Question:
I'm interested in the group's opinions on deck boats in general. They look
like a compromise between bow rider / ski boats and pontoon boats. Useable
for skiing but much more room than a ski boat. Space like a pontoon, but
much faster / better handling than a pontoon boat. I've seen a number of
deck boats on lake Hartwell, but have not been on one.
We're looking to possibly replace our 1987 Chaparral 195XL with a 1995 to
1999 deck boat. What about Chaparral's Sunesta series? Any opinions on
other brands - Monark, Regal, any others?
Answer:
-We were very close to buying a deckboat but decided to go with a cruiser
instead.
On deckboats, take a good close look at Crownline. They offer a very nice
boat for the money and it compares quite well with the competition. We
were looking at the Sunesta very closely but the Crownline was winning us
over. It's a very nice boat and it appeared that it would be about 80% of
the cost of a similarly equipped Chaparral deckboat.
-while my personal opinion on deckboats' looks is very low, i would reccomend
sea ray, a friend of mine has one (the 20 ft.) and is very satisfied with it.
-You are right as far as it doing everything. The only thing it does not do
is provide a lot of protection from the wind. Definetly go for a ride on
one before you buy. Some poeple like it, others don't. It also will not do
15 MPH for just easy cruising like a pontoon will. You are either at idle
or on plane at 20 + MPH. Everyone must stay seated while moving for the
most part also as it is not a walk around boat like a pontoon.
-My family purchased a new 1999 21' Crownline deckboat this summer. We have
been very pleased with it thusfar. No, it's not a Sea Ray, but it's a lot of
boat for the money and very 'stylish' for a deckboat. And unlike a pontoon,
with the V8 EFI, it really scoots. (48 mph at WOT) We also have a dog that
loves to scratch the fiberglass of our other boats when boarding, but it
certainly doesn't happen with this craft.
