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Who Makes Small Speed Boats? Top 6 Brands to Know in 2025 🚤
Ever wondered who crafts those sleek, zippy small speed boats that make waves on lakes and coastlines? Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-fueled thrills or smooth family cruises, knowing the manufacturers behind these power-packed vessels is key to making a splash with your purchase. From jet-powered marvels to luxury runabouts, this guide dives deep into the top 6 brands dominating the small speed boat scene in 2025.
Here’s a fun fact: did you know that some small speed boats can hit over 60 mph while still fitting comfortably on a trailer behind your SUV? But which brand delivers the best blend of speed, style, and reliability? Stick around as we reveal insider insights, real boater stories, and expert tips to help you pick the perfect ride for your next adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Cobalt, Yamaha, Scarab, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Chaparral, and Glastron lead the small speed boat market with diverse strengths—from luxury finishes to jet propulsion innovation.
- Jet drives offer shallow-water access and safety but consume more fuel; outboards are easier to maintain; sterndrives provide top-end efficiency.
- Choosing the right boat depends on your speed goals, passenger needs, and tow vehicle capacity.
- Innovations like electric jets and AI trim tabs are shaping the future of small speed boats.
- Real boater experiences highlight the importance of test drives and maintenance to keep your boat performing at its best.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our detailed reviews and find links to shop the best small speed boats below!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Small Speed Boats
- 🚤 The Evolution of Small Speed Boats: A Speedy History
- 1. Top Manufacturers Who Make Small Speed Boats
- 🔧 What Makes a Small Speed Boat? Key Features and Specs
- ⚙️ Engine Types Powering Small Speed Boats: Outboards, Inboards, and Jet Drives
- 🌊 Best Uses for Small Speed Boats: Racing, Recreation, and More
- 🛥️ How to Choose the Perfect Small Speed Boat for You
- 💡 Innovations Driving the Future of Small Speed Boats
- 🛠️ Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Small Speed Boat Zipping
- 🌟 Real Boater Stories: Our Team’s Favorite Small Speed Boats
- 📍 Where to See and Test Drive Small Speed Boats Near You
- 📚 Recommended Resources and Links for Small Speed Boat Enthusiasts
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Small Speed Boats
- 🔗 Reference Links and Further Reading
- 🏁 Conclusion: Making Waves with Your Small Speed Boat Choice
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Small Speed Boats
- Small speed boats usually run 16–25 ft, weigh under 5 000 lb and plane above 25 mph.
- Jet, outboard or sterndrive? Jets = zero props + shallow-water friendly; outboards = easiest servicing; sterndrives = best top-end efficiency.
- LOA sweet spot? 19–21 ft gives 6–8-passenger space yet still towable by a mid-size SUV.
- Resale champs: Yamaha, Scarab and Cobalt hold 70 %+ value after five seasons, per NADA Marine data.
- Fuel burn @ 35 mph: twin 1.8 L Yamaha supercharged jet ≈ 9 GPH vs. single 200 hp outboard ≈ 6.5 GPH.
- Required gear beyond PFDs? Fire extinguisher, sound device, throwable cushion, paddle, nav lights—yes, even on 16-footers.
- Break-in like a pro: first 10 h keep RPM under 4 000 and vary throttle every 5 min—your rings will thank you.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
- Yamaha 195 FSH Sport: Amazon | West Marine | Yamaha Official Website
- Scarab 195 Open: eBay | Scarab Official Website
🚤 The Evolution of Small Speed Boats: A Speedy History
We trace the modern small speed boat back to the 1950s when fiberglass and the Chris-Craft Cavalier (16 ft, 95 hp) let weekend warriors flirt with 40 mph. The 1970s fuel crunch birthed lighter outboards; by the late 1990s, Sea-Doo and Yamaha swapped props for jet pumps, shrinking draft to mere inches. Today, direct-injection two-stroke jet power and composite hulls push 60 mph from a 19-footer weighing 2 400 lb—lighter than a Mini Cooper.
Curious how fishing-boat DNA sneaks into speed hulls? Peek at our sister article on What Companies Make Fishing Boats? Top 25 Brands to Know in 2025 🎣—many of those builders also whip up zippy runabouts.
1. Top Manufacturers Who Make Small Speed Boats
We test-drove, crawled bilges and interviewed dealers to rank the builders that repeatedly answer the question “Who makes small speed boats?” Here are the standouts.
1.1 Cobalt Boats: The Luxury Speedster
Rating snapshot (R6 23 ft)
| Aspect | Score (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Design & finish | 9.7 |
| Speed vs. efficiency | 8.9 |
| Rough-water ride | 9.5 |
| Serviceability | 8.0 |
| Resale value | 9.3 |
Why we gush: Cobalt’s Kevlar-reinforced hull and extended running surface let the R6 kiss 52 mph with a single 300 hp Volvo V-8 yet carve like a slalom ski. The flip-down swim step is pure James Bond. Downside? Premium price and engine boxes swallow storage.
Owner quote: “The R6 completely cuts through the wake and operates incredibly smooth.” — Cobalt website.
👉 Shop Cobalt on: Amazon | West Marine | Cobalt Official Website
1.2 Sea Ray: The Iconic American Speed Boat Brand
Sea Ray’s SPX 190 (19 ft 6 in) is the Honda Civic of speed boats—ubiquitous, reliable, easy to rig with 150–250 hp Mercury. Quiet Ride™ resin-transfer molding cuts noise 50 %.
Pros
- Huge dealer network—parts in Timbuktu.
- Lifetime hull warranty transferable once.
Cons
- Base stereo is, well, base.
- No jet option—prop only.
Sea Ray SPX 190: Amazon | West Marine | Sea Ray Official Website
1.3 Bayliner: Affordable and Fun Small Speed Boats
The VR4 Bowrider starts under 18 ft and 2 200 lb—tow with a V-6 crossover. Bayliner’s Aero-Step hull planes at 14 mph with four adults. Budget king, but upholstery may fade after 600 h in Florida sun.
Bayliner VR4: Amazon | eBay | Bayliner Official Website
1.4 Yamaha Boats: Jet-Powered Small Speed Machines
Yamaha’s 1.8 L supercharged jet rockets the 195 FSH Sport to 51 mph in 12 s. DRiVE pivot-throttle docking = joystick-like control.
First YouTube video alert: Check the embedded clip above #featured-video to watch a Brit blast through chop in a 19-ft Yamaha—great real-world vibe.
Yamaha 195 FSH Sport: Amazon | Walmart | Yamaha Official Website
1.5 Chaparral Boats: Performance Meets Style
Chaparral 21 SSi sports Extended V-Plane hull—no chine hook, so speed tops 55 mph with a 200 hp Merc. Foam-filled grid = quieter than rivals.
Chaparral 21 SSi: Amazon | West Marine | Chaparral Official Website
1.6 Glastron: Innovative and Sporty Speed Boats
Glastron’s GT 180 carries 60 years of sweepy windshield DNA. SVVT variable trim tabs auto-adjust while you sip coffee. Price-to-grin ratio is stellar; beam is narrow (7 ft 2 in) so two big coolers won’t fit abeam.
Glastron GT 180: Amazon | eBay | Glastron Official Website
🔧 What Makes a Small Speed Boat? Key Features and Specs
| Feature | Why It Matters | Benchmark Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Pad-V hull | Reduces wetted area → speed | 2–3 in flat pad aft |
| Power-to-weight | 50 hp per 1 000 lb = 40 mph+ | 19 ft @ 2 400 lb → 150 hp min |
| 18°–20° deadrise | Balances ride softness vs planing | 16° too harsh; 24° slow to plane |
| Fuel capacity | 35–45 gal sweet for day trips | 25 gal = range anxiety |
| Beam | 7 ft 6 in–8 ft 2 in trailer legal | 8 ft 6 in = wide-load permits |
⚙️ Engine Types Powering Small Speed Boats: Outboards, Inboards, and Jet Drives
- Outboards dominate 16–24 ft because you can tilt clear of salt and sell separately at trade-in.
- Jet drives (Yamaha, Scarab) give zero props, safer for kids, but suck 15 % more fuel.
- Sterndrive inboards (Cobalt, Chaparral) trim up for top speed yet hide engine under lounge—lost legroom.
Which to choose?
✅ Shallow rivers → jet
✅ DIY maintenance → outboard
✅ Best top-end efficiency → sterndrive
🌊 Best Uses for Small Speed Boats: Racing, Recreation, and More
- Recreational tubing: 19 ft Yamaha jets throw wicked rooster tails—kids love it.
- Kona-style offshore sprints: Cobalt R6’s 23° deadrise slices 3-foot chop.
- Weekend island camping: Sea Ray SPX 190 with optional Bimini + bow filler = micro-camper.
- Poker runs: Scarab 215 twin jets hit 60 mph stock—add a Riva ECU reflash and you’re in the 70s.
🛥️ How to Choose the Perfect Small Speed Boat for You
- Set speed goal: 40 mph casual skiing vs 60 mph adrenaline.
- Count crew: 4 adults = 18 ft minimum; 8 adults = 21 ft+.
- Check tow rig: 3 500 lb tow rating → 2 200 lb boat + 1 000 lb trailer + gear.
- Test ride: Bring your own PFDs, slam through wakes, test docking.
- Inspect resale: NADA guides + Boat Brands™ resale tracker for region-specific data.
💡 Innovations Driving the Future of Small Speed Boats
- Electric jets: Vision Marine’s E-Motion 180 hits 49 mph with zero emissions—battery life still caps at 45 min WOT.
- Hydroformed aluminum: Hewescraft’s Vector 190 cuts 300 lb vs fiberglass.
- AI trim tabs: Glastron’s SVVT reads rpm, speed and load 100× per second.
- Modular dash: Sea Ray’s Simrad Glass Dash swaps gauges for 12-inch touch.
🛠️ Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Small Speed Boat Zipping
- Flush after every salt run—even jets. Use Salt-Away in the hose.
- Fog turbocharged engines (Yamaha 1.8 SC) with CRC Fogging Oil to prevent valve rust.
- Gelcoat 303 protectant every 60 days—UV is the silent killer.
- Trailer bunks: switch to GatorHyde synthetic, lasts 2× carpet.
- Ethanol fuel: add Star Tron enzyme stabilizer; store 90 days max before phase separation.
🌟 Real Boater Stories: Our Team’s Favorite Small Speed Boats
Weston, senior editor:
“I tow my Scarab 195 with a 4-cylinder Tiguan. At 3 200 lb wet it’s barely noticeable, and the twin 200s smoke any pontoon on Lake Travis.”
Maya, videographer:
“Cobalt R6’s flip-down swim step spoiled me. I shoot wake-surf footage without climbing over gunwales—game changer.”
Carlos, mechanic:
“I service 60 boats a season. Yamaha’s jet pumps have fewer shear pins than outboards—customers pay 30 % less annual maintenance.”
📍 Where to See and Test Drive Small Speed Boats Near You
- Feb–March: Miami Boat Show—Sea Ray, Yamaha, Scarab unveil new models.
- June: Lake Havasu Desert Storm—demo rides at 70 mph.
- Sept: Norwalk in-water demo days—Cobalt and Chaparral offer 30-min sea trials.
Use the Boat Brands™ dealer finder (Boat Manufacturers) to locate certified reps and request a lake trial—always insist on choppy water to test hull.
🏁 Conclusion: Making Waves with Your Small Speed Boat Choice
So, who really makes the best small speed boats? After cruising through the top contenders, here’s the scoop:
- Cobalt Boats shine with their luxury finishes, smooth ride, and powerful sterndrives—ideal if you want a premium experience and don’t mind a higher price tag or slightly less storage.
- Yamaha Boats bring cutting-edge jet technology, joystick control, and reliability, perfect for shallow waters and those craving nimble handling with lower maintenance.
- Scarab Jet Boats offer a thrilling jet-powered ride with a range of sizes and twin-engine options for serious speed junkies.
- Sea Ray and Bayliner deliver solid, user-friendly options for families and casual boaters who want value and ease of use.
- Chaparral and Glastron blend performance and style with smart innovations like AI trim tabs and foam-filled hulls.
If you’re after raw speed and luxury, Cobalt’s R6 or Chaparral 21 SSi are your go-tos. For jet-driven fun and shallow water access, Yamaha and Scarab dominate. Budget-conscious? Bayliner and Sea Ray won’t disappoint.
Remember our early teaser about fuel burn and maintenance? Jets sip a bit more but save you from prop damage and shallow-water headaches. Outboards are easier to service but less nimble in tight spots. Sterndrives offer the best efficiency but at a cost of legroom and complexity.
Our confident recommendation: Start by defining your boating style and priorities, then test drive at least two different engine types. Use the Boat Brands™ dealer finder to schedule demos and ask about warranty coverage and resale value. Your perfect small speed boat is out there, ready to make every outing unforgettable.
📚 Recommended Links
👉 Shop Small Speed Boats and Brands:
- Cobalt Boats: Amazon | West Marine | Cobalt Official Website
- Yamaha Boats: Amazon | Walmart | Yamaha Official Website
- Scarab Jet Boats: eBay | Scarab Official Website
- Sea Ray: Amazon | West Marine | Sea Ray Official Website
- Bayliner: Amazon | eBay | Bayliner Official Website
- Chaparral: Amazon | West Marine | Chaparral Official Website
- Glastron: Amazon | eBay | Glastron Official Website
Books on Small Speed Boats and Boating:
- The Complete Guide to Small Boats by John Leather — Amazon
- Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Nigel Calder — Amazon
- The Essential Guide to Buying Your First Boat by Don Casey — Amazon
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Small Speed Boats
What are the top brands that manufacture small speed boats?
The leaders include Cobalt, Yamaha, Scarab, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Chaparral, and Glastron. Each brand brings unique strengths: Cobalt for luxury and performance, Yamaha for jet propulsion and reliability, Scarab for twin-engine jet speed, and Bayliner for budget-friendly fun. Check out their official sites for model details: Cobalt, Yamaha, Scarab.
Where can I buy a small speed boat for recreational use?
You can purchase from authorized dealers, boat shows (like Miami Boat Show or Lake Havasu Desert Storm), or online marketplaces such as Amazon, West Marine, and eBay. Always request a sea trial and inspect the boat personally. Use the Boat Brands™ dealer finder to locate certified sellers near you.
What features should I look for in a small speed boat?
Look for:
- Hull design (pad-V or deep-V for smooth ride)
- Engine type (jet, outboard, or sterndrive)
- Passenger capacity and seating layout
- Fuel capacity and range
- Safety gear and storage options
- Modern tech like joystick control or digital dash
How much does a small speed boat typically cost?
Prices vary widely by brand, size, and features. Entry-level models like Bayliner VR4 start affordably, while luxury Cobalt R6 or twin-engine Scarabs command premium prices. Expect to budget for the boat, trailer, insurance, and maintenance. Always check current market listings for the latest pricing.
Are there any eco-friendly small speed boats available?
Yes! Electric jet boats like Vision Marine’s E-Motion 180 offer zero emissions and quiet operation, though battery life limits range and speed compared to gas models. Hybrid and biofuel-compatible engines are emerging but still niche. For more, see Boat Industry News.
What are the best small speed boats for beginners?
For novices, Sea Ray SPX 190 and Bayliner VR4 are user-friendly with forgiving hulls and simple controls. Yamaha’s jet boats offer intuitive joystick docking, reducing learning curves. Always take a boating safety course and start slow!
How do I maintain and care for a small speed boat?
- Flush engines after saltwater use
- Use fogging oil on turbocharged engines
- Apply UV protectants to gelcoat
- Inspect and replace trailer bunks regularly
- Use fuel stabilizers for ethanol blends
- Schedule annual professional inspections
🔗 Reference Links and Further Reading
- Cobalt Boats | Performance and Luxury in Boating
- Yamaha Boats Official Site
- Scarab Jet Boats Official Site
- Sea Ray Boats Official Site
- Bayliner Boats Official Site
- Chaparral Boats Official Site
- Glastron Boats Official Site
- Boat Brands™ Boat Manufacturers Category
- Boat Brands™ Boat Buying Guide
We hope this comprehensive guide from the Boat Brands™ team helps you navigate the exciting world of small speed boats. Ready to make waves? 🚤💨
