OT: Deck boat vs. Bowrider

[stlouisguy]

IF you were going to buy a boat, and the majority of the time it was entertaining or swimming in coves on a calm lake, would you go for the deckboat for space or the bowrider for that little more speed and sleeker look

 

[zt444a]

Deck Boat... you can also use them for fishing quite well, outfit them with a sink and even a fridge for the beer. And with a nice engine they move out pretty good as well.

But for Party Cove... nothing beats a nice deck boat....

 

[arianna06]

DECKBOAT

DECKBOAT

get the deckboat. more room, more fun, and if you want speed, get one that has a bigger outboard on it. there is a place at the lake of the ozarks you can get them with 2 outboards on them. ****,, there is a guy at the lake rescue shootout boat race that races his!!!

 

[latazyo]

Clark, Im pretty sure you can still pull a tuber with a deckboat...IM assuming thats one of the reasons you wanted more speed, unless you're a world class skier

 

[chadscamaro]

For you and your family deckboat . For you Bowrdier/Cuddy
I hate deckboats, but they do serve a good purpose for family functions, smother ride and more room to move around and relax.
But if youwant good looks ,speed and watch your $ fly threw a gas pump the speedboat is a better boat.

 

[Reggae Fish]

Well I think a lot depends on how long you're talking???
I personally would always go with a BR (I also love the cuddy's as chad said but not real practical for your purpose)
A lot depends on the lake as well.
You need a BR

 

[stlouisguy]

Thinking of the 274 deck from four winns to use at Bull shoals. Looks great for entertaining. Going to get the merc 320 hp which shows test results over 50mph

http://www.fourwinns.com/product_photo.php?model=274

 

[chadscamaro]

Looks more like a open bow,so thats a plus. Thats a good sized deck boat,should ride good . Small motor,but you are not in it for the engine obviously !
Good company,usually about middleof the road as far as price and quality ,but they have been around forever.

 

[latazyo]

Clark, what lake are you at?

 

[stlouisguy]

The motor isnt a beast, but it is second largest. I like to stay with Merc for ease of working on it with dealers, a vovlo can be hard to find down in arkansas. If I can get it up to around 50 thats good enough for me.

Leighton, I am down at Bull Shoals on the MO AR border

 

[scbadiver]

Clark I'd recommend saving you money and stay on the dock. You don't need a boat down there. All the wate is the same, wet! no need for ANOTHER boat on that crappy lake. ! Seriously though, we just bought that 26 pontoon for the room. The bass boat didn't cut it with any guests aboard. I'd say go with a deck boat style. It will pull a skier fine but you still have the room to load up up 6-8 people and the cooler for the sunset booze cruise. I had a 28 foot cabin cruiser on the river for years and never had the available space like on a 24-25' deck or pontoon boat. You knoe how quickly eveything fills up with coolers, towels, skis and stuff when you load up the family.

 

[Reggae Fish]

Well that boat is certainly big enough for bull shoals

My boat is down at Lake Norfork in Arkansas.

That should be plenty of room for BOTH your friends :lol:

 

[stlouisguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9220234#post9220234 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reggae Fish
My boat is down at Lake Norfork in Arkansas.

Well come on up!! You got a place down there? Bring your boat up to my lake and you guys should come and stay a weekend with us at the house!

 

[Reggae Fish]

What mechanic do you use at Bull Shoals?

We stay at a hotel in Mountain Home. Easier with the kids/dogs.

 

[stlouisguy]

There isnt one on Bull Shoals close, I go down to rt 5 south out of Mtn Home to get work done

 

[Reggae Fish]

I used to deal with Shockey's (Although I hated them)
But, they are on Bull Shoals and they do a "butler" service where they get your boat all ready for you so when you get there, you're ready to go.