Deck Boat

[taprat2]

Maybe someone could help. We have decided to buy a family boat that we can enjoy on the weekends. We went to the Chicago boat show last year, and our heads were spinning by the time we left. Everything looked great to us! <br />We are leaning towards a Deck Boat because it seems to have everything we are looking for, room for about ten people and also able to pull tubes and skies. I’m sure a very common question is what make or model should I look at, and which should I steer clear? <br /><br />We can’t go over $29000 and wanted to stay between 20 and 24 feet so we feel a used boat will be what we are looking for. We found several boats in our price range but not sure of quality. We saw a 23 ft 2003 Larson 234 Escape priced the same as a 21ft 2003 Sea Ray 200SD. ($29,000 both new) Is one a better purchase? I have heard that Sea Ray has a good reputation however some seem to feel the boats are over rated.<br /> <br />We found several others Deck Boats made by Tahoe, Stingray, Chris Craft, Monark, Chaparral and Monterey the oldest being 1999. Any information or recommendations would be welcome. <br /><br />Also does anyone have an opinion on Deck Boats? We thought we would use it on the Illinois River, but would love to take it on Lake Michigan. Any thoughts? <br /><br />Thanks so much,<br />Sandi

 

[DJ]

Re: Deck Boat

taprat2,<br /><br />Of all the brands you mentioned, the only one that doesn't impress me is Tahoe.<br /><br />The MOST important thing to look at is the power. Deck boats have a huge hull, are heavy and always seem to be carrying a heavy load.<br />Get the biggest engine available, in that boat, whatever it is. Even if you have to go down in size to stay within your budget-get the BIG power. It will perform much better and resale will be much better.<br /><br />A deck boat on Lake Michigan? If it were me, the lake would have to be dead flat, and I would NEVER be out of site of the marina or breakwater.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Deck Boat

sandi, for what you want and your price limit, you want stingray's 22' deck boat. it offers everything you want (11 person capacity, ski/tube, etc), you get a bigger 260hp engine (others try to get away with the 220), and trailer. you can get this all for $30K. brand new boat. enjoy!

 

[KCook]

Re: Deck Boat

I hope you are not expecting to load this boat up with 10 people and go skiing on Lake Michigan! Deckboats are versatile, but you can't ask them to do everything well at the same time. They do very well with the 10 people. Not so well on Lake Michigan (as djohns19 hinted). Not so well at all at skiing. But the really good ski boats really don't like Lake Michigan.<br /><br />IMHO Sea Rays are better quality than Larson. Of the brands you mentioned I would also keep an eye open for a nice Chaparral or Monterey. Here is another thread on deckboats -<br /><br /> Trailer Boats Boards » Boats » HarrisKayot 228, Regal 2120, Sea Ray 200/220 Sundeck <br /><br />With used boat shopping try to get some help from friends with experience with boats.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[dwci97]

Re: Deck Boat

The deck boat to buy is a Splendor Cat. We boat on the Illinois River, Lake of the Ozarks, and Shelbyville. The catamarran hull takes the waves better than any boat on the market. We have had 14 in the boat and it will still pull me out of the water on 1 ski instantly. Thanks to the 5.0 260 hp, Bravo 3 Mercruiser. If you want a ride come down to Peoria and we will go out for a while. www.splendorcats.com

 

[TPD211]

Re: Deck Boat

I just bought this aluminum hulled deckboat.<br />I wanted aluminum over fiberglass.<br /><br />

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Deck Boat

Taprat..<br /><br />They are paying too much money... <br /><br />$29,000 US is let's see $38,000 AUD That could buy a lot of boat...