Tech That Makes A Difference
Additional standard features on all Solstice 230 floor plans include fence-mounted docking lights, a lockable glove box, a Lowrance Hook2 4x fishfinder, a removable windscreen, a removable woodgrain table with molded-in drink holders, a soft-sided cooler, a four-step flip-down ladder on the swim platform, tilt steering and Seagrass flooring. Thats pretty compelling all on its own, but what really sets this boat apart is its application of modern technology. This becomes immediately apparent when you take a seat at the helm.
Bonus Boat: Sea Ray Sdx 290
Were not about to argue that a $157,138 MSRP would be considered most affordable by the average boater, but if your standard of living rates it and you want a very big, very plush, very modern deck boat, the Sea Ray SDX 290 will be of interest.
One could easily argue its the queen of the deck boat fleet, with Luxurious aft-facing lounges on the stern, bow seats that count as loungers, and top speeds in the 50 MPH range with a pair of 250 HP Mercury Verados on the transom. As one might guess you can get this boat outfitted with uber-cool features, too, like an electric grill in the cockpit, a refrigerator, and even an onboard air compressor for blowing up the kids tow-toys.
The Best Deck Boats: Our Top 7 Picks
You already know what deck boats are, the types, and the models available in the market. The next step is to narrow down to the best of these boats. In this review, we look at some of the best deck boats you can find. We base our review on the features of each boat, what makes them outstanding, and aspects of the boat that past customers didnt like.
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Searay Sdx 290 Best For Luxury
On the hunt for a chic and comfortable deck boat for leisure? Look no further than the Searay SDX 290 it has everything that defines luxury and comfort. One look at this masterpiece is enough to tell you that this is a luxurious vessel.
You will enjoy a leisure cruise with this amazing boat. If you are a lover of watersports or the type that loves spending time with friends, then the Searay SDX 290 will be a perfect addition. The boat has the perfect design for exceptional cruises its sheer attention to detail matches no others in this category.
It includes a wide carried-forward beam, which offers enough sitting area for you and the passengers on board. Additionally, its deep V-hull is ideal for maximum stability of the boat, allowing you to maintain a smooth ride.
You do not have to worry about storing anything on the boat, as this piece comes with enough storage under the bow seats. Other standard features of the Searay SDX 290 that make it a luxurious option include a wet bar, a table, helm, and cockpit, reclining aft-facing loungers, hinged cushions, and starboard lounges at the bow.
What Is A Deck Boat
A deck boat is generally constructed from fiberglass with a V-hull. It offers an open deck layout with a dual- or single-console design. The bow features wrap-around seating or two lounge seats. The cockpit includes an L-lounge and plenty of legroom. Other features you can expect to find on a deck boat are a Bimini top for shade, bow and stern swim platforms, swim ladders, large storage compartments, and theyre easy to board.
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North Captain T1 Deluxe Boat Seat
It can be difficult to find a good-quality captains boat chair that comes as a pair that is not as expensive. The North Captain T1 Deluxe Low Back Folding Boat Seat offers all of the things you would want in a captain seat without the steep price tag. Among all the boat seat pair in the market, I think this is among the top products worth purchasing for a number of reasons.
What I like most about this boat seat pair is the craftsmanship. It is constructed with a high-compression foam stuffing which retains firmness for long-term use. Additionally, this seat also features a marine-grade vinyl which is UV-treated, making it perfect for all weather and seasons.
These boat seats low-back design makes it perfect for fishing. I also love that the aluminum hinges can be flipped down to create more space or for easy storage. Similarly, these seats also feature an injection-molded plastic frame which is made from UV-resilient polypropylene.
Lastly, I love that these boat seats are easy to mount on any standard 4-bolt pedestal or swivel system since it comes with 4 mounting screws.
- Since it is a pair of boat seats, it is more cost-efficient.
- It is fairly affordable compared with other captain seats.
- The marine-grade vinyl material in these seats is UV-treated.
- The foam stuffing remains firm even in long-term use.
- It is very easy to install.
- It is a low-back seat, thus, it may not be the most comfortable for some people.
Nauticstar 223 Dc Sport Deck
At just under 40k we have the NauticStar 223 DC Sport Deck and it if definitely designed for pleasure. Measuring in at 22 feet and 7 inches, the NauticStar is designed to seat 10 comfortably and has 11 cupholders for you and your guests convenience as well. Its also wired for sound, with a JBL Marine audio system, 4 Infinity speakers, and a jack for MP3s. If fishing if your thing you can add an optional livewell and a deck fishing chair and the 223 also comes with a portside changing room if you or guest simply feel like taking a swim. Steering is a breeze with its Sea Star hydraulic steering and it comes with a Yamaha F150 motor. Fuel capacity is also 66 gallons so you wont be wasting a lot of time refilling, all in all the NauticStar 223 is a heck of a boat for the money.
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Seamander S1040 Series Captains Chair Pontoon Boat Seat
When talking about ultimate comfort and luxurious feel, the Seamander Captains Chair Pontoon Boat seat is one I highly recommend. From the construction down to the design, everything about this captain boat seat is truly remarkable.
I like that this boat seat features a marine-grade vinyl that is soft-touch and is also packed with mildew and UV inhibitors. Similarly, this seats plush foam stuffing promotes an overall luxurious feel while giving you maximum comfort. Furthermore, not only this product provides you with exceptional comfort, but it also has a long shelf life.
What I like most about this boat seat is its high-density, plastic spinning molded-frame which allows users to make lateral movements throughout boat rides. As it includes a premium-grade, high-compression foam padding, it promotes durability while providing optimum comfort at the same time.
Finally, I love that this boat seat is easy and convenient to mount to a pedestal or swivel system as the whole kit comes with mounting screws when you buy it.
- This boat seat offers a luxurious look and feel.
- It is crafted with premium-grade materials which promotes comfort and durability.
- Its marine-grade vinyl cover is packed with UV and mildew inhibitors.
- The high-density plastic spinning molded-frame allows lateral movements.
- Easy and convenient to mount on a pedestal and swivel system since it comes with mounting screws.
How Much Does A Deck Boat Weigh
How much does a weigh? Depending on themodel and size, between 1,570 lbs. and 5,500 lbs.
There is an almost 4,000 lb. weight difference in the dry weight of a smaller and a larger deck boat and, once you add in the weight of gear, fuel, and a trailer, the difference could be even larger.
Boat weight is so important because every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity youll want to make sure you stay well below.
We are going to walk through the components that make up boat weight and by the end, youll have all of the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
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Tommy Hilfiger Bowman Boat Shoe
Tommy Hilfiger is one of the worlds leading fashion brands, designing and manufacturing all kinds of casual apparel. The brand also makes some of the best boat shoes for men on the market. The particular pair of boat shoes that we like the best are the Tommy Hilfiger Bowman boat shoes. Theyre sleek, stylish, practical, and theyre quite affordable for a designer label too.
These boating shoes feature uppers made entirely from leather. At the front, they have a Moc-toe shape, with detailed contrast stitching embellishments. Each shoe has a leather lining and insole for added comfort. The result is a fashionable look with a comfortable fit.
Underneath, these Bowman boat shoes feature a thick contrasting color sole made from man-made rubber. The sole is non-marking, and unlike many other shoes on this list, it doesnt have a grooved tread pattern. Instead, it has a textured bottom that offers decent grip on wet and slippery surfaces. They dont have the same level of grip as many others, but they have enough for casual boating.
Other cool features on this shoe include the lace-up closures which come equipped with a classic two-hole fastening, metal eyelets, and contrasting laces.
Ask All The Right Questions
Once you visit the dealership to view the boat, ensure you ask the following questions before signing the sale contract.
- Can I get my deck boat serviced here?
- Do you offer any winterization services for the cold season?
- How do I get the boat once Ive bought it? Do I have to pick it up, or will you have it delivered?
- Is it backed by a warranty? If so, what does it cover?
- Can you arrange for a test drive before I buy it?
- Whats the standard procedure if my boat needs repairs or service? Should I drop it off here, or will you have someone come pick it up?
- How often does the boat require servicing, and how long does the process take?
- Do I have to take care of storage myself, or is that covered under the sale?
Once theyve answered the questions above to your satisfaction, you also want to visit a few other dealers to make sure that youre getting the best value for your money. You might find one dealer offering something extra that the others dont. As a rule of thumb, never settle for the first boat you like without exploring a couple more options.
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So Which Hull Is The Best
That really depends on what you are wanting. The V-hull gives some pretty good maneuverability and cuts right through those waves, perhaps a bit better than the M-hull. The V-hull , however, is ill-suited for shallows. The M-hull performs quite well and balances performance with increased stability. While it
The M-hull performs quite well and balances performance with increased stability.
doesnt quite cut the waves with the same gusto as a V-hull it does access the shallows easier and in our opinion, handles quite well enough. It really boils down to knowing exactly what you want, as both hull types are excellent, but for rougher waters we like the Bayliner XR7. The M-hull gives it a noticeable stability edge thats hard to compete with. Lets look at what you get with the XR7 and its addded stability.
How To Wear Boat Shoes
Sounds like a pretty straightforward concept, right? I mean, youre probably wearing shoes right now. Were referring to how to wear them, as in with which style. Here are a few different ways you can make boat shoes, and make them work for you.
As a rule of thumb, go with more simple, casual, neutral clothing options.
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Enjoy The Best Of Both Worlds
With their innovative hull designs, deck boats pull skiers, wake boarders and tubers with ease, while designs with forward-facing outdrives can even wake surf as well. This gives these boats unrivaled versatility, and is a big reason for their growing popularity.
Thinking of getting out on the water? Here are 6 of the best deck boats for active families.
Mens And Womens Boat Shoes
Now that youve gone through our handpicked selection of the best boat shoes on the market, there are a few things you should consider before buying your maritime footwear. What makes these kinds of loafers so iconic is their practical use in and around boating, an experience that has made them favorites for casual lifestyle activities. Read on:
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Seamander Captain Bucket Seat
When talking about the most reputable boat seat manufacturers, Seamander is one of the names that first come to mind. The Seamander Captain Bucket Seat is the perfect captain seat for various reasons. If the other boat seats did not meet your expectations, this one will definitely surprise you with all the exceptional merits it has to offer.
I like that this product is crafted with marine-grade vinyl that is soft-touch and also UV and mildew resistant. Thus, the quality and durability of this captain boat seat are highly guaranteed.
What I love most about this product is its plastic spinning molded-frame which offers high-density, thus allowing lateral movements. This boat seat also comes with a high-compression, OEM foam padding for optimal comfort. Additionally, the bolster can also be flipped up to allow leaning positions.
Lastly, I also like that this boat seat is easy to clean. Similarly, this boat seat is also recommended to be cleaned immediately if any spots of stain or grime are noticed to retain optimum quality.
- This boat seat is pretty expensive.
Hurricane Center Console 21 Ob
Hurricane is known for building multiple model lines of deck boats, but the Center Console 21 OB stands out as one of the few deck boats on the water thats designed for serious anglers. With a 115-horsepower outboard on the transom you can get it for less than $50K, or up the ante to just over $50K and get a 150 HP powerplant. Either way this boat will likely cost less than the tow vehicle that pulls it to the boat ramp.
And once you get there, youll enjoy some serious angling action thanks to the center console designs 360-degree fishability. Other fishy perks include twin livewells, an aft deck with seating that converts into an elevated casting platform, gunwale and under-gunwale rodholders, and fishboxes in the deck.
Visit Hurricane to learn more.
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Tempress Probax Boat Seat
For a premium high back boat seat, this product is hard to rival. Even the most discerning buyers will be happy with the overall quality. One feature that I love the most is the dual-core foam support system. This provides optimal back and upper body support, even when sitting for a long time. Despite the water chop, your body wont feel much of the impact because of the thick foam.
The manufacturer takes pride in the fact that this boat seat is a product of the collective intelligence of experts. They worked with leading spinal surgeons in the United States to develop a revolutionary design. The result is an ergonomic seat that can significantly improve posture and minimize back pain.
To add, the durability is unquestionable. The polypropylene seat shell is water and UV-resistant. So, you do not need to worry that the heat of the sun will damage the seat cover! It also makes the seat mildew-resistant.
Another reason why this high back seat is one of my favorites is the quick installation. It is compatible with a pedestal or 5.25 x 5.25 mounting system. Plus, it has a universal boat pattern, which will make it compatible with any mount. This also makes the attachment of the seat to the deck possible within minutes.
- Not for people on a budget
What Are The Benefits Of Deck Boats
There are plenty of perks to owning a deck boat. Firstly, these models are much more prepared for water sports than the average pontoon or other basic cruising boats. The boat is actually designed just for those who want the space and the speed in the same vessel, so you can find plenty of perks in the specific nature of their offering.
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Q: Can You Wear Socks With Boat Shoes
A: You remember when people used to be called shoobies? Well, we dont either, but at one point in time, that was a thing. Its kind of the same concept if you decide to wear boat shoes and socks together. These are designed to be worn without socks, accounting for water splashing around while youre on a boat and all. While you can wear socks, its male fashion suicide to do so, and doesnt look right.
Starcraft Marine Limited Io 2000
Moving up into the 27k starting level we have the Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2000 and its got a lot going for it for those looking for a little more power in their deck boat. Measuring in at just over 20 feet in length, it boasts a 12 passenger capacity but we highly recommend you keep it to 12 to take advantage of the design. It has a lot of nice features built-in, like a swim deck, under-seat storage, and a 220 horsepower Mercruiser motor that will give it the extra zip you want a deck boat more geared for fun in than sun than fishing. There are fishing upgrades, of course, if thats your preference. Its also have a 51 gallon fuel tank capacity and the fiberglass hull has a lifetime warranty on it. Its definitely worth checking out.
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