Hello,<br />I'm currently shopping to purchase a new boat (first boat) and I'm comparing two: both 2006, 17'6" with the MERC 3.0 (135hp). <br /><br />1) Maxum 1800MX; weight 2000lbs; deadrise degree at 19.<br /><br />2) Larson SEI 180 Sport; weight 2300lbs; deadrise degree at 21.<br /><br />Now, even though the Larson is heavier by 300lbs I'm told by the dealer that it would best perform due to bigger deadrise degree which will help plane faster and would actually be easier on gas. The way I see it, 300lbs is like having two extra people at all times in the boat? <br /><br />This is assuming we're doing the same activity with both boats.<br /><br />Any advice to help my purchase is greatly appreciated.
<br /><br />Flatter bottom boats plane quicker, ride bumpier. 2 degrees ain't much difference. The two are such a dead-heat, the numbers will be awfully close. Savings in gas over the lifetime of one boat over the other would be in the hundred dollar range (if that). Pick the purtiest or the cheapest. The Larson may hold trade-in value better. But it's all such a toss-up ... aw heck! Let the wife choose. THAT ould make a huge difference. Everything else is puny in comparison if it makes the wife happy! You'll be trading it for a boat with a 4.3 in a few years either way. 