Aluminum Boat Prices 2026: What 12–16 ft Jon and Utility Boats Really Cost

Most aluminum boat makers will not print a price. You get "starting at" figures that exclude freight, dealer prep, and the trailer, and the real number only appears after a salesman has your phone number. We publish ours, so here is a straight answer to what a new 12 to 16 ft aluminum boat actually costs in 2026 — ours and everyone else's.

Our prices, delivered

Boat Price What delivery adds
Aluminum Jon Boat 12 ft $1,899 $0 — free US delivery
Aluminum Utility Boat 12 ft $2,099 $0 — free US delivery
Aluminum Jon Boat 14 ft $2,199 $0 — free US delivery
Aluminum Utility Boat 14 ft $2,399 $0 — free US delivery
Aluminum Jon Boat 16 ft $3,299 $0 — free US delivery
Aluminum Utility Boat 16 ft $3,499 $0 — free US delivery

All six are 5052 marine-grade aluminum with riveted frames and a 2 mm hull plate, with free 30-day returns on stock boats. At each length the flat-bottom jon boat runs shallower and costs less; the V-hull utility boat rides drier in chop. Custom lengths are quoted per build — the comparison page puts all six side by side.

What the big brands charge

For honest comparison, here are published manufacturer prices for comparable hulls as of August 2026 — boat only, before freight and dealer prep, which typically add $300 to $800:

Boat Length MSRP Construction
Tracker Grizzly 1236 Jon 12 ft $1,395 Welded, 4'4" beam
Lund 1240 Jon 12 ft $1,978 Riveted
Tracker Grizzly 1436 Jon 14 ft $1,695 Welded, 4'5" beam
Lowe L1436L Jon 14 ft $2,110 Riveted
Tracker Grizzly 1648 Jon 16 ft $4,995 Welded, 6' beam

Two things stand out. First, the delivered price is the only price that matters, and it is the one nobody advertises. Second, 16-footers jump sharply in price across every brand — the bigger hull needs more plate, a wider beam, and heavier structure, which is exactly why our 16 ft jon boat at $3,299 delivered, and the 16 ft utility boat at $3,499, undercut comparable wide-beam 16-footers by four figures once freight is included.

Do not forget the trailer

Trailer pricing is where boat budgets quietly fail. Figure it in from the start:

Competitor trailer add-ons at the dealer typically run $1,195 to $1,995 for small boats — on top of the boat's freight. Our trailer sizing guide covers how to match capacity properly.

Why cheap boats cost more

Under about $1,200 new, corners have been cut somewhere you cannot see: thinner plate below 0.050 in, a non-marine alloy that pits in salt water, or a transom that flexes with a real outboard on it. Our hull thickness guide explains what the numbers mean. A cheap hull that lasts six seasons instead of twenty is the most expensive boat on this page.

Frequently asked

Is the price really the whole price?
For the boat, yes — delivery inside the United States is free and there is no prep fee. Registration and titling in your state are yours, as with any boat.

What does a custom length cost?
Custom builds are quoted individually — tell us the application and we will quote it. Custom builds cannot be returned, which we confirm in writing first.

Do prices include a motor?
No — like every maker on this page, prices are for the hull. Our outboard guide covers how to size one.

When do prices change?
Aluminum plate is a commodity and our prices follow our costs. The price on the product page is always current, and we do not run fake markdowns.

See all boats and current prices · Request a quote