Deck boats are known for their versatility, offering great fun, performance, and maximum interior volume for their size. While they may not be suitable for choppy seas, they excel in fishing, watersports, and cruising, making them perfect for lakes and protected waterways. The wider bow and expanded bow cockpit of the deck boat allow for more seating, giving them their characteristic appearance. So what exactly makes a good deck boat and which brands are the best? Let's delve into it.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Deck Boat
Many people define a deck boat as a bowrider with an expanded beam that extends all the way forward to create a wider deck and provide more seating. While this is true, there are several other important characteristics to keep in mind when looking to purchase a deck boat:
Design
Deck boats come in various hull shapes, including deep-V hulls, tri-hulls, and unique designs. Some even have catamaran hulls, which offer a smoother ride in rough waters.
Size
Deck boats typically range from 18 to 26 feet in length, providing ample space for multiple passengers. The extended bow design allows for increased seating capacity, making them ideal for outings with family and friends.
Versatility
A quality deck boat offers versatility for various water activities. They are well-suited for fishing trips due to their ample storage and gear space. Additionally, they have the power to tow waterskiers and tubers, as well as provide space for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely cruising. If water sports are a priority, it's essential to invest in a deck boat with a powerful engine and a tow bit or watersports tower.
Distinguishing Between Deck Boats and Other Watercraft
Deck Boat vs. Pontoon Boat
While both boats serve similar purposes, a pontoon boat is constructed with a pair of pontoons, whereas a deck boat features a more conventional hull design. Deck boats are often made of fiberglass, offering a smoother ride in choppy waters and increased responsiveness, although some models utilize aluminum hulls.
Deck Boat vs. Speedboat
Speedboats are engineered for high speeds, featuring a narrow bow for reduced drag and improved aerodynamics. In contrast, deck boats have a wide, square-shaped bow, providing extra seating and deck space. As a result, deck boats typically have less power, speed, and acceleration compared to speedboats, but they offer more interior space, versatility, and comfort.
Deck Boat vs. Bowrider
While deck boats and bowriders share similar functionalities for activities such as cruising, watersports, and fishing, they differ in their bow designs. Deck boats have a wider bow, while bowriders have a more pointed bow. This design variation allows some bowriders to potentially perform better at higher speeds, but deck boats consistently offer more space relative to their length.
Top Picks for Family-Friendly Deck Boats
When it comes to family-friendly boating, deck boats are the perfect choice. They offer a versatile and enjoyable experience for all ages, whether you're cruising, fishing, or engaging in watersports activities. From towing inflatables to lounging on the sun deck, swimming off the platform, or simply relaxing with music and a good book, deck boats have something for everyone. When selecting a deck boat for your family, it's important to consider features such as a spacious Bimini top for ample shade, a swim platform with a ladder, and sufficient power for all your watersports needs, both now and in the future as your kids grow.
Top Deck Boat Brands for Families
- Starcraft: As one of the leading manufacturers of deck boats in the United States, Starcraft offers a variety of excellent family-friendly options. These boats are known for their high performance, range of sizes, and abundance of extras including watersports towers, fishing gear, quick-release Biminis, and stylish designs. Look for a model with a deep and spacious cockpit, which is ideal for younger children and provides added safety. Additionally, Starcraft produces one of the few deck boats specifically designed for wake surfing, known as the MVX Surf.
- Hurricane: Known for their highly customizable options, Hurricane deck boats are a popular choice for families seeking a versatile and fun boating experience. With lengths ranging from 18 to 26 feet, and offering both inboard and outboard engine choices, as well as various layouts, finishes, and extras, their SunDeck models are a top-tier selection for families in search of a luxurious, go-anywhere boat.
Top Deck Boats for Fishing
When it comes to enjoying activities on a deck boat, fishing often takes the top spot. Although deck boats are not solely designed for fishing, they provide more space and comfort compared to dedicated fishing boats. For those who plan to do a fair bit of fishing, it's important to look for a deck boat brand with a strong fishing focus, equipped with features such as rod holders, a livewell, and ample storage. Here are some of the top deck boats for fishing:
- Princecraft: Princecraft offers the Ventura deck boat model line, specifically designed and rigged for fishing. It comes with standard equipment such as a livewell, a rod box, and multiple fishing-seat-base-mount locations. Additionally, the boat can be rigged with a bow-mount electric trolling motor, track-mounted rod holders, storage systems, and fishing electronics from Lowrance or Humminbird.
- Tahoe: The Tahoe lineup of deck boats is designed to strike a balance between sporty and fish-friendly. Standard features include swim ladders, a stereo, a ski tow pylon, and fishing rod stowage. Tahoe also offers a dedicated "fishing package" that includes rod holders, an electric trolling motor, tackle stowage, and a fishfinder. They even have a rare center console deck boat model that puts even more emphasis on angling.
If you're looking to add some excitement to your time on the lake with activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing, a deck boat is the perfect choice. Equipped with powerful engines, great maneuverability, and sturdy towers, deck boats offer plenty of thrills and fun for everyone. Here are some of the best deck boats for watersports:
**Sea Ray Deck Boats**
Sea Ray's SDX deck boats are not only sporty and stylish but also boast impressive watersports capabilities. Ranging from 25 to 29 feet, these models can be customized with top-notch watersports options. The folding watersports towers provide optimal positioning for waterskiing and wakeboarding, while the spacious transom staging seats come with hidden storage for easy access to your gear. Additionally, features like reclining, aft-facing loungers, a wet bar, and a deep V hull ensure a smooth ride, making it a watersports boat that will surely turn heads.
**Crownline Hybrid Deck Boats**
Crownline's hybrid deck boats are a luxurious and high-end option that excels in watersports and offers an array of impressive features and extras. Customizable with watersports towers, these boats are ideal for the entire family to enjoy on the lake. Boasting large swim platforms, ample storage, wide sun shades, and even a small head on larger models, they provide plenty of comforts, creating an experience akin to being on a sporty superyacht.
Top Deck Boat Brands for the Best Value
When it comes to deck boats, the price range is wide, offering everything from basic models to luxurious options with hand-stitched leather upholstery and large sunpads. As you add more features, the price naturally increases. However, there are some great deals to be found, and while deck boats are generally not cheap, here are some of the top deck boat brands that offer great value for the money:
- Bayliner: Bayliner is known for offering deck boats with a unique running surface, featuring an M-shape that combines attributes of a V-hull with those of a tri-hull, maximizing stability while delivering a smooth ride even in choppy waters. The larger deck boats in the DX series ride on a more standard V-hull hullform. Despite these features, Bayliner offers competitive pricing, with the M15 model being one of the least expensive complete boat-motor-trailer packages available, with a base MSRP of under $18,000.
- Stingray: Stingray's lineup of relatively small deck boats delivers great value, with models ranging from 17’3” to 21’11”. Despite their lower prices compared to other brands, Stingray's models come with features like Bimini tops, integrated and removable coolers, Fusion stereos, USB ports at the helm, livewells, and fishing rod holders as standard. Even with these features, the base models have price tags that are close to or lower than many other manufacturers' base models.
Choosing the Right Deck Boat for You
Of course, selecting the best deck boat brand is somewhat subjective, and a different make or model may be more suitable for you and your family. However, one thing is certain - once you choose your new deck boat, it's guaranteed that every family member is going to have a lot more fun out on the water.