New and Used Pilothouse Boats for Sale

Pilothouse boats come in many different styles but are characterized by a fully enclosed pilothouse that offers protection from the elements and can therefore extend the fishing or cruising season. Search for new or used pilothouse boats for sale in your area, refining your search by style, length, brand or price point. 

Main Characteristics

As the name implies, a pilothouse boat is one that has a fully enclosed pilothouse on the deck. It should enclose the helm on all four sides to allow it to be fully sealed. Pilothouse boats come in all styles and sizes, and offer protection from cold, wind, spray, rain, and sun. In doing so they allow boaters to extend the fishing or cruising season, and for this reason are more commonly found in colder weather climates. Many are center consoles, with the pilothouse built around the console, and many are walkarounds.

Why Choose Pilothouse Boats

Due to their hardworking nature and the conditions in which they operate, many small fishing boats are pilothouse boats. But there are also many different types of recreational pilothouse boats including trawler yachts, recreational fishing boats, tugs, RIBS, sportfishing boats, yachts, cruisers, and even cabin boats.

Pilothouse boats offer all-round visibility, and they can be heated or air conditioned for added comfort. Some models have surprisingly spacious cabins, heads, and small galleys, too. The hardtop allows for the mounting of radar domes and antennae, and the enclosed area provides an area for socializing.

Types of Pilothouse Boats

Trawler Yachts

Inspiration for modern recreational trawler yachts have been taken from classic fishing trawlers, and today they offer luxurious and spacious interiors, and long-range capabilities. They make ideal choices for those wanting to explore farther and longer, and they make good liveaboard boats. The enclosed pilothouse offers protection from the elements and 360-degree visibility. 

Fishing Boats

In the same way that small commercial fishing boats use pilothouse models to prolong the fishing season and to offer respite from often turbulent ocean conditions, so too are recreational anglers seeing the benefits of these types of boats. They can range from compact, sturdy, simple fishing boats with open deck space and a pilothouse, to powerful offshore sportfishing models with plenty of luxuries and high-horsepower engines. Fishing cruisers also benefit from a pilothouse, offering the chance to enjoy weekends away with an enclosed cabin, small galley, and head. 

RIBs

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are some of the toughest boats on the sea, able to withstand serious weather conditions thanks to their inflatable tubes. The addition of a pilothouse allows more protection for captain and passengers, and while they’ve been used aboard commercial boats for many years, pilothouses are gaining popularity in the recreational market, too.

Luxury Boats

As pilothouse boats gain popularity in the recreational sector, there are brands producing edgy, adventurous, and downright luxurious models that offer cutting-edge technology, racy styling, a high-spec finish, and lots of accessories. 

Best Pilothouse Boat Brands

With such a broad selection of styles of boats that can be classified as pilothouse boats,there are many brands to choose from. Which is the best of course depends on what you want your boat for. Is it for sportfishing? Cruising? Weekend adventures? Long-range exploration? It is a growing sector, with many buyers realizing the advantages that these types of boats can offer, especially in regions where the weather creates a short boating season.

Brands such as Axopar, based in Finland, have created edgy pilothouse boats that can go anywhere and offer good versatility. From kayaking to watersports, weekends away, or off-grid exploring, they look as innovative as they are. Another example of Scandinavian luxury pilothouse boats is Nord Kapp Boats and its range of high-performance, cutting-edge luxury models.

When it comes to cruising, pilothouse boats built by brands such as Ranger Tugs and Raider Boats offer strong, rugged, and comfortable multi-function models, while brands specializing in compact fishing pilothouse boats include NorthCoast, C-Dory, Osprey, SeaSport, and Steigercraft. Larger offshore sportfishing brands include Defiance Boats, Kingfisher, and Parker Offshore. 

FAQs

Why are Pilothouse Boats Popular?

Pilothouse boats come in many styles and are characterized by a fully enclosed pilothouse in the center of the vessel that offers a more comfortable ride to helmsman and crew. Pilothouse boats are popular thanks mainly to their ability to provide protection from wind and spray while also prolonging the boating or fishing season in colder climate regions. 

Which are the Best Pilothouse Brands to Buy?

It depends on what you want to use your boat for as to which will be the best brands for you, but some of the top brands include luxury builders Axopar and Nord Kapp Boats, while offshore sportfishing boat brands include Defiance Boats, Kingfisher, and Parker Offshore. Smaller fishing boat brands include NorthCoast, C-Dory, Osprey, and Steigercraft.