What brands can you afford for that budget? What sort of accommodation do you get? How many passengers can you carry and what sort of performance can you expect? There is no better place to research boats side-by-side than the world’s biggest indoor boat show and this small selection shows what variety there is.
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With boats from the likes of Bayliner, Axopar and Beneteau - plus some REAL surprises - this a true reflection of what sort of new boat you can get for this budget in 2024.
Bayliner VR6
€84,300 inc. VAT
Bayliner has always been known for offering good value, and the VR6 is no exception. With its versatile design, it comes in two versions: the Bow Rider and the Cuddy Cabin. Both share the same hull, but the Cuddy Cabin has a compact double berth and a small toilet, which should suit short overnight stays.
Power options include a 200hp petrol inboard, starting at a reasonable €65,000. The show model, equipped with the punchier 250hp engine option, came in at €85,000. If outboards are more your style, there's that choice too.
The deck layout provides a pleasant amount of seating space, with rubber teak flooring. A table pops up for dining, and storage is integrated beneath the seating. When it's time to enjoy a meal, a canopy gives shade, while the wet bar is opposite, ready to serve. Though the setup is simple, it does the job.
Moving to the helm station, the driving position is cosy, with a protected view forward. Instrumentation might be basic, but it's functional, with a bolster seat allowing you to peek over the windscreen. The two-way backrest next to the helm can transform the seating into a lounger.
Karnic CS700
€84,100 inc. VAT
This Cypriot brand has packed in some clever features on the Karnic CS700; in the cockpit, the seating section slides forward on runners, letting you adjust the backrest to face the water. It's perfect for watching swimmers or water sports. Slot in the table, and you have a brilliant seating area, with flip-down benches on either side to host extra guests. If fishing or water sports are your primary focus, fold everything away to create a spacious open cockpit, complete with a bimini for shade.
There's also a simple wet bar with a gas hob, sink, and an optional cooler. The helm seats two, with bolster seating offering the choice to stand or sit for protection from the wind. The Simrad MFD and one speed dial do remind you that we are at the budget end.
Unlike some rivals, the Karnic CS700 has side decks to access the foredeck, on most you need to walk through/over the windscreen. Below deck, the cabin has more space than the Bayliner VR6, and includes a fridge, storage locker, and a separate bathroom.
Beneteau Flyer 8
€112,100 inc. VAT
The Beneteau Flyer 8 is just over the budget at €112,100. Propelled by a 300hp Suzuki outboard, it has a smart design, with a walk-around layout. Drop-down seats and a flippable backrest at the aft can change the deck into a big sun pad – like on the Karnic. The hardtop gives sun protection, and the foredeck features a generously sized sun pad with a canopy for extra shade.
At the helm, the Flyer 8 has a clean, straightforward dash. The high console literally elevates the driving experience and it's well-protected - whether you’re standing or sitting. Thanks to this elevated console, the interior offers more headroom than its rivals, giving almost 6ft (1.8m) of standing headroom. Below deck, it’s not just a resting berth. There’s a table, sink, fridge, and a bit of storage, making it very usable. Plus, there's a separate bathroom.
X-Shore 1
€99,000 ex. VAT
The X-Shore 1 sneaks in just under budget, though it's a bit of a cheat, as this price reflects a very base spec. Despite this, you still get the same 125kW motor found in its more expensive models, delivering a performance with a top speed of 30 knots. At 20 knots, expect a range of about 25nm, while cruising at 5 knots extends your journey to 50nm.
Charging is as convenient as it gets, taking just 3-4 hours on a single-phase feed, which means you can easily juice it up overnight at a typical marina shore power connection. On deck, the two-way seating area is flexible, whether you're sitting aft or inward. Built-in cup holders and an open deck space help with the leisurely vibe. Though it's not a traditional hardtop, the soft roof can be fully enclosed or opened out to the elements.
The helm is a two-seater and beautifully integrated boat systems, like you'd expect from an electric car. The X-Shore has bespoke graphics displaying range, consumption, and navigation information; it’s smart and user-friendly. The throttle is a neat little circle for directional control, instead of the usual neck with a handle.
Below deck, the arrangement is simple. The double berth is a bit cramped but serves as a usable space for storage or shelter if the weather takes a turn.
Sealver WB777
€60,000 ex. VAT (excluding Jet Ski)
The Sealver WB777 has the unique idea of driving a jet ski straight into your boat, connect them together, and then use the jet ski as the power source. It's a clever idea, and while the base package is €60,000, remember that doesn't include the jet ski. Add that jet ski, and you're nudging that €100,000 mark.
But what do you get for that price? For starters, a fantastic sunbathing platform, absolutely littered with sun cushions. The boat also has an A-frame and wakeboarding tower, with a storage spot for the wakeboard. You can connect a tow line and wakeboard directly from the platform. Alternatively, detach the jet ski, go off, and let everyone else enjoy this as a floating sunbathing area.
Axopar 22 Spyder
€96,340 inc. VAT
The award winning 22 Spyder from Axopar is the entry level model from the 22 Series range.
Propelled by a 200hp Mercury outboard, the 22 Spyder reaches a top speed of 45 knots. You won’t find a T-Top or cabin, as those extras would push us about €30,000 over budget, but what you do get is a very nice arrangement.
The aft seating can be moved around to create a sun pad or flip the backrest to form a bench to face either into or away from the boat. There’s a deck shower, plus a sink and fridge tucked under the helm seats. The helm station - with bolster seats -is a brilliant driving position; sit or stand, it's your choice. Axopar’s reputation for producing great driver’s boats holds true here; it really punches above its weight on the water - we know as we got to test drive it.
Forward, you might miss the cabin, but the seating area around the table is very nice. Drop it down, and you've got another sun pad with built-in cup holders in the backrest. Despite its compact size, this boat is impressively functional. It's trailer-friendly, which is a real treat if you want to be able to transport your boat on your own.
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Axopar 22 Spyder7.2m Axopar
from 2020
