Short answer: a new custom airboat costs $60,000–$120,000+, and a good used airboat costs $25,000–$60,000. Here’s what drives the price.
NEW AIRBOAT PRICES
Small single/two-seat hunting boat: $45,000–$65,000. Mid-size 4–6 passenger: $65,000–$95,000. Large 6+ passenger / tour boat: $95,000–$140,000+. These are complete, water-ready boats — hull, engine, prop, rigging, usually a trailer.
WHAT DRIVES THE PRICE
Engine — the biggest variable. Automotive V8 conversions (LS-based) are the value play: strong power, cheap parts, any mechanic can work on them. Aircraft engines (Lycoming/Continental) cost more up front and more to overhaul, but they’re lighter. Engine choice alone can swing $10,000–$20,000.
Hull size and material — bigger hull, bigger price. Poly/UHMW bottom protection adds cost but pays for itself on dry ground.
Reduction drive — a gearbox or belt reduction adds several thousand over direct drive.
Propeller — carbon props run $3,000–$6,000+ but deliver real performance.
Trailer — a proper aluminum airboat trailer is $4,000–$8,000. Don’t forget it in your budget.
USED AIRBOAT PRICES
Older / high hours / needs work: $12,000–$25,000. Clean mid-age boat, healthy engine: $25,000–$45,000. Late-model, low hours, name builder: $45,000–$75,000. Builder name matters on resale — Diamondback, Panther, GTO, and American Airboats hold value best.
OWNERSHIP COSTS
Fuel: big V8s burn 8–15 gallons per hour at cruise. Maintenance: engine service, prop inspections, trailer bearings. Insurance: get a quote before you buy, not after. Storage: these boats are wide — make sure it fits.
BOTTOM LINE
Plan on $25,000–$60,000 for a good used boat or $60,000–$120,000+ for new. Buy the builder’s reputation and the engine’s health — everything else is negotiable.
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