Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

[docster]

So wife and I are selling the procraft, she hates it. We are going to be replacing it with a deck boat. Here is what it will be used for:
cruising the lakes/rivers
parking and being used as a swim platform/party barge
pulling tubers and occasional skier/wakeboarder/kneeboarder
rare trips to Lake Michigan when its calm

Requirements for my purchase. Must be meticulously maintained, and immaculate condition. I was just asked this weekend what year my procraft was and when i said 1993 and we were original owners, the guy couldnt believe it, thought it was a 2005 or newer it was in such good shape, so he gave me a beer saying job well done taking care of it. So I take good care of my toys.

Here are a few i am looking at.
1993 Crownline 200 DB. 5.0 merc. All new interior, immacualte shape. 10.5k
1999 Starcraft Aurora 2415 5.7 Merc DuoProp, also in great condition. 8.5k no trailer
2000 Mon Ark 215 Sunlounger 4.3 Merc/alpha 1 SS prop, 2004 trailer. Great condtion. 11.5k

Anyone have experience with any of them? What are you opinions on deck boats? How do they handle/perform? I am coming from a 18ft fish ski with a 115 mariner 2 stroke, so this is all new to me.

Just throw all the info you have at me. Thanks!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Deck boats in general are decent boats when a compromise is needed in terms of deck layout and performance. They will perform mostly like any runabout of the same size, while usually being a bit heavier and not cutting through the waves/wakes as well due to the modified-v/tri-hull type bow. I wouldn't want anything less than 20', and get the biggest engine you can, preferably a 5.7L.

I like the Crownlines, but $10.5K is too much for an almost 20yr old boat. I'd imagine you could at least get into a '98-'00 boat for the $10.5K, at least around here in the Midwest. I prefer the modified-V hull more than the older style tri-hull as far as the handling/wave cutting is concerned, but either will work.

 

[docster]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

i was thinking same about V hull. Crownline and Mon Ark both have that, the starcraft has a tri-hull. I agree, the crownline is a bit much, but it also in the best shape of them all. Not many deckboats for sale around here that arent trashed. He started at 12.5k, got him down to 10.5k. Figure if I can get it to 8.5k im taking it. Really like the Mon Ark, but i feel like the 4.3 is just going to be too underpowered for it. They are heavy.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

if money wasnt an issue, this is what I would be looking at

http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/3034492773.html

I rode in one and they perform just like a runabout

 

[90stingray]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

http://wichita.craigslist.org/boa/3020165462.html

Here's a 99 Crownline 238 in my area for 10,500. 5.7 and dual prop! Keep looking and don't rush it. Yes, stick with the mod vee hull. Never had one but they say they handle well like a v hull. I would think my next boat would be in the deck boat family... cause i am not a toon guy.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

I have a Hurricane deck boat, and I like it very much. Only boat I've ever owned with a steering wheel, so I can't say I'm an expert but it performs pretty well compared to the bowriders and inboards I've ridden in, as long its relatively flat. The modified V makes long trips in 1-2' chop uncomfortable. Anything over 3' would be dangerous.

That being said, it is perfect for the uses you list. Hurricane does make OB models of all the sub 23'ers, BTW, since you are coming from a procraft.

 

[Rixster510]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

I have a 99 fourwinns candia 254. I absolutely LOVE this boat !!! That was the first year of the funship (deck boat) for fourwinns in a while. I bought this boat from my brother when he ordered his new Cobalt 276 bow rider. After having his new boat for about a month he wanted his old fourwinns back. The boat has TONS of storage, and is the MOST versatile boat I have EVER owned or been around in my group of friends. I have the 5.7 with a Volvo DP outdrive. The boat performs excellent. When my bro bought it new he was going to get the 454. The reason he didnt is because the mechanic at the dealer told him not to. The final drive gear ratio is the same, the 454 spins 600-800 rpm lower so the top speed was higher on the 350. With the Volvo dp outdrive the boat gets on plane silly good. even loaded with 15 people and gear the boat comes out of the water extremely well. I think the change the name in 2000 from candia to funship. They make a 214, 234, 254 and for a few years a 274. I would (and have) recommend this boat to everyone. It has a fresh water tank, shower on the back deck, 2 sinks a toilet, 2 built in coolers and as i stated above, more storage room than any other boat I have owned. Deck boats arn't always the most stylish boat designs but I think the fourwinns are actually very good looking boats.
It is also VERY good on fuel.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

A lot of the pre 2000 deckboats have a very flat modified V hull. On most, you can tell just looking at the bow that that bow is too low, and will be a big water scoop in heavy chop. Most of the deckboats after 2000 seem to really be just bowriders with a really big nose, which is probably more of what you want.

A boarding ladder at the bow is WAY handy for swimming kids, or climbing back into the boat after beaching.

 

[docster]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

http://wichita.craigslist.org/boa/3020165462.html

Here's a 99 Crownline 238 in my area for 10,500. 5.7 and dual prop! Keep looking and don't rush it. Yes, stick with the mod vee hull. Never had one but they say they handle well like a v hull. I would think my next boat would be in the deck boat family... cause i am not a toon guy.

awesome...thank you for that. Im going to call that guy in the AM. Want to make a good purchase since right now my procraft is 100% problem free, and always has been. dont want to get into a major money pit.

I have a 99 fourwinns candia 254. I absolutely LOVE this boat !!! That was the first year of the funship (deck boat) for fourwinns in a while. I bought this boat from my brother when he ordered his new Cobalt 276 bow rider. After having his new boat for about a month he wanted his old fourwinns back. The boat has TONS of storage, and is the MOST versatile boat I have EVER owned or been around in my group of friends. I have the 5.7 with a Volvo DP outdrive. The boat performs excellent. When my bro bought it new he was going to get the 454. The reason he didnt is because the mechanic at the dealer told him not to. The final drive gear ratio is the same, the 454 spins 600-800 rpm lower so the top speed was higher on the 350. With the Volvo dp outdrive the boat gets on plane silly good. even loaded with 15 people and gear the boat comes out of the water extremely well. I think the change the name in 2000 from candia to funship. They make a 214, 234, 254 and for a few years a 274. I would (and have) recommend this boat to everyone. It has a fresh water tank, shower on the back deck, 2 sinks a toilet, 2 built in coolers and as i stated above, more storage room than any other boat I have owned. Deck boats arn't always the most stylish boat designs but I think the fourwinns are actually very good looking boats.
It is also VERY good on fuel.

that is a beautiful boat. looked at a few, but we are trying to stay under 13k, most of those are still going for 18+ around here.

if money wasnt an issue, this is what I would be looking at

http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/3034492773.html

I rode in one and they perform just like a runabout

dont i wish!

 

[cobra1476]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

I love my deck boat! I actually just bought it last year. It traveled 1400mi from Florida to Wisconsin.

It replaced a 19' bowrider that wasn't bad at all. It was just tight (6 people felt tight)and being a stern drive for the year (1995) started more than usual maintenance (had water leaking through the drive).

Anyway, the boat is what my family needed from the start. it has a great layout and a decent motor. Since it is an outboatd it really doesn't have a swim deck. But the front has a swimdeck and its own ladder. The front seating has and option where it turns into a huge bed! My wife and her friends love it.

First time I took the boat out on the bay, I did notice a handling difference due to the "tri hull" set up. I did get use to it after a while. We actually got caught in a freak storm with at least 6' waves and with some throttling we got through it. Unfortunately there were 4 other boats that capsized (everyone was rescued). After that, I really have no problems taking it anywhere.

On a lake......It's made for it!!!

The main reason for the purchase was the space and storage space. It has a sink and a porta-poty, but we have never used it.

It's a 2002 Starcraft Aurora 2010.

 

[docster]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

What size outboard do you have. Do you feel its underpowered?

 

[docster]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Also going to look at this. Will it be underpowered with the 150 hp xr6 on there?

http://quadcities.craigslist.org/boa/3035043275.html

 

[cobra1476]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

What size outboard do you have. Do you feel its underpowered?

I got a Merc opti 150XL on it. Not sure what XL stand for but it does the job. For some reason, I do think that this type of hull makes it very easy to plane. It doesn't have crazy "bow rise" when starting out. With 8 full grown adults, 2 very large coolers, and misc stuff, it doesn't have any problem moving at all.

 

[V153]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Mebbe it's only me but just when does a bowrider turn into a deck boat? And vice versa ...

Ah well. I've always said if you were only allowed to own one kinda boat a poontoon or deck boat would be your best choice. The minivan of boats. And I mean that in a good way.

 

[BIGOLTEX]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Mebbe it's only me but just when does a bowrider turn into a deck boat? And vice versa ...

Ah well. I've always said if you were only allowed to own one kinda boat a poontoon or deck boat would be your best choice. The minivan of boats. And I mean that in a good way.

I agree with the minivan of boats comment! We looked for five months at all types of boats for our family. We settled on a 2000 Funsport 215 that seats ten. The outboard was a concern at first, but it does free up a lot of space inside. After a few hours on the lake we were convinced it was the best boat for us. We all have our needs, but this serves as a great fishing and family boat too.

Just my 2.5 cents.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

I switched to a deck boat and bought a Tahoe 216WT and this is the reason why:
-It has a Mercruiser 5.0 MPI
-Has a modified v-hull
-Has front and rear boarding ladders.
-The front platform is flat and large and can be used for fishing, swimming or sitting. The rear platform is also large and
contains a cooler and drink holders as well.
-It has 5 coolers in it, one that can be removed.
-Has a refreshment center
-Tons of storage
-When boarding it can entered from the front or rear.
-The factory stereo, with SiriusXM, works great.
-Seats 12 people.
-Goes 49 MPH

It is a nice boat and reasonably priced...check it out.

 

[cak56]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Hi,
We gave up on our search for a pontoon because of everything we wanted to do on the water. We wanted a little more speed without breaking the bank. We made an offer on a Deck Boat 2004 Maxum 21 SD with a Merc 5.0. Only 117 hrs and in Great condition. We want to boat on lake Mojave, Havasu etc. and hoping it will handle the chop ok. So after reading some here, now I don't know.We want to fish,pull a tube and maybe teach the grandkids to do some simple watersports. Not into high speeds.
Thank you

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Light chop will be ok but even a 3'er will rattle your teeth. Much better than a 'toon in every way.

Hi,
We gave up on our search for a pontoon because of everything we wanted to do on the water. We wanted a little more speed without breaking the bank. We made an offer on a Deck Boat 2004 Maxum 21 SD with a Merc 5.0. Only 117 hrs and in Great condition. We want to boat on lake Mojave, Havasu etc. and hoping it will handle the chop ok. So after reading some here, now I don't know.We want to fish,pull a tube and maybe teach the grandkids to do some simple watersports. Not into high speeds.
Thank you

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Cak56, please start your own thread. Resurrecting 2 year old threads is frowned upon unless you started it.

 

[bman72]

Re: Deck Boats....Lets hear it.

Your profile doesn't show where you are at but I stumbled across this tonight and thought it looked like a good deal.
2004 Starcraft 2410 Deckboat