Kenner boats
Kenner is a Louisiana based builder of compact center console fishing boats with over 3,500 registered hulls in the US fleet. The typical Kenner is an 18 to 19 foot gasoline powered outboard boat built between 1998 and 2005, suited for inshore saltwater fishing and shallow draft work. The brand appeals to Gulf Coast anglers seeking simple, fishable platforms without complex systems.
Are Kenner boats reliable?
With most hulls from the late 1990s to mid 2000s, expect aging outboard brackets, corroded aluminum components, and fatigued fiberglass in high stress areas. The simple center console layout limits mechanical complexity, but saltwater exposure drives routine replacement of electrical, steering, and fuel system components. Only 3 USCG recalls across the 3,512 hull fleet suggests structural design is sound.
Common problems to inspect on a used Kenner
- Transom and outboard bracket rot from water intrusion in older hulls
- Corroded aluminum T tops, leaning posts, and console frames in saltwater use
- Cracked fiberglass around livewell and deck hatches from flex and UV exposure
- Deteriorated wiring, switches, and bilge pumps from salt and moisture
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Recalls (3)
- ⚠ Recall
080026S6/6/2008LABEL; CAPACITY
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
080027S6/6/2008LABEL; CAPACITY
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
041020S3/20/2006SAFE LOADING MAX PERS WT; LEVEL FLOTATION
What this means before you buy →
USCG MIC entries (1)
Frequently asked questions
Are Kenner boats good quality?
Kenner boats are solid workboats with a loyal following among Gulf Coast anglers, but most hulls are 20 to 25 years old and show wear from saltwater use. Quality depends heavily on previous owner maintenance and whether the boat saw inshore or offshore duty.
What is Kenner known for?
Kenner is known for compact center console fishing boats in the 18 to 20 foot range, popular in Louisiana and Gulf states for shallow water inshore fishing. The brand built simple, no frills fishing platforms through the late 1990s and 2000s.
Do Kenner boats hold their value?
Kenner boats hold modest value in Gulf Coast markets where the brand has regional recognition, but values are limited by the age of the fleet and competition from newer center console builders. Most Kenner hulls are over 20 years old and priced as aging outboard boats.
What should I inspect on a used Kenner?
Inspect the transom and outboard bracket for soft spots or delamination, check all aluminum hardware for corrosion, and test every electrical component. Most Kenner boats have been in saltwater, so assume the wiring, bilge pumps, and fuel system need attention.
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