Power Boaters - Deck Type ? Help.

Mo_Gearhead · 03-06-2008, 06:09 AM

We sold our boat last spring and I really missed the water last summer (first time in 25 years we are boat-less!

)

We've had Runabouts (Regal brand, walk-through windshield, MercCruiser IO's) previously ...but now with more family/visitors during the summer we need more 'room'.

I am considering a V-bottom, fiberglass hull, 'Deck Boat'. I like the extra floor space, seating layouts, removable tables, etc. Anyone here suggest particular models/mfg? Your experiences? (Our application = Lake use/fresh water only).

As mentioned, I have had I/O's and liked them. The idea of hanging a several hundred pound outboard on the back of a (21 ft) heavy/larger boat bothers me. In rough water it just seems to me the stresses placed on the transom would eventually cause gel coat cracking or worse, over time.

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated.

VINMAN · 03-06-2008, 07:10 AM

Ive always been partial to I/Os. As far as stress on the transom. I wouldnt be concerned. especially in a lake enviorment. Ive seen outboard boats take a pounding out in the ocean for years with no problems. Gel coat cracking is normal, even in the most well built boats.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Ive always been partial to I/Os. As far as stress on the transom. I wouldnt be concerned. especially in a lake enviorment. ....Snipped.

You've obviously never been to the lakes in MO...

VINMAN · 03-06-2008, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhoward

You've obviously never been to the lakes in MO...

Was out at LOTO! Was pretty impressed.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

I'm amazed at how brutal it gets out there on a weekend! When I was a kid we could fish in a 14 jon boat with a 5hp outboard all day long out there.

When I was a kid....

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Having been on Lake of the Ozarks quite a few times I would make sure the boat has a decent deadrise as in 20% or more at the stern.

I would also make sure you get a well made boat.

The problem with 95% of the deck boats out there are the two points above.

Have you considered a catamaran? maybe a world cat?

MRM · 03-06-2008, 07:46 AM

Hurricaine deck boats are probably the best. Quite pricey, though. Make sure to compare them to an open bow V bottom. Most deck boats are glorified pontoons and their quality is quite poor, although they look great. If you're going to be in sometimes rough water I would really recommend a Sea Ray open bow.

TerryBPP · 03-06-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRM

Hurricaine deck boats are probably the best. Quite pricey, though. Make sure to compare them to an open bow V bottom. Most deck boats are glorified pontoons and their quality is quite poor, although they look great. If you're going to be in sometimes rough water I would really recommend a Sea Ray open bow.

Hurricane resale is crap. You can pick up used one for nothing.

Teutonics · Teutonics's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo_Gearhead

I am considering a V-bottom, fiberglass hull, 'Deck Boat'. I like the extra floor space, seating layouts, removable tables, etc. Anyone here suggest particular models/mfg? Your experiences? (Our application = Lake use/fresh water only).

This boat will be our next one as well. We went to the ATL boat show this year, and deck boats seemed to be the hot ticket.

Sea Ray is coming out with a new one this year (they had prototype #1 at the show) that is PERFECT. We boarded around 20 deckboats at the show, and this one was far and away above every other one at the show. It was really surprising how both my wife and I reacted to it when we boarded. They really thought this one through... it has all of the amenities for the family and everything is in the perfect place. If you're buying new, I would definitely check the new Sea Ray out.

MRM · 03-06-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryBPP

Hurricane resale is crap. You can pick up used one for nothing.

Really? I'm in the market for one. Let me know if you can point me toward one. We bought a lake place in Wisconsin - 1200 acre lake, very protected, so we need to add a pontoon and runabout. We were thinking of a deckboat as an alternative to a pontoon.

Rot 911 · 03-06-2008, 08:10 AM

Don't worry about using an outboard. The transoms are made to handle the weight. Hell they are hanging 300 hp V6 motors off the end of bass boats now. Nothing takes a worse pounding than a bass boat.

The important issue is what lake will you be going on? 21 foot is ok for Mark Twain Lake, but you better be able to look death in the eye if you plan on getting out on Lake of the Ozarks in that boat anytime between May and September.

TerryBPP · 03-06-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRM

Really? I'm in the market for one. Let me know if you can point me toward one. We bought a lake place in Wisconsin - 1200 acre lake, very protected, so we need to add a pontoon and runabout. We were thinking of a deckboat as an alternative to a pontoon.

Check the Boat Trader for the Lee county area. When I was boat shopping last year I ran across a bunch. Now with the recession in FL it should be cheaper.

and ditto on the outboard not being an issue. Most of the center console fishing boats are out boards and they can take a open water beating.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

They call them "pontoon" or "party" boats around here and they are very popular. I'm not up on my brands but I know some are just slugs in the water and others zoom along like crazy. Don't buy a slug imo.

party on....... Life's a beach and then you die.

mschuep · 09:23 AM

Chaparral makes a really nice deckboat.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mschuep

Chaparral makes a really nice deckboat.

+1 Much better quality over the Hurricane = the 236ss has a 20 degree deadrise - so you won't pound all day -

Chaparral make great boats - on par or better quality than Sea Ray

fuelie600 · 03-06-2008, 09:37 AM

I used to have a 21' searay sundeck. Was a deep V with a very open deck boat topside. Had a 5.0L EFI mercruiser IO. Ran about 50-54 MPH top end. Drank lots of gas, but was a great boat.

Search for a 210 sundeck on your favorite boat site.

Mo_Gearhead · 03-06-2008, 02:17 PM

Thanks all.

I really like the ones that have access ladders front and rear and a rear 'deck' that is "notched" for easy walk-through (rather than having to climb over the padded deck.

With several people aboard ...the front swim ladder would also be handy.

I'll be looking.

Am really considering 'Used'. I am tired of eating that NEW BOAT depreciation.

VINMAN · 03-06-2008, 04:49 PM

You have to be nuts to buy a new boat nowadays. The market is saturated with good used ones.

Mo_Gearhead · 05-16-2008, 06:31 AM

QUOTE "Search for a 210 sundeck on your favorite boat site."
____________

Fuelie600 ...I bought your boat!

Not sure what year yours was? We found this 2005 21' SeaRay with just 15 hours on it!

Amusing story. It was being brokered through the dealer that sold it originally. According to him, the wealthy owner purchased it ($43K new) for his 17 YO daughter! (Buying her love??) She didn't like it! LOL.

15 total running hours! Geez, I put that on one in two weekends.

His loss/my gain ...paid under 30K for it!