Great second-hand boats under $50K

Long before mass production, Aquamaster Alloy Boats in Brisbane built boats the old-fashioned way – with their hearts, hands, and determination to make the highest-quality boats.

Thirty years later, Aquamaster still builds them the same way and they’re available in a range of versatile and tough side consoles, centre consoles, bowriders, runabouts, half cabins and open boats.

This 2024-model 420 Centre Console is exceptionally well fitted and includes a huge range of accessories to suit an avid sports fisho. The seller, Australian Marine Centre (AMC) in Queensland, says it’s in immaculate condition and has only 17 hours on one of my favourite engines, the 60hp Yamaha four-stroke. LOA is 4.2m (13.8ft) with a 1.95m beam.

Features include a custom rear transom setup, custom centre console and front casting deck, a MotorGuide electric trolling motor, a Garmin echoMAP 75sv with transducer, and an Oceanic trailer.

Price at time of writing: $35,990. Estimated replacement price: $45,000.

Find out more at amcboats.com.au.

A handful of American bowrider and deck boats stand head and shoulders above almost any competitor. Crownline is one of them.

If you’re considering a big deck boat that can carry 10 passengers, this 6.91m (22.7ft) Crownline 220 EX might match your expectations. It’s a 2008 fibreglass model dealer Aussie Boat Sales in Victoria says is in immaculate condition.

It includes around $50K of all-new upgrades, with a Savage C-Series Pro tandem trailer with electric brakes, a Lewmar bow and stern thruster package with twin lithium batteries, an electric drum anchor winch with custom stainless bow work, electric toilet, QL auto trim tabs, twin Simrad screens, VHF radio, new riser manifolds and more

Crownline says its FAST Tab (Fin-Assisted Safe Turn) hull design improves slow-speed stability, time-to-plane acceleration, and fuel economy. The 260hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPi V8 sterndrive has clocked 150 hours.

Price: $49,999. Estimated replacement price (new): $230,000

Find out more at aussieboatsales.com.au.

Established in 2003, NSW-based CNC Marine supplies flat-pack alloy kit hulls to amateur and professional boatbuilders. It built this 5.54m (18.2ft) 4800TL (centre console) model in 2023 as a demonstration unit.

It’s powered by a 140hp Suzuki outboard, which is ideal if you need instant power for bar crossings combined with plenty of torque for staying on the back of waves.

CNC says the boat punches well above its size offshore and offers a soft and dry ride that inspires confidence in conditions that would have other boats heading for home. The deep-entry hull and balanced design provide excellent handling, stability at rest, and performance across a range of conditions.

The package includes a Custom CNC aluminium trailer. Features include a casting platform with dry storage, 122lt underfloor fuel tank, self-draining deck, kill tank, anchor well, side pockets, bow rails, and bait board with ski hook.

Price: $49,900. Estimated replacement price (new): $93,000.

Find out more at cncmarine.com.au.

BRIG’s premium rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) range from small tender-style units to the flagship Eagle 10. This one is an Eagle 5, yet another example in the very popular 5m category.

At 4.95m, with a 2.3m beam and a 950kg load capacity, it’s a great size for trailering and is rated to carry seven people. This model can equally be used as a high-capacity tender for larger vessels or as a fun boat with enormous capability.

The dealer, Sirocco Marine Melbourne, says this 2021 package has only completed 65 hours and its condition is ‘as-new’. 

The Eagle 5 rides on BRIG’s reinforced deep-vee fibreglass hull with extended waterline length, extra-wide ORCA Hypalon tubes, and a square bow, which ensure a stable and dry ride even in heavy seas. It’s powered by a 100hp Honda fed by an inbuilt 98lt fuel tank.

It comes with an Easytow trailer, Simrad Go7 GPS Sounder combo, Fusion RA-210 stereo with four speakers, hydraulic steering, large storage lockers under the seats, teak SeaDek flooring … there’s even a 39lt freshwater tank for the shower/washdown.

Price: $43,900. Estimated replacement price (new): $77,450 (with trailer)

Find out more at  siroccomarinemelbourne.com.au.

The Gilflite Integra, featuring David Gill’s unique mid-mount design, changed the concept of skiboat design worldwide when it was released at the 1987 Melbourne Boat Show. The model went on to win the 1989 Australian BIA Boat of the Year award and became an Australian Water Ski Association (AWSA) approved tournament skiboat.

Its design incorporated international-class ski wash, exceptional handling and ride characteristics, ultra-modern styling (even today), a full-width boarding platform, driver-orientated controls and dash layout, adjustable driver’s seat, ergonomic seating and internal layout, reinforced forward deck and windscreen to facilitate boarding over the bow, and plenty of storage space.

The 1991-model Integra on offer is a restored heirloom and while the original interior was replaced around 10 years ago, it is still in good condition. Gilflite is offering the package with or without a further refit.

The boat runs a MerCruiser 454 ‘big block’ engine with forward, neutral and reverse gearbox, and has seen around 600 hours use. There’s also an Easytow tandem trailer that was recently painted black and includes guide poles, brakes, and red checkerplate (anodised).

Price: from $39,900.

Estimated replacement price (new): $130K (model no longer available).

Find out more at gilflite.com.au.

* All pricing and details correct at time of writing.