Five of the Best Open-Water Fishing Boats

When it comes to inshore and offshore fishing, there are a few things that all anglers need. These include a trusty rod, reel, and tackle, sun and cold protection, a dependable life jacket, bait, and a knowledge of where to find the fish. But above all, you’ll need a boat. 

The type of boat that will work best for you depends on a number of factors, including what kind of fishing you do, where you go fishing, how many people you want to take with you, and of course, your budget. There are thousands of options available, ranging from newly released models to classics that have been afloat for over half a century. Some people choose to buy new, while others opt for used boats that have been well maintained. Either way, the following fishing boats are some of the best ever made.

Boston Whaler Nauset

The Boston Whaler Nauset is considered by many to be the first production model recreational fishing boat to feature a center console—a design that revolutionized fishing and went on to become the industry standard. The diminutive Nauset clocked in at only 16 feet, making it maneuverable and affordable, while still big enough to support multiple active fishermen. Since its debut in 1961, the Nauset has inspired many other mid-sized Boston Whaler models, including the 17-foot Newport, Menemsha, and Montauk. The affordability and practicality of these Boston Whaler boats—along with the fact that they are almost unsinkable—have made the Nauset and its descendants top choices for more than 60 years.

Contender 31/32 ST

Originally called the Contender 31 ST but now dubbed the Contender 32 ST to reflect its true length, Contender’s top-selling model is one of the most commercially successful fishing boats of its size. It is also one of the most successful offshore center console models ever made and is known for its fishability. The ST version was released in the late 2000s, with the updates widely celebrated by anglers. The boat’s sleek yet tough design, 35 mph cruising speed (with twin F300 outboard motors), dual 40-gallon livewells, and ample, well-insulated fish storage make it an ideal offshore fishing craft.

Competitively, this boat’s results speak for themselves, as the 31 model won numerous tournaments on the Southern Kingfish Association circuit, as well as a number of south Florida sailfish tournaments. The boat is a common sight in harbors and marinas, cropping up just about everywhere people head out into the ocean in pursuit of big fish.

Yellowfin 31

Another 31-footer that gained a huge following throughout the fishing world, the Yellowfin 31 launched in 2000 and quickly earned rave reviews and a loyal following. After decades of dominance by traditional center console designs, this stepped-hull version meant a dryer, more comfortable ride and increased efficiency, without sacrificing fishability. Yellowfin became an industry leader almost overnight, and the Yellowfin 36 that debuted in 2003 became another highly popular and commercially successful model known for top performance in tournaments. However, it was the original Yellowfin 31 that put the brand on the map, and it remains one of the most widely piloted fishing boats on the water.

Hell’s Bay Professional

Not all boats are designed for deep waters, of course. Sometimes what you need is a low-draft casting platform with a dependable motor—and when it comes to flats fishing, the Hell’s Bay Professional is trusted by many anglers. Originally designed in 2000 and then updated in 2004, this technical poling skiff has a 4.5-inch draft, making it perfect for stealthily floating in and out of shallow waters. However, with a solid motor on the back, it can still get up and move, which means anglers aren’t limited to poling around close to home. Reviews also cite its lightweight, yet strong hull and maneuverability. For those who love to post up on the flats and cast till sunset, there are few better options on the market.

43 Merritt

Is the 43 Merritt the best offshore fishing boat of all time? If not, it is certainly one of the most iconic—Salt Water Sportsman ranked it first on a 2024 list of the best sport fishing boats ever. A classic craft with clean, timeless lines, this popular model is a beast on the open ocean. Yet despite its commitment to aesthetics and power, the 43-foot Merritt is also functional and comfortable, making it the perfect blend of luxury and logistics. The boat’s competitive results back up its pedigree, with multiple records recorded on the craft. These include the men’s largest all-tackle Pacific blue marlin, men’s largest all-tackle Atlantic blue marlin, women’s largest all-tackle Atlantic blue marlin, and the most giant bluefin tuna caught by trolling in one day. These records are all the more impressive considering that only 12 of this model were ever built.