Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Used Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $20,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Used Aluminum Fishing Boats Under $20,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
Aluminum fishing boats are the backbone of freshwater angling because they are lightweight, easy to tow behind a midsize SUV, and far cheaper to own than fiberglass rigs of the same length. With a $20,000 used budget in 2027, you can find a clean, late-model 16-to-19-footer with a four-stroke outboard, a working livewell, and a trailer that still rolls straight.
We judged this field on build quality, real-world resale value, parts and dealer support, hull design for the water you fish, and how much rig you actually get for the dollar. Welded hulls, honest engine hours, and a sound trailer separate a smart buy from a money pit.
Direct Answer
The best overall used aluminum fishing boat under $20,000 in 2027 is the 2019-2021 Lund 1875 Pro Guide at roughly $18,500-$19,900 for a clean tiller-or-console rig, because Lund's IPS hull and welded construction hold value better than anything in the class. The best value pick is the 2017-2019 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW at about $12,500-$14,500, which gives you a Mercury four-stroke, trailer, and full warranty history for thousands less.
Buy on engine hours and hull condition, not on cosmetics.
How We Ranked
- Build quality — Welded versus riveted hulls, gauge of the aluminum, and how the boat handles chop and trailering over years of use.
- Resale value — How well the brand holds price on Boat Trader and NADA Guides, which protects you when you sell.
- Engine and rigging — Four-stroke reliability, available horsepower, and whether the boat came factory-rigged with fishing electronics and trolling motors.
- Fit for purpose — Whether the layout suits walleye, bass, multi-species, or big-water angling rather than being a do-nothing compromise.
- Dollar value — Total package price including trailer, accessories, and condition relative to comparable listings.
1. 2019-2021 Lund 1875 Pro Guide 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Lund 1875 Pro Guide is the rig that experienced multi-species anglers chase on the used market, and a 2019-2021 example squeaks under $20,000 if you are patient and willing to travel. At 18 feet 8 inches with a 91-inch beam, it rides on Lund's IPS2 hull that splits waves cleanly and keeps the cockpit dry in walleye chop on big lakes like Erie or Winnipeg.
The welded hull, heavy-gauge aluminum, and ProRide flooring feel a class above the riveted competition.
Most used examples carry a Mercury 90-115 hp four-stroke, a bow-mount Minn Kota trolling motor, and a Lowrance or Humminbird graph already installed. Expect to pay ~$18,500-$19,900 for a clean one with under 200 engine hours. The big livewell, lockable rod storage, and aerated bait well make it a genuine guide-grade tool, which is exactly why resale stays strong.
- Price: ~$18,500-$19,900
- Pros: Best-in-class dry ride, welded hull, top resale, multi-species layout
- Cons: Priciest in the group, clean ones sell fast
Verdict: The one to buy if you can find it under twenty grand.
2. 2017-2019 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW 💎 BEST VALUE
Tracker sells more aluminum boats than anyone in North America, and that volume is your friend on the used market because supply keeps prices honest. The Pro Team 175 TXW is a 17-foot 6-inch mod-V welded aluminum boat with a wide 86-inch beam that fishes far bigger than its length suggests.
A 2017-2019 example with a factory Mercury 60-75 hp four-stroke and trailer commonly lists at ~$12,500-$14,500.
You get two aerated livewells, a Lowrance Hook fishfinder, a 24-volt trolling motor on many trims, and the original Tracker warranty paperwork that makes verifying history easy. The ride is firmer than a Lund in big water, but for lakes, rivers, and reservoirs it is hard to beat the dollar value.
This is the smart-money pick for a first serious bass or crappie boat.
- Price: ~$12,500-$14,500
- Pros: Cheapest real package, huge parts supply, easy resale, four-stroke
- Cons: Firmer ride in heavy chop, basic finish
Verdict: Maximum boat for the money, full stop.
3. 2018-2020 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk
Crestliner's 1750 Fish Hawk uses a one-piece welded aluminum hull marketed as nearly dent-proof, and that toughness shows up in long-term condition. At 17 feet 4 inches with a 94-inch beam, it is one of the widest, most stable platforms in the under-$20,000 range. Used 2018-2020 examples with a Mercury 90-115 hp four-stroke run ~$16,000-$18,500.
The deep cockpit, big bow casting deck, and SureMount accessory rails make it a versatile multi-species rig. Crestliner shares a parent company with Lund, so build philosophy and dealer support are strong. It is a genuine alternative to the Lund at a slightly lower price.
- Price: ~$16,000-$18,500
- Pros: Tough welded hull, very wide and stable, strong dealer network
- Cons: Ride not quite Lund-smooth, fewer used listings
Verdict: A near-Lund experience for less money.
4. 2016-2019 Alumacraft Competitor 175
Alumacraft's Competitor 175 is a longtime multi-species favorite, built around the 2XB hull that runs efficiently and tracks well while trolling. At 17 feet 4 inches with an 84-inch beam, it splits the difference between a tight bass boat and a big-water walleye rig.
Clean 2016-2019 examples with a Mercury or Yamaha 90 hp four-stroke list around ~$15,500-$18,000.
Anglers like the deep gunwales, large bow and stern decks, and proven trolling manners for walleye. Watch for older models with riveted accents and check the transom and floor for soft spots. With a good survey, this is a dependable, value-holding choice.
- Price: ~$15,500-$18,000
- Pros: Efficient hull, great trolling boat, deep secure cockpit
- Cons: Some years riveted, check floor and transom
Verdict: A walleye specialist that holds its value.
5. 2017-2020 G3 Sportsman 1710
G3 is Yamaha's all-welded aluminum line, which means most used examples came factory-rigged with a Yamaha four-stroke and a matched warranty. The Sportsman 1710 is a 17-foot 2-inch mod-V with a roomy 84-inch beam and a full fishing package of two livewells, lockable rod storage, and a bow trolling-motor mount.
Expect ~$14,000-$17,500 for a 2017-2020 with a Yamaha 70-90 hp.
The Yamaha drivetrain reliability is the headline here, since the motor and hull came from one factory and are tuned together. Build quality is solid, and the boats stay clean inside thanks to powder-coated aluminum. It is an underrated pick that flies a bit under the radar versus the bigger names.
- Price: ~$14,000-$17,500
- Pros: Factory Yamaha power, all-welded, clean finish, strong reliability
- Cons: Smaller dealer footprint, fewer accessories than premium brands
Verdict: Buy it for the Yamaha drivetrain and welded hull.
6. 2017-2019 Ranger RT178
Ranger's aluminum RT178 brings the brand's fiberglass-bass pedigree to a welded aluminum hull, and it shows in the fit and finish. At 17 feet 8 inches with a 96-inch beam, it is wide, stable, and built around a Sea Star livewell system and tournament-ready rod storage.
Used 2017-2019 examples with a Mercury 90-115 hp sit near the ceiling at ~$17,000-$19,500.
The premium decking, locking storage, and reputation for resale make it a strong buy for serious bass anglers who want aluminum economy with bass-boat manners. It costs more than a Tracker, but the Ranger name protects resale. Confirm the hull warranty status, since Ranger's structural coverage can transfer.
- Price: ~$17,000-$19,500
- Pros: Premium finish, excellent resale, tournament-grade storage
- Cons: Near the top of budget, fewer used units
Verdict: The aluminum bass boat with the strongest badge.
7. 2018-2021 Lowe FM 1675 Pro
Lowe, another Bass Pro/White River brand alongside Tracker, makes the FM 1675 Pro an affordable all-welded multi-species rig. At 16 feet 8 inches with an 84-inch beam, it carries two livewells, a Lowrance graph, and a Mercury 60-90 hp four-stroke on most used examples.
Pricing is friendly at ~$11,500-$14,000 for 2018-2021 models.
The shared-parts ecosystem with Tracker keeps maintenance cheap and easy, and the welded hull is a step up from older riveted Lowe models. It is not as refined as a Lund or Ranger, but for budget-minded anglers it punches above its price. A great pick if you want welded construction without the premium-brand markup.
- Price: ~$11,500-$14,000
- Pros: Welded hull, low price, cheap shared-parts ecosystem
- Cons: Basic finish, modest resale ceiling
Verdict: Welded value just above the Tracker.
8. 2016-2019 Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161
Smoker Craft has built aluminum boats in Indiana for decades, and the Pro Angler 161 is a compact, tow-anywhere fishing rig. At 16 feet 4 inches with a 76-inch beam, it suits smaller lakes, rivers, and two-angler trips. A 2016-2019 example with a Mercury or Honda 50-60 hp four-stroke typically lists for ~$10,500-$13,500.
The aerated livewell, bow casting deck, and easy single-vehicle towing make it ideal for anglers who want simplicity. Build is solid mid-tier, with both welded and riveted years, so verify which hull you are buying. It is a sensible, no-drama boat for the budget end of the range.
- Price: ~$10,500-$13,500
- Pros: Compact and easy to tow, low price, simple maintenance
- Cons: Small for big water, mixed welded/riveted years
Verdict: A practical small-water buy under fifteen grand.
9. 2017-2020 Polar Kraft Bay 1900
The Polar Kraft Bay 1900 brings a saltwater-capable aluminum bay layout into the budget, which is rare under $20,000. At 18 feet 7 inches with a 92-inch beam, the welded hull and self-bailing cockpit handle inshore redfish and speckled trout duty. Used 2017-2020 examples with a Mercury 90-115 hp four-stroke run ~$15,000-$18,500.
The raised casting decks, oversized livewells, and rod storage make it a genuine bay-boat alternative to far pricier fiberglass rigs. Inspect the transom and hardware carefully for any saltwater corrosion. For coastal anglers on a tight budget, this is the standout aluminum option.
- Price: ~$15,000-$18,500
- Pros: Inshore-capable, welded self-bailing hull, big casting decks
- Cons: Check for saltwater corrosion, niche resale
Verdict: The budget aluminum bay boat for inshore anglers.
10. 2015-2018 Starcraft STX 1810
Starcraft rounds out the field with the STX 1810, a versatile 18-foot aluminum boat with a 96-inch beam that crosses over between fishing and family use. Most used 2015-2018 examples carry a Yamaha or Mercury 90-115 hp four-stroke and list around ~$13,500-$16,500. The deep cockpit and removable fishing seats make it adaptable.
It is not as fishing-focused as a Lund or Alumacraft, but the value and space are real, and Starcraft's long history means parts remain available. Look for clean carpet, a dry bilge, and a trailer with good bearings. A flexible choice for anglers who also want occasional family time on the water.
- Price: ~$13,500-$16,500
- Pros: Versatile fish-and-family layout, lots of space, fair price
- Cons: Less fishing-specific, carpet wears, check trailer bearings
Verdict: The do-it-all aluminum value at the bottom of the list.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull type and welds — Prefer welded over riveted hulls for longevity; press on the floor and transom for soft spots that signal rot or water intrusion.
- Engine hours and service — Ask for a compression test and service records; a four-stroke under 300 hours with documented maintenance is the sweet spot.
- Trailer condition — Inspect bearings, tires, lights, and the winch; a tired trailer can cost $1,500 or more to replace and is easy to overlook.
- Electronics and rigging — Confirm the fishfinder, trolling motor, and batteries actually power on and that the livewell pumps and aerators run.
FAQ
Are aluminum fishing boats better than fiberglass for the money? For a $20,000 used budget, aluminum almost always gives you more boat. Aluminum hulls are lighter, easier to tow, cheaper to repair, and more forgiving of rocky launches and stumps. Fiberglass rides smoother and looks sleeker, but comparable fiberglass rigs cost thousands more used.
How many engine hours are too many on a used outboard? For a four-stroke outboard, 300-500 hours with good records is still healthy, and many run well past 1,000. Worry less about a high number with documented service than a low number with no history. Always insist on a compression test before buying.
Which brand holds resale value best? Lund and Ranger consistently top the resale charts, with Crestliner close behind, because of welded construction and strong dealer networks. Tracker holds value well too thanks to enormous supply and brand recognition. Buying a well-kept example of any of these protects your money.
Should I get a survey on a used aluminum boat? For anything near the $20,000 ceiling, a marine survey is worth the $300-$500. A surveyor checks the hull, transom, electronics, and engine for issues a quick test drive misses. For cheaper sub-$13,000 boats, a thorough personal inspection plus a compression test is often enough.
Bottom Line
The 2019-2021 Lund 1875 Pro Guide is the best overall used aluminum fishing boat under $20,000 in 2027, delivering the driest ride, the toughest welded hull, and the strongest resale in the class. If you want maximum boat for the fewest dollars, the 2017-2019 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is the best value, with a four-stroke, trailer, and warranty history for thousands less.
Buy on hull condition and honest engine hours, get a survey near the top of budget, and you will land a boat that fishes hard for years.
Sources
- Boat Trader — used aluminum fishing boat listings and price ranges
- Discover Boating — aluminum versus fiberglass buying guidance
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation data
- BoatUS — marine survey and pre-purchase inspection guidance
- Boating Magazine — aluminum fishing boat reviews and hull comparisons
- NMMA — aluminum boat market and sales data
- Mercury Marine and Yamaha — four-stroke outboard reliability and service intervals
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