Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

[davegt]

I live on the Georgia coast. I have a large extended family and am really intrigued by the notion of getting a deck boat for leisure/fishing. However, I am concerned about the usefulness of a deck boat in salt water where you might have a bit of a chop (I am speaking specifically about the tidal rivers of coastal GA and SC, and in the ocean near shore). I know there are deck boats designed for this environment (Cobia, Sea-Ray) but to be honest they are a bit out of my reach financially. I have looked at several other manufacturers, and the Lowe Tahiti seems to have the semi-deep V hull design that would be smoother in salt water. But, it has an aluminum hull, so I'm not sure.<br /><br />Any advice? To set some parameters, I am looking for a boat in the 20' range for $20K new (incl motor), but I would of course be very interested in a used boat (its just so hard to find used deck boats in this part of the country).<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[brianwhart]

Re: Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

Is your main objective to carry a bunch of passengers? If so, a deck boat will accomplish that but the ride is horrible in any kind of chop. If you want a good riding boat around 20 feet that you can fish out of I would look at a center consoles. They won't carry as many people as a deck boat but the deeper v-hull makes all the difference in the world in choppy water.

 

[KCook]

Re: Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

I'm afraid that new deckboats will be over $20K. Generally, fiberglass hulls are preferred over aluminum for saltwater. For a used boat search you may well have to go out of state. But between FL and the Carolinas I bet you will find plenty to choose from. Here is a good thread on using deckboats in saltwater -<br /><br /> Deck Boat for Inshore Fishing <br /><br />You may have to register at www.FloridaSportsman.com before that link will work right.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[roscoe]

Re: Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

The new Princecraft deck boats are nice, but aluminum also. Some are i/o, some outboard, some set up for fishing.<br /><br /> http://www.princecraft.com/apps/products/home.jsp?lang=E&RootID=9803

 

[davegt]

Re: Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

Great advice all around. Thanks for taking the time.

 

[catdvt]

Re: Deck boat for fresh and salt water use

Although we live on the West Coast, we boat a Kayot Deck boat from Boating Atlanta because of the great deal we got. We also boat in fresh and salt water and are amazed at how well the boat rides in Mission Bay, which is quite choppy. You may want to check out this manufacturer. We dealt with Lee. Feel free to email with any questions. <br /><br />xena@lacostalimo.com