platform for sight-fishing anglers who occasionally run nearshore.

6. Sportsman Masters 267 Bay Boat

Starting MSRP: $104,995 | Best for: Bay anglers who want extra size and nearshore reach

The Sportsman Masters 267 scales the bay-boat formula up for anglers who want more deck and longer legs. It measures 26 feet 7 inches LOA with a 9-foot beam and an 18-degree deadrise that adds nearshore confidence. A single or twin Yamaha outboard setup up to 500 total horsepower drives it, with a 96-gallon fuel capacity.

It seats up to 9, draws about 15 inches, and carries a roomy forward casting deck, dual livewells, an elevated leaning post, and a console head — a rare amenity in a bay boat — plus a bow trolling motor mount.

Pros:

• Twin-engine option up to 500 horsepower
• Console head, rare for a bay boat
• Dual livewells and a big casting deck
• 18-degree deadrise adds nearshore confidence

Cons:

• Larger bay hull is heavier to tow
• Twin-engine builds add meaningful cost

Verdict: The big-water bay pick — extra deck, range, and a head for anglers who push past the flats.

7. Sportsman Heritage 231 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $84,995 | Best for: Family-and-fishing buyers who want a comfort-forward 23-footer

The Sportsman Heritage 231 blends the Open series' fishing function with extra comfort and seating for mixed-use coastal families. It runs 23 feet 2 inches LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a 20-degree deadrise. A single Yamaha outboard up to 250 horsepower and a 100-gallon fuel capacity keep running costs reasonable.

It seats up to 10, draws roughly 16 inches, and adds wraparound bow seating, a console head, a livewell, insulated fish boxes, and an available hardtop. The Heritage trades a little open cockpit for family-friendly lounging.

Pros:

• Comfort-forward layout with wraparound bow seating
• Console head for all-day family trips
• Single 250-hp engine for low running costs
• Retains livewell and fish boxes for real fishing

Cons:

• Less open casting room than the Open 232
• Single engine limits offshore redundancy

Verdict: The comfort-forward 23-footer — the choice when family lounging matters as much as fishing.

8. Sportsman Heritage 251 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $114,995 | Best for: Families who want a roomy, comfort-rich 25-footer

The Sportsman Heritage 251 scales the comfort-forward formula up to 25 feet for buyers who want more room and reach without going full offshore. It measures 25 feet 1 inch LOA with a 9-foot beam and a 21-degree deadrise. A single or twin Yamaha outboard setup up to 500 total horsepower drives it, with a 140-gallon fuel capacity.

It seats up to 11, draws about 18 inches, and features expansive wraparound bow seating, a console head, a 40-gallon livewell, insulated fish boxes, and a standard hardtop with electronics box.

Pros:

• Twin-engine option up to 500 horsepower
• Expansive wraparound bow seating for families
• 140-gallon fuel for longer nearshore runs
• 21-degree deadrise rides drier than smaller hulls

Cons:

• Comfort layout trades open cockpit space
• Loaded builds approach offshore-boat money

Verdict: A roomy family cruiser-fisher — the pick when comfort and range matter as much as fishing function.

9. Sportsman Tournament 234 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $99,995 | Best for: Tournament-minded anglers who want a fishing-first 23-footer

The Sportsman Tournament 234 strips the layout back toward pure fishing function for anglers who measure a boat by its rod holders. It runs 23 feet 4 inches LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a 21-degree deadrise. A single Yamaha outboard up to 300 horsepower and a 110-gallon fuel capacity balance speed and range.

It seats up to 9, draws roughly 16 inches, and packs a tournament-grade livewell, oversized insulated fish boxes, abundant gunwale and hardtop rod holders, a tackle-storage leaning post, and a clean, fishable cockpit with minimal bow seating.

Pros:

• Tournament-grade livewell and fish boxes
• Abundant gunwale and hardtop rod holders
• Clean, fishing-first cockpit layout
• 21-degree deadrise for confident nearshore runs

Cons:

• Minimal bow seating for passengers
• Fishing focus trades family comfort

Verdict: The fishing-first 23-footer — the call for tournament anglers who want function over lounging.

10. Sportsman Open 212 Center Console

Starting MSRP: $69,995 | Best for: Nearshore anglers stepping up from a bay boat

The Sportsman Open 212 is the entry into the offshore-leaning Open series, sized for nearshore reefs and easy towing. It measures 21 feet 2 inches LOA with an 8-foot 4-inch beam and a 19-degree deadrise. A single Yamaha outboard up to 200 horsepower keeps it light and quick, with an 80-gallon fuel capacity.

It seats up to 8, draws about 14 inches, and carries a livewell, forward and aft fish boxes, a console with optional head, forward casting room, and a leaning post with rod storage. Easy to tow and launch, it bridges bay boats and bigger offshore rigs.

Pros:

• Affordable Open-series entry at $69,995
• Single 200-hp engine sips fuel
• Light, nimble, easy to tow and launch
• Optional console head adds comfort

Cons:

• 19-degree deadrise limits true offshore use
• Smallest Open-series cockpit

Verdict: The nearshore step-up pick — the affordable Open-series boat for reef anglers leaving bay boats behind.

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

What to Look For When Buying a center console fishing boat

• Hull deadrise and build — A steeper transom deadrise (21–24 degrees) rides drier offshore, while a shallow 16–17 degrees suits flats; Sportsman's hand-laid, foam-filled hulls resist flex and add flotation. Match deadrise to your water.
• Real fuel capacity and range — Confirm gallons against your typical run. A 220-gallon Open 282 reaches offshore wrecks a 52-gallon Island Reef cannot. Range, not top speed, decides where you can fish.
• Livewell and fish box volume — Check actual livewell gallons and insulated fish box capacity; a pressurized 40–50-gallon well keeps bait alive on long days.
• Engine count and redundancy — Twin and triple outboards add get-home safety far from the inlet; a single engine keeps purchase and maintenance costs down for inshore and nearshore use.
• Bay vs offshore layout — Decide between a bay boat's casting decks and trolling motor or an offshore hull's deadrise and seating. The Masters and Open series pull in opposite directions.
• Electronics and rigging readiness — Look for a hardtop electronics box, pre-rigged outrigger bases, and glass-helm screen real estate so upgrades are simple.

What matters less than marketing implies: headline horsepower peaks and gelcoat color options. A clean hand-laid hull, honest fuel range, and a layout matched to your fishing affect your days on the water far more than a few extra ponies.

FAQ

Which Sportsman boat is the best overall for 2027? The Sportsman Open 282 earns our top spot, balancing a 28-foot offshore hull, twin-engine power up to 600 horsepower, 220 gallons of fuel, and convertible family seating with no major weakness.

What is the best value Sportsman? The Sportsman Island Reef 19 starting near $44,995 delivers Sportsman's hand-laid build and a real bay fishing layout at the lowest price, making it the value leader.

Which Sportsman has the longest offshore range? The flagship Sportsman Open 322 carries 360 gallons of fuel and triple outboards, giving it the longest legs for far-offshore expeditions.

Should I buy a bay boat or a center console Sportsman? Choose a Masters bay boat for shallow flats, casting decks, and a trolling motor; choose an Open center console for deeper deadrise, more fuel, and the offshore range to fish reefs and wrecks.

Which Sportsman is best for shallow flats? The Sportsman Island Reef 19 draws only about 12 inches and the Masters 247 about 14 inches, making both ideal for skinny-water flats and sight fishing.

Do I need twin engines on a Sportsman? For true offshore runs, twin or triple outboards on the Open 282 or 322 add valuable get-home redundancy and power; for inshore and nearshore use, a single 200–300-hp outboard keeps purchase and maintenance costs lower.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Sportsman Open 282 is our Best Overall — starting around $179,995, it wins on offshore capability, a dry 22-degree ride, 220-gallon range, and family-friendly convertible seating. The Sportsman Island Reef 19, from about $44,995, is our Best Value, delivering Sportsman's hand-laid build and a genuine bay fishing layout for the least money.

If your needs lean toward flagship offshore range, premium bay-boat flats fishing, or comfort-forward family seating, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Open 322, Masters 247, or Heritage series instead. Buy on hull quality, honest fuel range, and a layout matched to your fishing — not headline horsepower — and you will be happy seasons down the line.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — center console and bay boat reviews
• BoatTEST — Sportsman performance data and reviews
• boats.com — Sportsman listings, specs, and prices
• Discover Boating — boat buying guides
• Salt Water Sportsman — inshore and offshore boat reviews
• Yachting — center console and offshore coverage
• Power & Motoryacht — boat tests and buyer guides
• Sportsman Boats — official models, specs, and pricing
• Sport Fishing Magazine — fishing boat reviews

*Sportsman boat review — best Sportsman boats 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top Sportsman center console and bay boat picks for buyers.*