Deckboat Opinions Wanted

[TwoWatt]

Me & the misses are looking at a pretty decent looking deck boat.(see picture) <br />Its an 20 ft. 86 rinker w/ a v6 chevy OMC (they say its a 175hp cobra). As you can see its in good shape (even has one of those 'canopy' thingies. <br />Anyone have experience in the deck boat world. How do they handle water? Should I hold on to the fillings in my teeth in any choppy water? <br />How are the engines in these beasts? What would be some good things to check? I know the dealer will somewhat stand behind what they sell but my first boat buying experience was very very bad (ended up $1500 in the hole after I finally got rid of the p.o.s.)<br />What else would should I check before buying. He is asking 4800 without a trailer. How much would I be looking at for a used trailer,if I can find one at all. <br />About all we do when we had our old boat running is drive around a little bit,anchor & sit the rest of the day when we are out. So its not for skiing(but would be nice to pull one if needed) <br />I am totally afraid of buying anything at this point. Why are boat motors so prone to failing and then so expensive to fix?<br />Any tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Two Watt<br /><br />

 

[DP]

Re: Deckboat Opinions Wanted

My limited knowedge of deck boats is that they are great in calmer water but get a bit uncomfortable when the water kicks up.<br /><br />I would want a real good deal on any OMC powered boat. With the demise of the OMC I/O division parts may be a problem in the future. Might be wiser to look for a Mercruiser powered unit.<br /><br />With the proper periodic maintenance marine engines are not realy prone to failure. Neglect and abuse causes most of the failures.

 

[BillT111]

Re: Deckboat Opinions Wanted

Am also looking to buy a deck boat,,,many many choices.I've been an avid boater for many years(fishing/fish'n'ski)<br />My researsh so far tells me to ask loads of questions. A good place to ask questions in a forum like this is "pontoon and deck boat.com,,or maybe its "PDB.Com".They publish a quarterly magazine which I just sunscribed to. You will for sure get more info from them. As a rule deck boats have shallow "v" type hulls which anyone can see will give a choppier ride in rough water.<br />As for motors and outdrives,,I have always owned O/B's in the past ,so am also doing research on I/O's as well...The information dealers give you is very very biased,,they "pitch "whatever brand ther are selling. One thing to be sure of,,buy a brand that has service available from several shops/dealers in your boating area.<br />I live in Oklahoma and "volvo/penta" is not a common brand here yet,,but Have had several houseboat and cruiser owners tell me good things about volvo..I don't know what to say about OMC,,your guess is as good on mine as where that deal is going.<br />We are having a big debate here over getting a 4stroke o/b vs. an I/O We have a place at the lake and use the boat 40+ weekend a year, If we have a nice winter day I will take boat out to fish,,so I need something easy to winterize during the winter months.<br /><br />Best advice I can give is:<br />- assess all your needs<br />- assess how you'll use the boat<br />- get a good trailer if trailering often or a long way<br />- talk to people who own this type of boat now,,see what they like/dislike about them.<br />you can learn alot from boaters about boats and dealers if you get them started..we're not shy..LOL...<br />-**** be sure "not" to get a boat thats underpowered,,,,,you'll cuss yourself for as long as you own the boat!!!!<br /><br />here's the address for PDB forum..it's free to register and get into forum. http://12.23.66.29/forums/main.cfm?cfapp=6 <br /><br />good luck..

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Deckboat Opinions Wanted

I just purchased a 1993 Godfrey Hurricane Deckboat last month, from a marina in Fenwick, DE. It is a 17' with a 90 hp merc ob. came with a trailer (1997 load-rite) and I got it for $5000. Took it out a couple times in choppy water before I had a local guy winterize it for me. It has quite a bit of pep, and turned on a dime. My only interest is cruising, as I dont (at this point) fish and being single and 51, dont anticipate skiing or tubing parties. A pontoon will give you more stable surface, but it wont zip around. <br /><br />My two cents.<br />Happy hunting!

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Deckboat Opinions Wanted

Ok. I think we nixed the deck boat I posted earlier, I dont want to mess with an I/O because we dont need a whole lot of engine.<br />I found a boat style that we like (see picture) I figure if the engine ever takes a dump I could replace it with a tiny outboard and be fine. Its not a pontoon but very similar. Anyone have experiences with these type of boats? (BTW the one I am posting is already sold, otherwise it would of been mine )<br />Thanks<br />

 

[BillT111]

Re: Deckboat Opinions Wanted

Have never heard of that brand,,and many others as well...LOL<br />I have a friend with a similarly designed boat,,pontoon deck on a fiberglass hull..with an O/B though...he loves it,,taked the kids tubing and long lake cruises too. I told him I'd buy it if he ever sells it!!! even though he's had it for 10 years and used it hard!! I think that style of boat is the best ot both worlds,,,..planing and handling of a v-hull and the deck space of a toon...