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Deck boats are increasingly popular among Boating enthusiasts due to their adaptability and comfort. These boats boast a roomy design with an open bow, providing generous space to relax and enjoy the aquatic surroundings. The surging demand for these vessels has spurred numerous manufacturers and brands to enter the market, showcasing their distinct features and advantages.
In this article, we will delve into the world of deck boats, exploring their various types and highlighting some of the biggest manufacturers and brands dominating the market. Additionally, I will provide you with a brief buying guide to assist you in selecting the perfect boat for your needs.
Topics of Discussion:
- What are deck boats?
- Different types of desk boats
- Top Deck boat brands in 2023
- A quick Buying guide
Deck Boats: An Overview
A deck boat is a recreational watercraft with a spacious, flat deck area for passengers to relax and enjoy various water activities. These boats are typically created with an open bow and a wide beam, providing ample space for seating, lounging, storage, and more.
Deck boats are versatile and can serve numerous purposes, such as cruising, fishing, watersports, and entertainment. One of their most appealing features is the large deck area and seating capabilities allowing people to chill out or spend time with each other.
Deck boats are available in various sizes and designs, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Whether seeking a compact and economical option or a lavish and expansive vessel, deck boats can fulfill various needs and desires.
Here are some popular types of deck boats available:
- Pontoon Boats: These deck boats feature a flat, stable deck atop pontoons. Such boats have ample space for entertainment, seating, watersports, and socializing.
- Bowriders: These types of boats have an open bow section and plenty of space for seating, making them ideal for cruising, chilling, and watersports.
- Center Consoles: These deck boats are created with a central helm station and a spacious deck area, making them well-suited for fishing and other water-based activities.
- Cuddy Cabins: These deck boats include a closed cabin space below the deck. Such boats are best for a night stay and relaxing during a long journey.
- Party Deck Boats: Party deck boats are mainly designed for entertaining and socializing. They feature a vast deck area with comfortable seating, music capabilities, and other amenities such as grills and refrigerators.
- Dual Consoles: These deck boats have two helm stations and offer versatile cruising, watersports, and fishing functionality.
- Tri-Toons: These deck boats have three pontoons and offer more stability and performance than traditional pontoon boats, making them ideal for cruising and watersports.
- Cruiser Deck Boats: Cruiser deck boats are designed for extended stays on the water. They feature spacious sleeping cabins, a small kitchen, and other facilities for longer trips.
Best Deck Boat Manufacturers/Brands 2023
| Brand | Best Model | Starting Price | Overall Rating |
| Bayliner | VR6 Bowrider I/O | $58,000 | 9.5★ |
| Sea Ray | Sea Ray 205 Sport | $45,000 | 8.5★ |
| Four Winns | HS 270 | $80,000 | 8★ |
| Hurricane | FunDeck GS202 I/O | $34,000 | 9.5★ |
| Yamaha | XS220 | $52,000 | 9★ |
| Chaparral | 250 Suncoast | $74,000 | 7.5★ |
| Monterey | 218SS | $52,000 | 8.5★ |
1. Bayliner
For those who are looking to purchase their first boat, Bayliner is a perfect choice. With a long history in boat manufacturing, the company has earned a reputation for producing dependable, high-quality products.
Since its inception in 1957, Bayliner has been committed to providing customers with top-notch mini boats that are affordable and accessible. Bayliner produces boats that range in length from 16 to 28 feet and are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and premium materials.
Whether you’re in the market for fishing or one that’s perfect for spending leisurely afternoons with friends, you’ll find a range of options in Bayliner’s extensive catalog. The company places a strong emphasis on providing boats that are both comfortable and convenient without hurting the customer’s budget.
2. Sea Ray
Sea Ray was founded in 1959, and since then, it has been among the top motorboat manufacturers in the world. The company focuses on high-quality materials, strict testing protocols, and obsessive attention to fit and finish, guaranteeing the best possible craftsmanship.
Sea Ray boats are popular among enthusiasts for their immaculate craftsmanship, brilliant engineering, and comfort. The company offers a wide range of gorgeous-looking designs that can easily fit your style and standard. Whether you are looking for a classic-looking boat or something to suit your modern lifestyle, Sea Ray has it all.
Another area where Sea Ray shines is its power and performance. The boats are packed with the horsepower you need and offer a smooth and responsive ride. Whether you are fishing or maneuvering up to the dock, the experience will be second to none.
3. Four Winns
Next up is Four Winns, a brand renowned for its exquisite details and comfortable ride. The company offers boats ranging from 19 to 37 feet long, each masterfully crafted with high-quality fabrics, striking textures, and premium stainless steel, ensuring beauty and reliability.
In 1993, Four Winns revolutionized the boating industry with its innovative Stable-Vee design, which remains the standard for optimal boat performance. Whether you’re seeking elegance, performance, or a combination of both, Four Winns is a top contender in the market.
On top of everything, the company also offers the same models in different configurations that you can further customize as per your requirements. The H-series from Four Winns offers a wide range of boats starting from $35,000 to up to $150,000, fulfilling all sections of boaters’ requirements.
4. Hurricane
Hurricane Deck Boats is amongst the oldest manufacturers of deck boats, with a focus on quality and innovation. With over four decades of experience in boat manufacturing, the company has provided boat enthusiasts with the best-in-class boats that offer unmatched performance and comfort.
If I use one word to define the brand, it is durability. These boats are designed to endure harsh weather conditions and rough waters, ensuring longevity for the owner. The brand is known for its distinctive features, including wide beams, deep-V hulls, and spacious layouts perfect for various water activities.
Hurricane provides a range of boat lineups, including SunDeck, SunDeck Sports, FunDeck, and Center Console. In addition to these, the company also offers customers the opportunity to customize their boats using their innovative 3D boat designer.
5. Yamaha
The next is the famous Japanese brand Yamaha which has also earned a place in the marine industry with its exquisite lineup of speedboats. The company offers a wide range of boats, fulfilling the needs of all classes of boaters, from casual recreational users to professional anglers.
The best feature of Yamaha deck boats is the innovative hull design, which provides a smooth and stable ride even in choppy waters. The boats are also equipped with Yamaha’s exclusive Quiet Cruise technology, which minimizes noise and vibration for a more comfortable and enjoyable boating experience.
The company’s two best models are the 19-foot AR190 and 27-foot 275SD, where the former is suitable for newbies and families, while the latter targets experienced boaters looking for a luxurious ride.
6. Chaparral
Founded in 1965, Chaparral has been amongst the top boat manufacturers in the states. The company was initially started in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but moved to Nashville, Georgia, in 1976.
The boat-building process at Chaparral is a labor of love and is still primarily accomplished by hand by expert artisans. Many boat builders at Chaparral are second- or third-generation professionals who take great pride in their work. Each boat is meticulously crafted with unwavering attention to detail, ensuring that every Chaparral vessel is of the highest quality.
7. Monterey
For over four decades, Monterey has been an independent, family-operated company dedicated to crafting high-quality boats for its customers. Their deck boats are designed to provide the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and style, ensuring an unparalleled on-water experience.
Over the years, the company has developed numerous award-winning designs that have set a benchmark for other boat manufacturers. With each boat, you can see the company’s commitment to perfection. Whether it’s design, performance, or the material used, no stone is unturned.
Monterey offers four different lineups of boats, including the Super Sports, M Series, Outboard, and Supra boats. For those seeking a more personalized touch, the custom boat builder is available to design a boat that fits your needs and desires.
Here is a comprehensive video guide, mentioning some of the best deck boats from last year:
Best and Worst Deck Boats 2022 – Review of ALL Deck Boat for Sale at 4 Boat Shows
Buying Guide
If you are a first-time buyer, you must be excited. But finding a boat that meets your needs and provides optimal performance without breaking the bank can be challenging.
To help make the process easier, I have put together a comprehensive buying guide that will provide valuable insight and guidance. Let’s dive in.
1. Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the boat go hand in hand. If you have a large family or plan to take friends on your boating adventures, consider a larger deck boat with enough seating capacity. Based on your requirements, the ideal boat size is between 20 to 36 feet.
2. Hull Design
It’s a significant factor to consider as it determines the handling and performance of the vessel. Deck boats have different hull designs, such as a tri-hull, cathedral, or v-shape. A cathedral or tri-hull design provides stable maneuvering, while a v-shape hull design is better for smooth steering and performance.
3. Power and Performance
For power, you have two options to choose from – outboard or inboard engines. While outboard engines demand less maintenance than inboard, the latter is essential for power and performance. The choice purely depends on your personal preference. If you just want to cruise around, you are better off with the outboard one.
4. Brand and Price
When purchasing a boat, the reputation of the brand carries significant weight. Usually, brands with a long-standing history in boat manufacturing offer more dependable products. Opting for an older brand also provides a broader selection of boats, allowing you to find one that fits your budget.
