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Mako Buyer's Guides
(1 guide)Updated 1 January 2025 · By Hulls.io Editorial
About Mako
Mako is one of the most recognised names in affordable saltwater fishing boats — a brand with over fifty-five years of history in the centre-console segment that now serves as the saltwater fishing arm of the White River Marine Group, the world's largest boat manufacturer by unit volume.
The brand was founded in 1967 in Miami, Florida, at a time when the recreational saltwater fishing market was growing rapidly along the Florida coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The original Mako boats were straightforward, well-built centre-consoles designed for Florida's demanding saltwater environment — boats that could handle the chop of Biscayne Bay, run offshore to the Gulf Stream, and tolerate the corrosive effects of saltwater, sun, and hard use.
Mako established a strong reputation through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s as a solid mid-market saltwater fishing brand. The boats were not luxury items — they were working fishing platforms built for anglers who measured a boat's value by how well it caught fish, how reliably it ran, and how little maintenance it required. This practical, no-nonsense approach built a loyal following among serious recreational fishermen, particularly along the East Coast and Gulf Coast.
The brand changed hands several times before being acquired by the White River Marine Group, the boat manufacturing division of Johnny Morris's Bass Pro Group. Under White River Marine ownership, Mako has been repositioned as an affordable saltwater fishing brand sold through the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's retail network — the same distribution model that has made the Tracker brand the best-selling fishing boat in America.
The current Mako range spans from small bay boats and skiffs (17-19 feet) to mid-size offshore centre-consoles (up to 334 feet). The smaller models — including the 18 LTS, 19 CPX, and 21 LTS — are the volume sellers, targeting fishermen who want a capable saltwater fishing platform at a price that undercuts premium brands like Boston Whaler, Grady-White, and Robalo by a significant margin.
Mako boats use fibreglass construction with aluminium or composite stringers, stainless steel hardware, and Yamaha outboard power (the standard engine brand across the White River Marine Group). Build quality is honest and functional — not luxury-grade, but durable and well-suited to the demands of saltwater fishing. The boats benefit from White River Marine's massive purchasing power, which keeps component costs low and allows Mako to offer genuinely competitive pricing.
The typical Mako buyer is a value-conscious saltwater angler — often someone entering boat ownership for the first time or stepping up from a smaller vessel — who wants a capable fishing platform without the $60,000-$100,000+ price tags of premium centre-console brands. Mako competes most directly with Sportsman, Key West, and Sea Hunt in the value-oriented saltwater fishing segment.
On the used market, Mako boats offer excellent value for buyers seeking an affordable entry into saltwater fishing. The Bass Pro/Cabela's distribution network ensures good parts availability and service access. Resale values are moderate — lower than premium brands like Boston Whaler or Grady-White — but the initial lower purchase price means total cost of ownership can be very competitive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mako
Where are Mako boats built?
Mako boats are built by the White River Marine Group at manufacturing facilities in the United States, primarily associated with the Bass Pro Group's production operations. The brand was originally founded in Miami, Florida in 1967 and is now part of the world's largest boat manufacturer by unit volume.
What types of boats does Mako build?
Mako builds saltwater centre-console fishing boats, bay boats, and skiffs ranging from approximately 17 to 34 feet. The range focuses on affordable, capable fishing platforms designed for inshore, nearshore, and offshore saltwater fishing. All Mako boats are powered by Yamaha outboards and sold through Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.
How does Mako compare to Boston Whaler?
Both are saltwater fishing boat brands, but they occupy very different market positions. Boston Whaler is a premium brand with proprietary unsinkable hull construction and significantly higher pricing. Mako offers capable fishing boats at much more accessible prices through the Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's network. Boston Whaler holds its value better, but Mako's lower initial price means competitive total cost of ownership.
Is Mako a good brand for first-time boat owners?
Mako is an excellent choice for first-time saltwater boat owners due to its accessible pricing, straightforward operation, and the extensive sales and service network provided by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. The smaller models (18 LTS, 19 CPX) are particularly well-suited to new boaters seeking a capable fishing platform without overcommitting financially.
Do Mako boats hold their value?
Mako boats hold their value at moderate levels, typical of the value-oriented saltwater fishing segment. Resale values are lower than premium brands (Boston Whaler, Grady-White), but the significantly lower purchase price means the dollar amount of depreciation is often comparable. The White River Marine Group backing ensures parts availability and service support that sustains long-term value.