Suggestions for New Deck Boat

[Ernest T]

Hi, I'm in the market for my first deck boat. My plan is to buy used (1-5 years old) in the 20-22 foot range. The boat will be used 95% of the time in freshwater lakes, and will be stored dry. The boat will be used for cruising 33%, towing (wake boarder and towable) 33%, and fishing 33%. Most of the time there will be 4 people on board, with an additional 4-6 people on occasions. I have a few questions:
1. Which manufacturers are considered the most/least reliable? Are there particular boat brands/models to avoid?
2. Stern drive versus Outboard? What are the pros and cons? Which is recommeded for a first time owner?
3. Are there particular layouts that are better?
4. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks!

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

check out hurricane deckboats.... they make some really nice boats...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

2nd that. Their layouts are great. I like outboards better on deck boats.

 

[captsteve25]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

Bought a Hurricane 226 REF in February. We love the boat. It's good for fishing, diving and just driving around. I upgraded to the 150 4-stroke so it goes as fast as I want to go.
Neighbor has the same boat (10 years old) and has only replaced the bimini top so far.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

I have a 2002 Four Winns 214 Funship deckboat. The deckboats with which I'm familiar aren't really set up for fishing, at least my vision of fishing. You're too far off the water and there's no place for a trolling motor, no live well, etc. For the cruising and watersports part of your mission, you can't beat them.

I bought my Four Winns in 2007. It has the Volvo Penta 5.0 GXiB with DuoProp. Excellent engine and stern drive. ZERO unscheduled maintenance in three seasons. Layout of the boat is nice, but fit and finish are second tier. However, it is a good value for the money.

 

[Bowser4x4]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

I am really happy with our Sea Ray Sundeck 200... But as it was pointed out, not a great fishing platform. I have seen deckboats with the front chairs for fishing {Starcraft Aurora and Tahoe both have models that way} but they are up pretty high and the draft on them limits the shallow water fishing areas.

If you were going with a Deckboat and wanted to fish, I would suggest the outboard due to the shallower draft. Our Sundeck shows a 32" draft..... I get real nervous coming up on the beach or when the depth gauge shows less than 4'.....

As far as quality, I am really impressed by the Sea Ray, but then they are known for being on of the better boats. So far, the only dislike I have is where the fuse panel is mounted...long story, but I'll leave it as I got stuck:redface: Also, the Sundeck is sort of a hybrid...the hull has less flat and more rise to it and I have noticed that it handles the waves better than other deckboats with the flatter fronts.

One of my boating buddies has the Four Winns Funship and that is a great boat also.

Woof
Bowser

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

we have a Chris Craft 230 deckboat, 5.7 VP, next one will be an OUTBOARD. coming soon. twin yammys.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Suggestions for New Deck Boat

We have a LARSON 204 Escape I/O. Have had a couple of issues with the seat materials, BUT that has been taken care of. We like it.