Best Deck Boat Brands: Performance And Luxury

Deck boats are one of the most versatile types of small- to mid-sized boats on the market. They offer fun, performance, and most importantly, maximum interior volume for their size. While there are many deck boat brands to choose from, some of the top brands include Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Chaparral, Princecraft, Regal, Hurricane, Sea Ray, Starcraft, and Stingray. These brands stand out for their strong motors, luxury, versatility, and reliability. When choosing a deck boat brand, it is important to consider factors such as budget, the number of passengers, storage space, and intended activities.

Deck Boat Brands for Families

Deck boats are one of the most versatile types of small- to mid-sized boats on the market, offering fun, performance, and maximum interior volume for their size. They are perfect for families as they can be used for cruising, fishing, and watersports. When it comes to choosing a deck boat brand, it is important to consider your needs, budget, and the number of people you want to accommodate. Here are some of the best deck boat brands for families:

Starcraft

Starcraft is one of the top manufacturers of deck boats in the United States, offering a range of family-friendly boats. Their boats are high-performance, with a range of sizes, loads of extras, and a stylish design. They also build one of the few deck boats designed specifically for wake surfing, the MVX Surf. Starcraft's StarStep 220 I/O model offers a spacious interior with seating for 13 people, oversized bow and stern swim platforms, and a host of standard features, making it an excellent choice for families.

Hurricane

Hurricane deck boats are highly customizable and a top choice for families looking for a versatile and fun lake boat. Their SunDeck models range from 18 to 26 feet in length, with a choice of inboard or outboard engines, different layouts, finishes, and extras. The Hurricane Sundeck 217 I/O, for example, offers comfortable seating for up to 11 people, a large aft swim platform, plenty of storage space, and a head compartment.

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is known for its upscale comfort and craftsmanship, and its SDX 250 deck boat is no exception. This boat offers premium upholstery, innovative face-to-face bow seating, a reversible double-wide transom lounge seat, a stylish helm, an extended rear swim platform, and a Bimini top. The SDX 250 can accommodate up to 14 passengers and has a range of family-friendly features, including an enclosed head compartment with a toilet.

Bayliner

Bayliner is one of the dominant names in the deck boat market, known for their strong motors and selection of models. While they may be on the pricier side, they are reliable. The Bayliner M15, for example, offers a lot of space for a 15-footer, with a lightweight and easy-to-trailer design. However, it may not be the best option for choppy waters due to its lightweight and M-hull design.

Stingray

Stingray offers a range of relatively small deck boats, from 17 to 21 feet in length, that deliver a lot of value for the price. Their boats come with standard features such as Bimini tops, integrated and removable coolers, USB ports, livewells, and fishing rod holders. The Stingray 192SC, for instance, has a spacious forward lounge area, walk-through forward and aft decks, and a choice of Mercury, Suzuki, or Yamaha outboards.

Deck Boat Brands for Fishing

Deck boats are versatile vessels that offer ample space for fishing gear and comfortable fishing experiences. When choosing a deck boat brand for fishing, consider factors such as fishing-specific features, space, and customisation options. Here are some of the top deck boat brands to consider for your fishing expeditions:

Princecraft

Princecraft's Ventura model line is designed with fishing in mind. The boats come standard with features like a livewell, a rod box, and multiple fishing-seat-base-mount locations. You can also opt for additional fishing gear, such as a bow-mount electric trolling motor, track-mounted rod holders and storage systems, and specialised fishing electronics. Princecraft offers a good balance between fishing and recreational features, making their deck boats versatile for various activities.

Tahoe

Tahoe's lineup of deck boats offers a blend of sporty performance and fishing capabilities. Their boats come standard with features like swim ladders, stereos, ski tow pylons, and fishing rod storage. Additionally, they offer a dedicated "fishing package" that includes rod holders, an electric trolling motor, tackle storage, and a fishfinder. Tahoe also provides a rare centre console deck boat design, which further emphasises its focus on angling.

Hurricane

Hurricane is a well-known and established company that has been crafting deck boats for decades. Their SunDeck models offer ample deck space, even on boats measuring less than 20 feet long. The seating is spacious, and while standard features may be limited, there are plenty of customisation options available. Hurricane deck boats provide an excellent balance of performance, space, and affordability, making them a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts.

Starcraft

Starcraft is one of the top manufacturers of deck boats in the United States, offering a range of family-friendly and versatile boats. Their models provide high performance, a variety of sizes, and numerous fishing-specific features, such as watersports towers, fishing gear, and quick-release Biminis. Starcraft also builds the MVX Surf, a deck boat designed specifically for wake surfing, showcasing their commitment to catering to various water activities.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler offers a diverse range of deck boat models, including one that is well-suited for fishing. Their boats are known for their luxury and versatility, providing a pleasant fishing experience. While their fishing-specific model may be a "one-trick pony," it excels in delivering what avid fishermen are looking for in a deck boat. Boston Whaler's reputation for quality and customisation options makes them a brand worth considering for fishing enthusiasts.

Deck Boat Brands for Watersports

Deck boats are a great option for watersports enthusiasts. They offer more room for people and gear than a typical runabout and have better performance and handling than a pontoon boat. Here are some of the top deck boat brands for watersports:

Sea Ray

Sea Ray's SDX series deck boats offer exceptional space for forward lounge seating, with options ranging from 25 to 29 feet in length. The SDX 250, in particular, provides a versatile experience, serving as both a lake house boat and a trailered boat. It has a powerful engine, ample sunbathing areas, and adjustable furniture, making it an excellent choice for watersports enthusiasts.

Hurricane

Hurricane is a well-known brand in the deck boat industry, offering both pontoons and deck boats. Their SunDeck OB series provides a high-end experience with convenience features and versatility. The 26-foot yacht-certified deck boat has a centre-deck bi-fold door, cup and phone holders, charging ports, and keeper netting. It is also fully customizable, making it a great option for those seeking a feature-rich deck boat for watersports.

Starcraft

Starcraft's SVX OB CC and SVX 230 IO deck boats are excellent choices for watersports. The SVX OB 171, their smallest fiberglass model, offers a smooth and sporty handling experience and a sleek, low-profile design. Meanwhile, the SVX 230 IO provides ample space for cruising and a large swim platform. Starcraft also offers fishing and skiing packages, making their deck boats a versatile option.

Crownline

Crownline's hybrid deck boats offer a range of custom options, including watersports towers, making them a fantastic choice for families who enjoy watersports. Their boats feature huge swim platforms, ample storage, wide sun shades, and even a small head on larger models, ensuring a comfortable experience for all on board.

Stingray

Stingray's deck boats, ranging from 17 to 21 feet in length, provide excellent layouts that offer plenty of space. The 192SC, in particular, is a great option for those seeking a smaller boat for watersports. It features a forward lounge area, walk-through decks, and a Z-plane modified cathedral hull design. With optional fishing and watersports packages available, the Stingray 192SC is a versatile and compact choice.

Deck Boat Brands for the Money

When it comes to deck boats, there's a wide range of options available, from simple models to luxurious boats with hand-stitched leather upholstery and huge sunpads. While deck boats don't come cheap, there are some excellent deals to be found on boats that offer a lot of bang for your buck. Here are some of the best deck boat brands that give you the best value for your money:

Bayliner

Bayliner offers a unique hull design specifically for deck boats, with their M series of 15- to 19-foot platforms built on a running surface with an M-shape, combining attributes of a V-hull and a tri-hull for maximum stability and a smooth ride. Their larger deck boats, the DX series, feature a standard V-hull design. Bayliner undercuts the competition with its pricing, offering a base MSRP of under $18,000 for the M15, making it one of the most affordable deck boat packages.

Stingray

Stingray delivers a lot of value with its lineup of relatively small deck boats, ranging from 17'3" to 21'11". Their models come loaded with features like Bimini tops, integrated and removable coolers, USB ports, livewells, and fishing rod holders, all at very competitive prices.

Starcraft

Starcraft is one of the top manufacturers of deck boats in the United States, offering a range of family-friendly boats that are high-performance, versatile, and packed with features. Their boats provide excellent value, with a range of sizes, powerful engines, and loads of extras like watersports towers, fishing gear, and quick-release Biminis. Starcraft also builds one of the few deck boats designed specifically for wake surfing, the MVX Surf.

Hurricane

Hurricane deck boats are highly customizable and a great choice for families looking for a versatile and fun lake boat. Their SunDeck models range from 18 to 26 feet in length, offering a choice of inboard or outboard engines, different layouts, finishes, and extras. Hurricane deck boats provide excellent value for money, giving you a luxurious and feature-rich experience on the water.

Deck Boat Brands for Space

Deck boats are a versatile type of boat, offering ample space, performance, and functionality. When it comes to finding the best deck boat brands for space, here are some top options to consider:

Starcraft

Starcraft is a well-known manufacturer of deck boats, offering a range of family-friendly options. Their boats provide excellent performance, a variety of sizes, and numerous extras such as watersports towers, fishing gear, and stylish designs. The Starcraft SVX OB CC is a great choice, known for its spacious cockpit and seating capacity.

Hurricane

Hurricane is another leading brand in the deck boat market, known for their highly customisable boats. Their SunDeck models offer a versatile and luxurious experience, ranging from 18 to 26 feet in length, with a choice of inboard or outboard engines, and various layouts and finishes. The Hurricane SunDeck 201 OB is a popular choice, combining leisure with power and offering a spacious layout.

Sea Ray

Sea Ray's SDX series of deck boats are renowned for their exceptional space and functionality. The SDX 290, for example, offers a beautifully constructed and well-thought-out design, loaded with options and built on a reliable Sea Ray hull. Sea Ray boats are also known for their versatility, with models suitable for both lake and trailered use.

Stingray

Stingray offers a range of relatively small deck boats, providing excellent value for money. Their models include features such as Bimini tops, integrated coolers, stereo systems, and fishing rod holders, all at competitive prices. The Stingray 192SC is a great option for those seeking a smaller boat, with a length of just over 20 feet, but still offering ample space and features for a range of activities.

Bayliner

Bayliner is a dominant name in the deck boat market, known for their strong motors and reliable models. Their Element E21 model showcases innovation with its spacious and open deck layout, and optional front and rear filler cushions that create playpen-style seating areas. Bayliner boats are also often more affordable, making them a great option for those on a budget.

When choosing a deck boat brand for space, consider your specific needs, budget, and the features that are most important to you and your family. Each of these brands offers a range of models to suit different requirements, so you can find the perfect deck boat for your boating adventures.

Frequently asked questions