If you’re a traveler, the open roads and the freedom of deck boats are hard to resist. The nomadic lifestyle and the breathtaking landscapes attract adventurers from all walks of life. Yet, as any experienced RV owner knows, life on the road comes with unique challenges. One such opportunity that has gained popularity in recent years is the deck boats.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the deck boats, exploring their pros and cons and helping you decide the right fit for your adventures. So, grab your favorite camping chair, settle in, and let’s go on a journey to the portable RV deck lifestyle.
Pros & Cons of >Deck Boats
Pros
Deck boats and bowriders are made to be used for more than one thing so that they can do many different things. Because they are lighter, they are great for trips to the beach, fishing with the family, and even simple hobbies. Deck boats are great for day trips with friends because they have open floor plans. Either a deck boat or a bow rider makes it easy to go to different water spots because they are light and easy to tow and launch. They have different trim levels, and many of their features are sold as extras. With this pricing system, boats of the same length can have a bigger range of prices, so buyers can choose a boat that fits their budget, even if it is the same length.
Cons
Bow bikes and deck boats are not made to handle big water or rough seas. Most runabout boats don’t have large enough fuel tanks for long trips. Concerns about the trip are made worse because neither type has a cabin, which is a big problem if bad weather hits when you are far from home. If you want a well-equipped boat, add-ons like a port-a-potty, bimini, GPS, stereo, and lights could make a boat with a low starting price a bigger investment.
Each type has some problems that are unique to it. Bowriders are usually harder to get on than deck boats, which can be a big problem for people with trouble moving around. Decks have shorter railings and more places to get on, but they don’t protect people from the weather well.
Some brands of deck boats have a big flaw in how they are made. With a wider bow seat made on top of a pointed bow, the boat may not be as stable when it is at rest. To fix this, designers put deep chines on either side of the hull’s deep V entry. This gives some bow riders the impression that the hull is shaped like a church. They thought that the air between the body and the outer chines would also help the ship rise.
- Good chance of living long: Fiberglass decks and bow riders usually last about 25 years on average.
- Enough space for storage: Storage is enough for how these boats are usually used. Look for ones that have big lockers built into the floor.
- Comfort depends on length: The ride will be better, and you’ll likely like it if it’s longer. Avoid cathedral boats with chines that are too big, and make sure to test drive the boat.
- Handling is very good: It’s simple and easy to drive. By learning how to handle a runabout first, a boater will find it easier to move on to more difficult types of boats.
- Good safety on the ride: Assuming that these boats are used as they were meant to be used and on water that isn’t too rough. Even the smaller ones can carry at least 6 people in safety. Larger ones can easily hold 10 or more people.
- Weight: If you want to pull your runabout, these are the usual weights you should think about 16’= 2,000lbs. 18’= 2,500lbs. 20’= 3,400lbs.
- Price: But many runabouts are shorter than 21 feet. The price of these boats is good for family fun on the water, and they run well with a 150 HP engine. When boaters look for runabouts longer than 20 feet, prices increase greatly because more materials are needed, and the price often includes extra features.
- Needs maintenance: Simple features and a design that makes it easy for a family to use make it easy to take care of.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start fishing or are looking for a cheap boat for the family, a deck boat or bowrider that is less than 21 feet is a good choice for a first boat. Because they are famous and can be used for many different things, they are easy to sell when you want to move up to a different type or size. If you have a young family, we would recommend a bow rider over the other type.
It should have room for six adults to sit safely, and you can keep the seats in the bow for the kids. Deck boats would be better if your fishing is more of a social event, and you sometimes want to take up to ten or twelve people with you.
You can order extras for deck and bow rider boats to make them more your style. We would make sure to add a bimini top that folds up.