The Best Powerboat Companies

If you love the sea and have a need for speed, owning a powerboat is for you. While this engine-propelled watercraft requires boating skills, it’s more accessible and less hands-on than sailboats. With plentiful deck space, such an aquatic speedster is perfect for fishing, water sports like racing, solo or small-group marine excursions, and overwater transportation.

A powerboat is only as good as its manufacturer. It can be a significant expense, so choose a vessel from the best powerboat company your money can buy. If you’re new to recreational boating and don’t know the most trusted players, check out this list of three to find the finest motorboat selections on the market.

The Best Powerboat Companies

These powerboat manufacturers are among the best in quality, selection and customizability. Read on to find the best option for your needs. 

1. Formula

Formula is one of the best boat manufacturers with a decorated racing pedigree. The brand has revolutionized the boating industry with numerous innovations for over 60 years — including the curved glass windshield. At the same time, the company has preserved its signature deep-V hull configuration through the leadership of the late National Marine Manufacturers Hall of Famer Vic Porter.

Headquartered in Decatur, Indiana, Formula continues to gift the boating community with cutting-edge powerboats engineered with imagination and integrity.

Six Boat Types	17 models	New and pre-owned Vessels
Free aesthetic and mechanical customizations	Premium touchups	Useful dealer locator nearness-based filter

Powerboat Models

Formula manufactures bowriders, center console boats, sport cuddy vessels and sport crossover boats, catering to various boating needs.

The company’s line of bowriders consists of four models that can seat six to more than 10 passengers. They’re suitable for any imaginable water activity in shallow bays and lakes. These luxury boats boast sought-after features, including double helm seats, storage areas, USB charging stations, swim platforms and entertainment wet bars. Formula bowriders also have two crossover models with cabins.

Formula is behind some of the best center console boat models available. Built for steady sports fishing, they have triple helm seating, a bait-rigging station, a fishing gear locker, an electronics suite and a sun lounge. They can accommodate fishing crews of four or more than eight.

The two Formula Sport crossover classes are available in four styles. Each has adequate deck space, massive swim platforms, relaxing cabins, and wraparound seating for extended trips and memorable parties. These large powerboats have fancy features for maximum convenience, including a complete outdoor kitchen, an entertainment table, an HD TV, a sun lounge and a sliding windshield.

Formula’s sport cuddy boats are best for water-based activities and overnight stays. You can choose from two models, but expect generous space for storage and walking on and below the deck, whichever style you pick. These top-shelf vessels have a roomy cockpit equipped with a dash-mounted stereo system. The package includes a sun lounge, a wet bar, a swim platform and an entertainment center.

Formula also sells pre-owned vessels — including those made by many of the industry’s best boat manufacturers — the company has taken in trade on the sale of its products.

Customizability

The FormulaFlex^™ program allows you to tailor your vessel’s design at no extra cost. You can customize your vessel’s paint color palette, drivetrains, accessories and more with Formula’s interactive graphics and engine configurators.

If unsatisfied, you can request more specific changes through the company’s MyWay^™ program. With MyWay, Formula will paint your powerboat any color from major global automotive manufacturers or any of the hundreds of options in the Pantone Matching System^®. You can also make your cockpit upholstery and cabin decor uniquely yours.

If the company doesn’t offer your desired gadgets, you can speak with its electronics engineer to soup up your powerboat to your liking.

Dealership Network

Formula doesn’t disclose the total number of its partner dealers throughout the U.S. However, its dealer locator tool can automatically recommend the ones within 100 miles of where your device’s data says you are. Still, you can adjust your search to a 25-, 50-, 175- or 200-mile radius.

If you receive incorrect or irrelevant recommendations, you can enter a ZIP code or name of a city and its corresponding state to yield better results.

2. Sea Ray^®

Sea Ray is an institution in the global boating industry. It started as a small recreational fiberglass boat company in 1959. Over the decades, this marine manufacturer has evolved into an industry leader through technological innovation.

The ‘60s saw the company become the preeminent fiberglass watercraft builder. The ‘70s witnessed the rollout of the Sundancer — an iconic vessel that redefined cabin cruisers. The ‘80s was a time of rapid expansion, while the ‘90s was a period of many firsts, pioneering comprehensive owner-based benefits and ISO-certified production facilities.

At the turn of the century, Sea Ray heavily modernized its processes with robotics and other emerging technologies. In the 2010s, the company did some soul-searching, shifting its core business toward sport boats and cruisers and doubling down on outboard-powered models.

Three boat types	29 models	Sterndrive- and outboard-powered boats
Intuitive customization tool	Massive array of upgrade and add-on options	Helpful dealer search suggestions

Powerboat Models

Sea Ray is the best powerboat company when it comes to variety. Its current lineup consists of 29 models of sport boats, deck boats and cabin cruisers.

This marine manufacturer organizes its offerings into four series — Sundancer, SLX, SDX and SPX. However, these classifications aren’t as straightforward as the other vessel selections on this list. All include sterndrive and outboard models, but some feature multiple motorboat types and length ranges.

This powerboat company assigns its small-sized sport boats — 19-24 feet in length — to the SPX line while distributing medium-sized ones — those 25-29 feet long — between SLX and SDX. The SLX selection also contains 30-40-foot-long luxury sport boats, whereas the SDX class is the exclusive home of Sea Ray’s medium deck boats.

Sundancer is a family of long cabin cruisers, stretching 30-40 feet from bow to stern. The SLX series also includes two lengthy sport cruisers — overboard and sterndrive versions of the same rip-roaring motorboat. As convoluted as it may seem, there's a method to Sea Ray’s madness.

Amenity-wise, Sundancer models are like floating hotels. They scream elegance and sophistication, as evidenced by their sleek exterior and cozy interior. These sport cruisers are synonymous with graceful water access — with impressive features such as expansive swim platforms, user-oriented ladders, and optional hydraulics and swim steps.

The SLX line stands out because of its standard electronics setup. The Mercury SmartCraft^® Digital Throttle and Shift system and the SelectResponse-equipped glass dash are the notable technologies in this series.

SDX models are absolute social zones. They have broad, convertible sun pads and deep swim platforms, sustaining socialization when half the group is onboard and the other is in the water.

SPX powerboats are unassuming and workable. They prioritize practicality without disregarding aesthetics, offering the best trade-off between ride quality, fuel efficiency, performance and cost.

Customizability

Sea Ray spends considerable resources to design its boats to perfection. Still, it values personal preferences and moves mountains to let you yacht in your style. If the standard design of your chosen powerboat doesn’t blow you away, feel free to modify its key visual elements to suit your taste.

Like the best boat manufacturers worldwide, the company provides an intuitive customization tool. It allows you to systematically reimagine your recreational watercraft’s exterior details and interior furnishings. You can give your Sea Ray powerboat a makeover in just a few clicks by upgrading the open windshield or changing the cockpit vinyl color. Lend more drama to the side or entire hull by adding boot stripes.

Moreover, you can touch up the stock seating and flooring elements with a vast array of add-ons. You can choose from numerous propulsion systems with superior horsepower if you seek an engine that packs a harder punch.

Sea Ray also offers a slew of extras to meet your distinct lifestyle needs. The company sells many coverings and sophisticated electronic solutions — such as marine safety and security systems, radars and satellite receivers. This marine manufacturer’s miscellaneous add-ons include opening portlights, air conditioning and heating units, gas generators and graywater systems.

Considering the number of customization possibilities Sea Ray offers, it’s easy to get carried away and spend more than intended. Fortunately, you can get a live estimate of your configuration’s cost — including freight and fees — to keep you informed and avoid bill shock when you finalize your order.

Dealership Network

Sea Ray provides an interactive dealer locator to aid your research. If you’re in the United States, you can enter your ZIP code to find the nearest authorized powerboat dealership. The software also suggests specific addresses based on location data to yield more accurate results.

Furthermore, this dealer locator can link you to partner sites and show you existing inventories, which comes in handy when searching for a local dealer that has your desired Sea Ray boat in stock.

3. Chaparral

Chaparral began its family-boat-building history in 1965. In 1976, it moved from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Nashville, Georgia.

The company’s headquarters comprise over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space and employ over 800 people. Chaparral’s staff includes second- and third-generation craftspeople who take immense pride in every vessel they make by hand.

Five powerboat classes	20 models	Lengthy warranties
Impressive customizability	Single retail pricing policy	No hidden fees

Powerboat Models

Chaparral’s 2025 selection includes five classes — SSi, SSi Outboards, SSX, OSX and SURF. All 20 2025 models come with lifetime and five-year limited hull and component warranties, respectively, inspiring peace of mind.

The SSi series features a trio of sport boats perfect for waterskiing and fishing. They have an extended V-plane running surface and a molded fiberglass dash, which is the company’s signature.

Like other Chaparral boats, every model in this line boasts the SiO Silicone marine upholstery — ultrapure silicone developed with angular resin technology. This durable material contains zero chemical additives and is practically maintenance-free, resisting scratching and scuffing.

The four SSi Outboards models promise abundant interior space, enhanced maneuverability, high fuel efficiency, painless portability and convenient maintenance.

Chaparral’s SSX line of luxury bowriders suits adventurous family boaters who want to explore waterways in style. You can choose from four models and find a deluxe runabout that matches your budget, satisfies your performance standards, fits your entertainment needs, or offers a healthy balance between comfort and functionality.

OSX luxury outboard sport boats marry power with elegance. All four models are sleek, ergonomic and safe, making them the ultimate companion for traversing alluring waterways.

The SURF sport boats from Chaparral are must-haves for wakesurfing enthusiasts. All five models in this series have a versatile propulsion system based on Volvo Penta’s forward-facing technology, making them thrilling and comfortable to ride.

Customizability

Standard Chaparral family boat designs have character, but you can alter their key details to match your personality and performance requirements.

For example, you can tweak the hull graphics and gel-coat the whole exterior if you prefer an eye-catching hue over white. The company also offers alternative interior color palettes and cockpit decorative upgrades — such as snap-in marine flooring and filler cushions. You can swap the stock motor for something more powerful.

Regarding accessories, it’s easy to pimp up your recreational watercraft with folding arch towers and cockpit, bow and mooring covers. You can gimmick your powerboat with a galvanized anchor, air pump, docking lights, board racks, extended swim platform and mat, transom remote and alert system to expand its functionality.

If your chosen Chaparral model has a trailer, you can augment the standard black design with an aluminum tandem axle with brakes and aluminum or galvanized wheels.

While some upgrades cost extra, the company’s boat builder does the math as you finalize your custom design to ensure you stay within budget.

Dealership Network

Chaparral has authorized dealers in dozens of countries across six continents. The company doesn’t share a definitive list of partners, but you can locate the nearest ones by entering your ZIP code.

If you have multiple options, you may not have to shop around to find favorable deals. The Chaparral ONE^™ simplifies your buying experience by imposing a uniform standard boat price throughout its network in the contiguous U.S. By imposing single naturally advertised prices, eliminating negotiation and guaranteeing zero hidden fees, Chaparral is easily the best powerboat company for affordability and transparency.

This program applies to all SSi, SSi Outboards and SURF models bought from authorized local American dealers.

Which Is the Best Powerboat Company for You?

Frankly, all boat manufacturers on this list are worth their salt, for they wouldn’t last for decades if they hadn’t consistently delivered on their promises. While this big-ticket purchase requires diligence, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands in any of these three.