The BC Marine Trades Association is the voice of the recreational marine industry in British Columbia. Working with other industry groups and all levels of government, MTA provides a strong and consistent voice for the BC boating community.

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Finding a Boat

Buying a boat is one of the best investments you can make in family recreation. There is truly a boat for every individual or family budget. Boats, like cars, have negotiable pricing at most dealers and financial institutions. Begin your boating experience with a small trailerable boat for a little as a few hundred dollars a year.

Curious about how much it will cost? Simply choose from below the activity that most appeals to you to find out.

Paddling
15’ Canoe
Paddle-powered craft suitable for short-distance transportation, from calm shallows to running white water.
Passenger Capacity: 1–3
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $490 - $2,480*

Fishing
16’ Aluminum Fishing Boat
Outboard powered craft suitable for fishing in calm coastal waters or inland lakes and rivers.
Passenger Capacity: 1-5
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $6,700 - $14,100

18’ Bass Boat
Fast specialty crafts with accommodations for larger outboard motors and storage space for rods and fishing gear.
Passenger Capacity: 1-5
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $7,100 - $35,900*

Jet Boating
Personal Watercraft
Also called Jet Skis, Waverunners, Sea Doos, Waterbikes or Water Scooters these come in two varieties: sit-down or stand-up.
Passenger Capacity: 1-2
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $5,700 - $12,000*

Sailing
16’ Catamaran Sailboat
Two-hulled crafts suitable for shallow waters. The lightweight hulls of these boats make for quick sailing.
Passenger Capacity: 1-2
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $5,700 - $8,400*

28’ Sailboat
Small fixed-keel crafts with cabin suitable for day trips or overnighting on lakes or calmer coastal waters.
Passenger Capacity: 1-5
Trailerable: yes but not recommended
Average retail price range: $51,500 - $79,700*

Powerboating
19’ All-purpose Runabout
Outboard or stern-drive powered crafts suitable for short-distance cruising or water-skiing.
Passenger Capacity: 1-5
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $10,900 - $19,700*

19’ Deck Boat
Versatile one-level crafts suitable for a variety of activities in coastal or inland waters.
Passenger Capacity: 1-8
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $13,000 - $41,000*

28’ Cabin Cruiser
Small cruiser with compact cabin and galley suitable for day trips or overnighting with a small group.
Passenger Capacity: 1-5
Trailerable: yes but not recommended
Average retail price range: $39,600 - $99,500*

20’ Pontoon Boat
Flatbottomed craft support by two tubes suitable for fishing and sunning in lakes or rivers.
Passenger Capacity: 1-8
Trailerable: yes
Average retail price range: $8,700 - $14,900*

*Retail price ranges based on nationwide manufacturer sample and include prices of outboard or sterndrive engines where applicable.

For more information and tips on boat buying and financing, take a look at the Step by Step Guide to Affordable Boat Buying.