Florida Sportsman Boat Buyers Guide 2026

Check out these 14 new and notable fishing machines for 2026

January 05, 2026 By Florida Sportsman Staff

Renowned for its diverse habitats and fisheries, Florida offers a captivating blend of marine environments, from the tranquil to the treacherous, that beckon a wide variety of boat styles. From distant reefs and wrecks to coastal salt marshes and flats of low energy shorelines, Florida boaters enjoy a mosaic of ecosystems that host an incredible array of marine life. The diversity of boat styles available to Sunshine State anglers reflects the complexity of our waterways—there is a place for every boat in Florida. Check out these 14 hot new fishing machines to put you on the fish in 2026!

HYDRASTEPP 19

The HydraStepp 19 looks to fit nicely into the practical space between technical poling skiff and full-fledged bay boat. It’s built to fish up to 4 anglers (capable of transporting 6 persons/800 pounds capacity) and set up with twin livewells of 28 gallons each. The HydraStepp is designed by Steve Stepp, the builder behind Velocity Powerboats,and benefits from a legacy of innovation and performance. A 14-degree, pad-bottom hull delivers speed and fuel efficiency out of a surprisingly wide range of power options (tested from 60 to 150). Kevlar and carbon fiber construction keeps the weight down while delivering strength and durability. Built in Rockledge, FL.

HydraStepp 19 Specs

LOA: 19'
Beam: 94"
Draft: 6-8"
Weight: 700 lbs. hull, dry
Transom deadrise: 14 deg
Fuel: 29 gal.
Max HP: 150 HP
Base Price: $65,000 (w/60 hp)
www.hydrastepp.com

HAVOC MSTC SITKA OPTIFADE EDITION

Camouflage aluminum fishing boat — Havoc MSTC Sitka Optifade Edition

Sweet-looking concealed transport option for waterfowlers in Florida and elsewhere: SITKA Gear, hunting apparel manufacturer and exclusive licensor of Gore Optifade, recently partnered with Havoc Boats to bring Optifade Marsh and Timber camo patterns to Havoc’s boat lineup. Designed for surface-drive "mud motors," Havoc MSTC models are built in Arkansas of 5086 alloy aluminum, including hull (100 gauge), transom, floor, bow and I-beam longitudinal ribs. Features include nav lights, twin battery trays, 800-GPH bilge pump, trolling motor wires and bracket, deck hatches, bow rail, Havoc Hyde interior finish and rear bench seats with storage compartments.

Havoc MSTC Sitka Optifade Specs

LOA: 5 models from 16' to 18'
Beam: 68"-80"
Max HP: Ratings from 50-75 HP
Base Price: Check with dealer
www.havocboats.com

BAY RIDER 2460FS SKIFF

Bayboat running on bay — Bay Rider 2460FS

Manufactured in Wilson, NC at a plant in operation since 1975, the Bay Rider 2640FS Skiff has been designed with a best-in-class flat bottom that offers comfort as well as affordability. It's a versatile, fun family boat constructed with composite materials that avoid wood rot. Three ribs on the boat create stable tracking. Finish appears to be top-tier.

Bay Rider 2460FS Specs

LOA: 24'
Beam: 8'4"
Draft: 10"
Weight: 2,750 lbs. (w/power)
Fuel: 35 gal.
Max HP: 250 HP
Base Price: $79,449 w/Yamaha F200XD
www.bayriderboats.com

CAYMAS 24 HB

Light blue step hull center console with two anglers seated in bow — Caymas 24 HB

The 24 HB is the newest addition to the Caymas Hybrid Series lineup of boats. While all boats are in various ways "hybrids," in the current vernacular of saltwater fishing boats, a model like the 24 HB fits neatly into two settings: A "bay-and-offshore" boat set up to fish for redfish inshore or red snapper offshore, and also a "fish-and-family" platform equally competent on a family cruise or sandbar trip. Caymas boats are built with premium-grade hardware and equipment, from rodholders to livewells to practical storage options.

Caymas 24 HB Specs

LOA: 23'6"
Beam: 8'6"
Draft: 16"
Transom Deadrise: 15.5 deg
Weight: 3,800 lbs. (w/o engines)
Fuel: 90 gal.
Fresh Water: 8 gal.
Max HP: 350 HP
Base Price: $149,900
www.caymasboats.com

SAILFISH 252 CC

Blue twin engine Sailfish model center console running on bay water — Sailfish 252 CC

The 252 Center Console is clearly designed with the modern boater in mind, with flexible layouts, abundant storage, livewells and other features blending fishing performance with family-friendly versatility. The hull is the Sailfish VDS, variable-degree stepped, a time-proven formula which the company promotes as giving "3-in-1" benefits—performance, efficiency and stability. Sailtech Construction incorporates materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber and Prisma beams for a strong, quality build.

Sailfish 252 CC Specs

Set up for fishing, taking family outings or enjoying watersports, the Robalo R277 is a brand-new dual-console designed for versatility on the water with a variety of activities. With a Kevlar-reinforced hull making for a strong hull construction, fiberglass hardtop with powder-coated frame and outfitted with twin Yamahas, Robalo engineers planned the R277 to deliver the ride and overall feel of a bigger boat.

Robalo R277 Specs

LOA: 25'3"
Beam: 9'2"
Draft: 22"
Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.
Weight: 7,800 lbs. w/lightest power
Fuel: 165 gal.
Fresh Water: 15 gal.
Max HP: 500 HP
Base Price: $146,295
www.robalo.com

SEA PRO 265FLZ

White center console fishing boat — Sea Pro 265FLX

Sea Pro Boats, based in Whitmire, South Carolina, launched the new flagship of its growing Family Sandbar Boat fleet — the 265FLX, an offshore edition of this layout. The 265FLX features an extended and redesigned deep-vee hull with a classic Carolina flair to enhance performance, provide a dry ride, increase fuel efficiency, and improve how the boat sits in the water at rest. At just over 26 feet in length, the 265FLX meets ABYC and NMMA Certifications and is Yacht Certified. Twin helm seats rotate 360 degrees and stern lounge seating can face forwards, backwards, or convert to a bed. Sea Pro also adds a stowaway bow table and stern table for enjoying food and refreshments in the cockpit, along with an exclusive Sandbar Table that lets boaters have a picnic while enjoying a swim or dangling their feet in the water. Seakeeper Ride trim tabs are standard for enhanced ride and fuel efficiency in changing conditions.

Sea Pro 265FLX Specs

LOA: 26'
Beam: 9'4"
Draft: 19"
Transom Deadrise: 22.5 deg.
Weight: 4,850 lbs (dry w/o power)
Fuel: 153 gal.
Fresh Water: 20 gal.
Max HP: 500 HP
Base Price: $168,896 w/twin Suzuki 250
www.seapromfg.com

SCOUT 288 LXF

Twin black outboards on white center console fishing boat — Scout 288 LXF

The all-new Scout 288 LXF features a fully walkable, non-slip transom swim platform with Esthec, a port-side swing-in door, forward seating with backrests and storage below, and a sleekly designed hardtop with integrated frameless windshield. Some notable optional features include choice of upgraded upholstery color packages, underwater lights, outriggers, hardtop-mounted rocket launchers, and a dual engine flush kit. Cockpit features ample room to move around and fish with a full crew, and fiberglass leaning post with bait prep station.

Scout 288 LXF Specs

LOA: 28'9"
Beam: 9'11"
Draft: 24"
Transom Deadrise: 21 deg.
Weight: 5,600 lbs. w/o power
Fuel: 188 gal.
Fresh Water: 23 gal.
Max HP: 600 HP
Base Price: $302,452 w/power
www.scoutboats.com

COBIA 305 CC

Twin engine center console fishing boat running on clear water — Cobia 305 CC

Cobia bills the 305 CC as an unmatched combination of space, power, and performance in the 30-foot category, ideal for serious fishing and effortless entertaining. Built using Cobia’s VARIS (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System), the 305 CC features a hull that is lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient than traditional fiberglass layup methods, providing a smoother, drier ride even in challenging offshore conditions. It also offers the option for the Seakeeper Ride system, an integrated dynamic trim and stability system, further enhancing control, safety, and comfort on the water.

Cobia 305 CC Specs

LOA: 30'5"
Beam: 10'6"
Draft: 21"
Weight: 9,405 lbs. w/twin 300
Fuel: 265 gal.
Fresh Water: 25 gal.
Max HP: 800 HP
Base Price: $345,499
www.cobiaboats.com

SOLACE 30CS

Twin engine white step hull center console boat — Solace 30CS

Sōlace builds a number of large center console boats but identifies the 30CS as a standout model embodying the builder's commitment to balancing cutting technology, timeless design, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Comfort and utilitarian appointments are found in expected and also surprising places: Magnetic cupholder locations around the gunwales, efficient head design, ample storage, flip-up rear seating and more. Sōlace Center Consoles feature a dual-step performance hull engineered for a smooth, dry ride with precision handling at speed.

Solace 30CS Specs

LOA: 30'9"
Beam: 10'1"
Draft: 24"
Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
Weight: 8,150 lbs. w/o power
Fuel: 260 gal.
Fresh Water: 20 gal.
Max HP: 850 HP
BASE Price: $480,866
www.solaceboats.com

DUSKY 33S

Twin engine offshore center console boat — Dusky 33S

The step-hull Dusky 33 is a proven offshore performer and like all Dusky boats, may be custom-ordered in a wide range of layouts and feature set. The new 33S model denotes a distinctive update in the form of a low-profile cap designed to accommodate a bow-mount electric trolling motor. Dusky boats have been built and sold, factory-direct, by the same family in South Florida since 1967, an enduring legacy that has never deviated from its core reputation for rugged construction and proven fishing designs. Models in the Dusky 33 series are available with a wide variety of powerplants from Suzuki and Mercury, as well as inboard diesel option.

Dusky 33S Specs

LOA: 33'
Beam: 10'10"
Transom Deadrise: 20, 25 and 35 deg.
Weight: 6,750 lbs.
Fuel: 250 gal.
Max HP: 900 HP
Base Price: Consult builder
www.dusky.com

GRADY-WHITE EXPRESS 340

White Grady-White fishing boat running on ocean — Grady-White Express 340

The Express 340 hull design and layout with modern conveniences comprise what the company defines as a "next generation fishing machine." For overnight runs, the cabin sleeps four with helm access through a sliding door. The helm is elevated for improved visibility and features a deluxe captain’s chair to port and Helm Master EX with Full Maneuverability. There's an aft mezzanine seat to watch lines with easy access to the rigging station or optional grill and refrigerator. Other fishing amenities include 32-gallon livewell, 81-quart insulated box and a 166-quart insulated fish box that can be upgraded to a refrigerator/freezer. Optional stainless-steel outriggers with carbon fiber poles complete the package.

Grady-White Express 340 Specs

LOA: 33'6"
Beam: 11'7"
Draft: 27"
Transom Deadrise: 20 deg. (SeaV2 progression)
Fuel: 340 gal.
Max HP: 1,050 HP
Base Price: Contact local dealer
www.gradywhite.com

PURSUIT S 388 SPORT

White twin engine offshore center console running with anglers seated — Pursuit S 388 Sport

Pursuit introduced the new S 388 Sport Center Console as an evolution of one the company's most-popular models. Highlights, Pursuit points out, include a raised mezzanine for better views, along with handholds, bolsters and design elements to optimize security and comfort for passengers and crew, seated or standing. Below deck, the galley has two drawer-style refrigerators/freezers, water views, and what Pursuit indicates is best-in-class cabin space and increased storage capacity. Standard power is triple Yamaha 450 XTO engines.

Pursuit S 388 Sport Specs

LOA: 41'1"
Beam: 12'
Draft: 32"
Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
Weight: 21,700 lbs. w/power
Fuel: 500 gal.
Fresh Water: 45 gal.
Max HP: 1,350 HP
BASE Price: $965,180 w/power
www.pursuitboats.com

SUZUKI STEALTH LINE DF225T

Black Suzuki outboard engine — Suzuki Stealth Line DF225T

This is Suzuki's latest entry into the distinctive Stealth series, featuring exclusive Stealth Line Trim and matte black finish. It's built on the company's proven V6, dual-overhead cam, 24-valve 3.6L powerplant and packed with features including fully transistorized electric ignition, electric fuel injection, keyless start, and auto-trim. This one, with 20-inch shaft and mechanical controls, is clearly built for the bass, bay and large flats boat market, but there's a Stealth model for just about every application. Suzuki also continues to offer its familiar range of fuel-efficient, dependable four-strokes from portables up to the 350 Dual Pro, in classic black or white.

Suzuki Stealth Line DF225T Specs