Helm Master EX Wireless Control System
Yamaha’s new wireless controller for Helm Master EX enables confident, convenient and safer boating and fishing.
Welcome to the Fishing Boat Buyers Guide, we present 18 saltwater fishing boats for 2026, including offshore center-consoles (both monohulls and cats), bay boats, walkarounds, express sport-fishers, and dual-consoles.
Throughout this year’s guide you will discover a wealth of comparison advice on topics that vary from hull types and propulsion to marine battery technology and boat windshields—all detailed by the editors of Salt Water Sportsman and Sport Fishing. Our editors also compare and contrast new-boat research methodologies, boat financing in today’s market, and ways to add optional accessories.
Walkthrough videos are a great accompaniment to our in-depth boat reviews. Check out these videos to see some of the top highlights of each model for yourself.
Yamaha’s new wireless controller for Helm Master EX enables confident, convenient and safer boating and fishing.
The CrossWave combines the ability to seat four comfortably with the stability for anglers to stand and fish.
Yamaha offers a number of outboards that are well-suited for fishing in shallow waters.
These offerings from 21 manufacturers represent the best of the best in the fishing-boat world. You’ll see center-consoles, catamarans, bay boats, hybrids and more, complete with all the facts and figures you need.
We have a variety of helpful advice on rigging your new boat, from power to electronics. We provide insight into some added equipment that can help your boat fish better so you can make each trip more productive. Look for expert guidance on everything from livewells to outriggers. We’ve even offered tips on boathandling.
Should you find yourself giddy with anticipation at the prospect of buying a new offshore center-console or other fishing boat, join the club. For many saltwater anglers, purchasing an offshore- or inshore-fishing machine represents one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Once the deal is done and outfitting complete, this boat will become your key to adventure, glory and creating memories that last for generations. For that dream to come true, however, you need to put in some due diligence in researching the boat and marine accessories that meet your expectations, style of fishing, and budget.
In our guide, we feature a wide range of fishing boats. Use these profiles, images and video links as starting points. Narrow your wish list to those models that seem to best meet your angling and boating needs and desires. The next steps should include field research. Find out who carries the brands that interest you. Visit as many dealerships and factory-direct builders as possible within your driving range to compare value and premium brands. This will help narrow your list further. These articles are created to help you choose the right power and equipment, and how best to store or trailer your boat between trips. Sea trials are key to pulling the trigger, and in this content, we deliver our editors’ professional tips on making the most of sea trials to evaluate the boat, power and accessories, and whether you should slip, hoist, dry-stack or trailer your new fishing boat.
So, what does this experience and dedication do for you?
Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.
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