10 of the Best Performance Boats - BoatGuide.com (2024)

Ever since Miami Vice stars Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas roared onto 1980s television screens in their multi-hued Scarab 38 KV, the popularity of performance boats has grown exponentially – to the point that most boats sold today place at least some emphasis on speed, handling and sporty good looks in their basic design.

Today’s performance boats have come a long way since then, having grown more comfortable, more versatile, and vastly more capable. Whether you’re looking for a pure go-fast water rocket or a more versatile family boat that can still satisfy the need for speed, today’s fleet has something that checks all the boxes. Here’s just a quick look at 10 of the most best performance boats on the water right now.

Baja 36 Outlaw

Stylish, fast and roomy inside, Baja’s classic 36 Outlaw has long been a favorite among performance boaters, and with good reason. Comfortable accommodations including a spacious cabin complete with a miniature galley combine with serious go-fast credentials to make the Outlaw a universal top choice among performance fans. Learn more here.

Checkmate Convincor 300

Want to go fast without going broke? Checkmate’s Convincor 300 delivers plenty of speedy thrills without handing its owner a multi-million dollar price tag. Sporty styling, a breathtaking ride and thoroughly modern amenities like a comfy cabin where the kids can escape the sun below just begin to explain this boat’s enduring appeal. Learn more here.

Cigarette 42 X

The boat that so defined high performance that an entire category of imitators were named after them (this is where the term “Cigarette boats” comes from, after all), today’s Cigarette 42 X continues to set the bar with truly iconic performance styling that integrates cutting-edge amenities and the company’s meticulous hand craftsmanship. Admit it, you want one bad. We all do. Learn more here.

Donzi 41 GTZ

Withs one-of-a-kind co*ckpit design including six bucket seats and two aft-facing sun lounges, Donzi’s 41 GTZ is one performance boat sure to please the entire family with its versatile layout. High performance and high functionality meet here, in one ultra-cool, stylish design that makes the most of premium appointments and Donzi’s impeccable fit and finish. Learn more here.

Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover

Formula invented the performance boat in 1962 and today, and the company continues to lead the boat industry with boats that don’t just go fast, but set the standard for luxury in the process. The all-new 380 Super Sport Crossover blends Formula’s legendary FAS3Tech hull technology with unmatched passenger comfort. When billionaires dream, this is what they crave. Simply put, it’s one of the best performance boats money can buy.Learn more here.

Fountain 47 Lightning

You can’t help but want to unbutton your shirt, flash the gold chains and channel your inner Don Johnson after you step aboard Fountain’s 47 Lightning. It’s big, it’s fast and it screams “look at me” like nothing else on the water, proving that there’s always a market for old-school performance boats. Learn more here.

Hustler 344 Cheetah

Nothing is faster than a cheetah, and Hustler’s legendary 34-footer has the credentials to make that claim. There are a wide range of engine packages available for this ride, including Yanmar diesels that deliver massive walls of torque for eye-bulging thrills, while requiring far less maintenance than gas engines and delivering surprising fuel economy. Learn more here.

Nor-Tech 360 Monte Carlo Flyer

The 36-foot Monte Carlo Flyer from Nor-Tech easily hits speeds of over 90 mph with its standard triple outboards, while immersing riders in its timeless retro styling for a unique experience on the water. And, in comfort thanks to a boatload of sophisticated modern amenities including a full glass dash. Learn more here.

Outerlimits SL 44

Nearly 44 feet long, built with seating for five and featuring a truly funky cabin below, the Outerlimits SL 44 makes its mark by combining the company’s world record-breaking performance with thoughtful amenities like electric seat bottoms, a stand-up head, a shower and a full V-berth. Performance boats don’t get much better than this.Learn more here.

Skater 368

The 36-foot Skater remains a legend among performance boaters, with its amazing acceleration, high top-end speed and tremendous stability when underway. So how you do you make a great thing even better? Widen it by eight inches for a touch more space, add a full glass dash and twin Mercury Racing outboards that will push this ride to near 120 mph. Want to go even faster? Inboard versions can push 200 mph. Hold on! Learn more here.