Best Family Motorboats Under £20,000 in the UK
Looking for a family motorboat on a budget? These are the best used family motorboats available in the UK for under £20,000, with space for 4–6 people.
Best Family Motorboats Under £20,000 in the UK
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable family motorboat. The UK used boat market has excellent options under £20,000 — from sports boats for waterskiing to cuddy cabins for day trips and overnight stops. Here are the best choices.
1. Bayliner 175 / 185 (2005–2012)
One of the most popular family motorboats ever built. The Bayliner 175 and 185 are affordable, reliable, and easy to tow.
- Typical price (used): £8,000–£16,000
- Length: 17–18 ft
- Engine: 3.0L MerCruiser sterndrive (135–190 hp)
- Capacity: 4–6 people
- Best for: Day trips, waterskiing, coastal cruising
Why it's great: Parts are easy to find, the hull is stable, and it's one of the easiest boats to launch and recover on a trailer.
2. Fletcher 19 Sportscruiser (2000–2010)
A British-built sports boat with a loyal following. Fletchers are known for their build quality and sea-keeping ability.
- Typical price (used): £8,000–£15,000
- Length: 19 ft
- Engine: 3.0L–4.3L sterndrive or 90–150 hp outboard
- Capacity: 4–5 people
- Best for: Coastal day trips, waterskiing
3. Sealine S21 / S23 (1995–2005)
A step up in size and comfort. Sealine's smaller models offer a cuddy cabin with overnight accommodation — perfect for weekend trips.
- Typical price (used): £12,000–£20,000
- Length: 21–23 ft
- Engine: 4.3L–5.0L sterndrive
- Capacity: 4–6 people (2 overnight)
- Best for: Weekend cruising, coastal hops
Why it's great: The cabin gives you a toilet, small galley, and V-berth for sleeping. A genuine mini-cruiser for the price of a day boat.
4. Quicksilver 640 Pilothouse (2008–2015)
If you prefer a wheelhouse boat for UK weather, the Quicksilver 640 is a practical, stable family boat.
- Typical price (used): £12,000–£18,000
- Length: 21 ft
- Engine: 90–150 hp outboard
- Capacity: 6 people
- Best for: Fishing, all-weather cruising, inland waterways
5. Jeanneau Cap Camarat 5.5 (2005–2012)
A French-built day boat with excellent build quality and a deep-V hull that handles chop well.
- Typical price (used): £10,000–£18,000
- Length: 18 ft
- Engine: 90–115 hp outboard
- Capacity: 5 people
- Best for: Day trips, swimming, picnics
What to Check When Buying a Used Family Motorboat
- Hull condition: Look for gelcoat blisters (osmosis), cracks, and repairs
- Engine hours: Under 500 hours is ideal; over 800 is getting high
- Service history: Ask for recent service records
- Trailer condition: If included, check bearings, tyres, and lights
- Upholstery: Replacement cushions are expensive — check for tears and fading
- Electronics: Test all gauges, lights, and navigation equipment
- Safety gear: Check the age of flares, lifejackets, and fire extinguishers
Ongoing Costs to Budget For
| Cost | Annual Amount | |------|--------------| | Mooring (marina berth) | £2,000–£5,000 | | Insurance | £300–£500 | | Fuel | £500–£1,500 | | Servicing | £300–£600 | | Antifoul | £200–£400 | | Total | £3,300–£8,000 |
Towing Considerations
If you plan to trailer your boat, check your driving licence category. Licences obtained after 1997 have a 3,500 kg combined vehicle + trailer limit. A typical 18 ft motorboat on a trailer weighs 1,500–2,000 kg, so most family cars can tow it.
Summary
The best family motorboat under £20,000 depends on how you'll use it:
- For waterskiing and day trips: Bayliner 175/185 or Fletcher 19
- For weekend cruising: Sealine S21/S23
- For all-weather and fishing: Quicksilver 640 Pilothouse
- For quality and handling: Jeanneau Cap Camarat 5.5
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