Brands & Models
The bowriders built between roughly 1995 and 2015 are the backbone of the used market. Many are excellent value; a few are traps.
The previous-generation bowriders that still make brilliant used buys, what they got right, and what to watch out for.
The bowriders that come up most often when readers ask us where to start.
The world's best-selling bowrider size, in its most accessible form: light, simple and easy to tow.
US$38,000 - US$52,000 new
The refined mainstream benchmark: quiet, dry, and beautifully finished for the money.
US$72,000 - US$95,000 new
The previous-generation classic. Millions of families learned to boat in one of these.
US$8,000 - US$22,000 used
The Bayliner 185 and 195, the Sea Ray 180 and 190 Sport, the Chaparral 200 SSi, the Glastron GT 205 and the Four Winns Horizon range. All were built in huge numbers, all are mechanically simple, and all can be bought for a fraction of new money.
Simplicity. Carburetted or early EFI V6 engines, mechanical steering, minimal electronics and layouts that were designed around people rather than screens. Fewer systems means fewer failures.
Wood cores in transoms and stringers on some budget hulls, ageing bellows and transom assemblies on stern drives, UV-cooked upholstery, and trailers that have quietly rusted through. Price these in before you negotiate.
