CONSIDERING DECKBOAT

[New2Boats]

I am shopping around for my first boat and am brand new to all of this. Considering a bow rider or deckboat. What is the opinions on these? Are they safe for riders up there? Is the ride rough? How is fuel consumption? Looking for something for tame recreational cruising and towing/skiing; maybe a bit of fishing in inland waters. Any advice is helpful.

 

[blifsey]

Re: CONSIDERING DECKBOAT

I recently bought a 20' bowrider and folks have no problem riding "up there" (if you mean in the bow) on lake with a little chop, some boat wakes, etc. I kinda looked at deck boats and to me they seemed somewhere between a pontoon and bowrider. Heard lots of comments that they didn't ride as smooth as bowrider because of shallower V and my whole reason for moving from bass boat type hull was wife didn't like rough ride. Guess it all depends on how you want to use the boat.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Mo-Dog 94]

Re: CONSIDERING DECKBOAT

I had a lot of questions about deck boats. If you haven't yet, read the post and reply under the topic "deck boats" . I got a lot of good advice on the subject.

 

[KCook]

Re: CONSIDERING DECKBOAT

Lots of good questions. With no black-and-white answers. Either a bowrider or deckboat will work. Most folks choose the bowrider as they are usually less expensive and more comfortable under way. But deckboats are great for large crowds and for boat camping.<br /><br />Safety merits/issues with different style boats are often subjective. Many folks feel safe with only one type boat, or something very similar. But agreement is not universal. Any boat is safe in very mild conditions. Just how restrictive you want to be in the pursuit of a "safe" boat is your call.<br /><br />Use the "search" feature on this message board to find threads on topics of interest to you.<br /><br />Shotgun messages that ask a lot of questions generally don't get as many replies as questions that are more focused. <br /><br />Kelly Cook