Looking for opinions on Deckboats

epdenk

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
4
Hey everyone!
Long time lurker. Just sold my 18 foot bowrider and now in the market for a 20-24 foot deckboat. Trying to stay with a 2007 or newer. I want something with some weight to it. It seems like Hurricanes fit the bill but would like to solicit input from the folks here.
Thanks
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,224
I have a friend with a SeaRay 240 deck boat. he loves it.
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Do you want I/O or outboard? I personally am keeping half an eye open for a newer I/O deckboat, but there aren't many out there. I currently have a '94 Kayot Corso, which I love, but want something a little newer. Outboards have lots of advantages, but I/O's work better for watersports or lounging.
 

Slip Away

Lieutenant
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
1,431
Hurricane are market leaders in this segment. Currently looking to sell the brand, but they will continue
in production, but just not part of Nautic Global Group soon.

Heavy deckboat ??? Some of the heaviest (and fugliest) are the Four Winns Funship (no longer made)
The Sea Ray's are probably next heaviest. Also look at Chaparral Sunesta and Monterey M3 & M5
 

BRICH1260

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
1,380
I`ve had two Chaparral Sunestas and have nothing but good to say about them. Check them out.
 

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Glastron made a lot of deck boats as well. We drove a couple of the larger ones for a catalog shoot in 2007 and I thought they were pretty nice boats at the time. This one is a DX235 (2008 model year) that I'm driving
DX235_runningx.jpg
 
Last edited:

fishin98

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
521
Don't forget Bayliner....they have some pretty nice ones...O/B's and I/O's
 

64osby

Admiral
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
6,826
Welcome to the site :welcome:

Hurricanes look nice but based on research I did a few years back seemed to suffer from quality issues. Not big stuff but small petty things that would break or fall apart.

Used boats are all about condition, condition, condition. Just like real estate is location, location, location.

Find a few boats that you like and go over them with a fine toothed comb. Buy the one that fits your needs and is in the best condition.
 

garbageguy

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
1,598
OK, IMHO - Maybe if you're on flat water. But I think they are trying to be too many things with one boat. Notice the "older" style deck boats aren't really made any more - wonder why. Depending on their specific configuration, and the water you may find yourself in, they will take a wave into the bow before you know it
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
No Title

OK, IMHO - Maybe if you're on flat water. But I think they are trying to be too many things with one boat. Notice the "older" style deck boats aren't really made any more - wonder why. Depending on their specific configuration, and the water you may find yourself in, they will take a wave into the bow before you know it


Yep, my '94 deckboat is about 80% tri-hull, so it can be a little rough at times. I've taken waves over the front also, so if you are needing a boat that has bad water capability, I'd look for one of the newer deck boats that is a true V hull with high freeboard.
 

Attachments

  • photo230587.jpg
    photo230587.jpg
    268.7 KB · Views: 0

wahlejim

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
884
+1 on the newer deck boats. The older, tri-hull designs make for a really rough ride in choppy water, especially with a lot of people on board (which I believe is the main purpose of a deck boat). Going from a V to a tri-hull deck boat is like going from a cadillac to a kia
 

epdenk

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
4
Thanks for the inputs so far. I am looking specifically for an OB model since I want the extended boating season that they offer. Some of what I've seen online so far are 2007 Hurricane Sundeck 237 OB and 2008 2200 OB. The 2008 has what appears to be a newer hull design over the 2007.
 

Slip Away

Lieutenant
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
1,431
Also look at Southwind. Several O/B models, nice hull design, lot's of good space and well built at a "reasonable" price.
 

cjjjdeck

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
165
To update, if you haven't heard already, Nautic Global Group was purchased by Bennington. This is a good thing since the group is now owned by "boat people", not an investment firm. Hurricane owns at least 50% of the deckboat market.

The SD 237 has been in the Hurricane line up for about 10 years and was discontinued in 2013. This is probably more to Hurricane starting to trend to produce hulls with a higher deadrise so it performs better in choppier waters. In most instances, the "3 digit" model Hurricanes have a 12.5 degree deadrise, the "4 digit" models have a 16 degree deadrise. Depending on the type of water you plan on boating, both boats perform very well on all inland waterways. The length and weight of the SD 237 does help the ride in moderate chop and has a better ride than you might think. If you are planning to go out in salt water, the SD 2200 will probably perform better for you. Bear in mind that the Hurricane has a "Category 5" hull design. By definition that means not travelling beyond .75 nautical miles from shore in open seas. They are designed for inland waterways and protected bays.

Most Hurricane owners are very satisfied with their boats. I and my family love our SD 237 (I for one was sorry it was discontinued as I still l prefer the deck layout of this model over others). My boat is in it's 4th season, had practically no issues, and I've been very happy with it to the level of being confident in recommending it to others.

You may also check out the Hurricane Owners Forum located on Hurricanes website and read what other owners say as well. It's a good resource for info on Hurricanes.
 

epdenk

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
4
Thanks cjjjdeck,
I am gravitating towards the four digit models (SD 2000 or 2200) based on my lift size. Looked an a SD 237 and seemed a little too big for my lift. I may look at the SD 217 as well to have a few more options.
 

epdenk

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
4
Ok, Update time. Looks like we've found our next boat. It's a 2012 Hurricane Sundeck 2200 OB with a Honda BF 250 outboard. Boat is in fantastic shape and a great price. Now just have to find a trailer....
 
Top