10 of the Best 20-Foot Boats - BoatGuide.com (2024)

Not too big and not too small, 20-foot boats are just right for many boating families.

Size matters, and boats of around 20 feet are perfect being compact enough they’re easy to tow with a standard vehicle and easy to launch – even on lakes and rivers with poor or unimproved ramps. They’re small enough to be easy to keep clean, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to store. Boats of around 20 feet can sneak into the shallow bays where the big fish hide, or navigate tight parking spots with ease. They also tend to be affordable, both in terms of a purchase price and in terms of ongoing fuel costs.

Size matters, and 20-foot boats are perfect being large enough to seat the whole family in comfort, without anyone bumping elbows. Their length gives them a much smoother ride than shorter craft, especially when it comes to crossing boat wakes or running into the breeze. Boats of around 20 feet also tend to have plenty of storage space for gear, giving everything from coolers to fishing tackle to wakeboards a safe place. And most importantly, those 20-footers are big enough to handle rough water with ease.

Looking for a new boat? Here are 10 of the best 20-foot boats. If you’re in the market for a new ride, they’re definitely worth a look.

Bayliner VR5

Bayliner offers its VR5 in both outboard and traditional sterndrive versions. By taking everything that was great about the traditional bowrider and giving it a thoroughly modern twist, Bayliner’s VR5 offers more comfort, more space, and more versatility than ever.

• Length: 20’ 4”
• Beam: 8’ 0”
• Weight (with engine): 2,895 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 33 gal.
• Maximum power: 220 hp

Crestliner 2100 Raptor

Crestliner’s 2100 Raptor is a serious fishing boat that’s made for big water. Running on a welded aluminum hull, the Raptor can sneak into the shallows for early season pike or slice through a heavy walleye chop on open waters, with tons of space for die-hard anglers and all their gear. It’s one of the best 20-foot boats for anglers.

• Length: 20’ 11”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry Weight: 2,170 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 56 gal.
• Maximum power: 350 hp

Grady-White Freedom 215

The Freedom 215 is the smallest model in Grady-White’s dual console line-up, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on features. There’s seating for eight people, a head compartment and a big 68-quart transom cooler can be upgraded to an aerated live well for the fishermen in your crew.

• Length: 21’ 3”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry Weight: 3,150 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 80 gal.
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Harris 230 Sunliner

With a variety of available floorplans, the Sunliner 230 from Harris comes with a 10-foot Bimini top, a mooring cover, a removable woodgrain table with molded drink holders for those lunch stops with a view and a Fusion stereo with wireless streaming capability.

• Length: 23’ 5”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry Weight (2 25′ tubes): 2,525 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 28 gal.
• Maximum power: 150-200 hp

Malibu 23 Wakesetter

The 23 Wakesetter gets some key updates for 2020, like Malibu’s Stern Turn feature to improve maneuvering in tight spaces, along with forward and rear cameras, a Wet Sounds audio system, and an all new Malibu Operating System that makes the boat even easier to use.

• Length: 23’ 7”
• Beam: 8’ 6”

MasterCraft NXT 20

The 2020 version of the Mastercraft NXT 20 gets an improved driver’s seat, analog gauges and black anodized accents, a phone holder and a 4.3-inch screen that’s loaded with factory profiles for the Gen 2 Surf System. Below deck, rear and forward ballast tanks are moved sub-floor, creating extra storage space for gear. This is one of the best 20-foot boats for families that like to have fun on the water.

• Length: 20’ 0”
• Beam: 8’ 0”
• Dry Weight: 3,970 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 47 gal.

Scarab 195 ID

The Scarab 195 ID is a versatile a sport boat that blends stylish looks, serious capabilities and jet power into a fresh and appealing package. With seating for eight, comfortable amenities and premium upholstery, this is a versatile sport boat that’s sure to please. And with no exposed propeller, it’s ideal for wake surfing.

• Length: 18’ 10”
• Beam: 8’ 0”
• Weight with engine: 2,460 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 31 gal.
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Starcraft MDX 211 CC OB

Starcraft’s popular 211 OB CC might be the most versatile deck boat on the market. With comfortable seating, bow and stern swim platforms, a Bimini top and tons of storage space for gear this thrill ride is made for weekends under the sun.

SunChaser Vista 22 Fish

Need the seating and comfort of a pontoon boat, but you really want a fishing rig? SunChaser offers the best of both worlds in its all-new Vista 22 Fish. Comfortable lounge seating, upscale SeaWeave flooring, a standard Bimini top and twin pedestal fishing seats mean no one needs to compromise. When it comes to pontoons, there aren’t many 20-foot boats that can compete.

• Length: 22’ 10”
• Beam: 8’ 0”
• Dry weight: 2,027 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 38 gal.
• Maximum power: 115 hp

Yamaha SX 195

Powered by a 1.8L SVHO engine for exhilarating performance, the Yamaha SX 195 comes with all-new co*ckpit seating for 2020, plus a new port-side entertainment station complete with a fold-down table. A new helm now features Yamaha’s Connext feature, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and even a cell phone holder.

• Length: 19’ 5”
• Beam: 8’ 2”
• Dry weight: 2,434 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 40 gal.