Comparison of boating manufacturers

[schaff]

We are looking to buy our first boat and are having a tough time distinguishing between manufacturers. We have 3 young children so we would like a boat with an enclosed head. We have a dock length restriction of 22’ 6” and are in an area of very rough waters on Winnipesauke. We have decided on either a deck boat or a bow rider. We are trying to get as roomy a boat as possible with good stability. We think the following options are important (Enclosed head, Utility Sink). So far we have come across the following options:<br /><br /> <br /><br />Crownline 220Ex/240Ex<br /><br />Harris Kayot S225, Z220<br /><br />Fourwinns 214 Funship<br /><br />SeaRay 220 SunDeck<br /><br />Maxum 2100 SD<br /><br />Chapparal 232/236<br /><br />Bryant 226<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Are all these manufacturers comparable? Are we missing any other good quality options? Would it be a mistake to give up a swim platform for a roomier boat?

 

[AaronG]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

I can't comment on any of the other manufactures, but I have a 1997 Harris Kayot 22'6" UltraDeck. The build quality is really top notch. The deck is gelcoat (rather than carpeted plywood) and drains overboard via scuppers rather then draining into the bilge. Everything on the boat really seems to be well thought out, and good quality. After almost 8 years, there are very few spider cracks on the deck. The fit and finish is all very good. Working on it is pretty easy, the engine is very accesable, and the bilge has non skid plates in it to give you a firm foothold when you are doing something to the engine. I've also found the manufacturer to be very helpful whenever I called with a question. <br /><br />Being a deckboat, it is very stable in calm water. The design of the hull keeps the boat from rocking when you are going slow or stopped. When you speed up the boat planes quickly, and for its size, its very easy to manouver and operate. Up on plane, you need to slow down when crossing wakes or in rough water, because the design of the hull really doesn't cut through water like a V bottom fishing boat. Its not as bad as a tri-hull, but not as good as a traditional V hull boat. Its a good comprimise. The coast guard sticker says a maximum of 12 passengers. Thats kind of a strech. It can accomodate 8 comfortably. It has a little changing room where you could put a port-a-potty. I don't want one, I make my wife pee in a cup and toss it overboard. If I had kids, I guess I'd have to get one. <br /><br />Its a cool boat, does about 50mph.

 

[tommays]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

you going to get a lot of different views<br /><br />there are boats on your list like the bryant that use wood free construction there may be others <br /><br />but wood done wrong is a big problem in the long term life of a boat<br /><br />after that the best dealer is going to be what makes your boating life GOOD or BAD<br /><br />tommays

 

[AaronG]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

Tommys is right. Wood is to be avoided. My boat has non-wood stringers. I've replaced stringers and floors on other boats I've owned, and I don't ever want to do it again. If you are thinging about buiying a used boat, and plan to spend some real money, it wouldn't hurt to have a survayer look at it. I think it would be around $400 for a boat that size. You might need it for your insurance anyway.

 

[KCook]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

Aaron described your dilemma very well. Your requirements for stability and rough water ride are in conflict. The only way around this would be a catamaran hull instead of the traditional monohull. And most small cats are fishing boats, no plush seating.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

All the boats you list look fantastic. I did a search on all of them and they all seem to be great for a days outing on the water. You didn't mention how old your 3 children are. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 3 and right now I have no need to worry about pulling them around the lake, although in our current boat it would not be a problem. We have a 21 foot cuddy with porta-pottie. (http://www.cadorette210.com) and we're looking to move up in size as we like to sleep onboard. If you're kids are old enough to want to be towed around then any of the boats you list should do the job. However, the need for a head is really up to you. I've actually thought of removing ours to add seating space below or room for a built in tv/stereo/wetbar/whatever. <br /><br />In the end, as long as you're happy and on the water is what counts.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Comparison of boating manufacturers

My boat is a Starcraft. It's 18 yrs. old. It has no spider cracks at all on the deck. As a matter of fact, I'd be hard pressed to find spider cracks anywhere on the boat.