Best Deck Boats On The Market: (Top 6)

Deck boats combine the architecture of a pontoon boat with the V-shaped hull of a runabout boat to create a unique watercraft. They combine the spaciousness of flatboat designs with the ability to go at considerably faster speeds, making them a popular compromise among boaters. With that in mind, what are some of the best deck boats?

  1. Crownline E305 XS 29′ 3″ Deck Boat
  2. Starcraft SVX 231 22′ 8″ Deck Boat
  3. Bayliner Element E18 18′ 2″ Deck Boat
  4. Chaparral 230 Suncoast 22″ 10″ Deck Boat
  5. Hurricane Sundeck 187 OB 18′ 10″ Deck Boat
  6. The Concept 392 Family Edition 39′ 10″ Deck Boat

In addition to the extra room, a deck boat has more passenger and cargo capacity. A deck boat’s plenty of seats always generates more significant stowage beneath, which families frequently want. That said, let’s take a closer look into what makes this list of deck boats the best in 2022.

6 Of The Best Deck Boats

A deck boat can be just what you need if you’re searching for the perfect family boat or watercraft to take out on the water and have a great day out in the sun with friends. Deck boats, like pontoon boats, offer incredible maneuverability because of their v-shaped hull.

Riders can anticipate a comfortable ride at any speed, and drivers will appreciate how simple it is to maneuver compared to other boats of its size. So, starting with the famed Crownline brand, here’s what this list of the best deck boats has to offer.

1. Crownline E305 XS 29′ 3″ Deck Boat

View The Crownline E305 XS here

The vast and bodacious Crownline E 305 XS lies at the top of the best deck boats list. The Crownline E 305 XS has a maximum power rating of 600 HP and a length of 29’3″. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about cutting your journey short to refill with a 165-gallon gasoline tank.

Also, with lots of seats, the E 305 XS is ideal for the enthusiastic boater who has to bring the entire crew! Aside from its sheer size, the E 305 XS stands out among the crowded field of deck boats with an unrivaled degree of luxury.

A drawer refrigerator, a freshwater shower, snap-in woven cockpit mats, an enclosed head compartment with sink and vanity, and a hard aluminum top with a pull-out SureShade canvass extension are just a few of the features. However, simply sitting in the chairs is a luxurious experience.

The bow cockpit seats feature flip-back backrests that can face forward, face aft, or convert into a large sunbathing pad, while the transom seats have flip-back backrests that can face ahead, face aft, or convert into a giant tanning pad. This one will be a top candidate if you’re looking for a deck boat that feels like a yacht.

The Crownline E305 Specs

  • Length: 29′ 3″
  • Beam: 110″
  • Dry Weight: 8,350 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 165 gal  
  • Overall Capacity: Yacht
  • Max Power: 600 HP
  • Deadrise: 22°

2. Starcraft SVX 231 22′ 8″ Deck Boat

View The Starcraft SVX 231 here

Next on the list is the deck boat from the Starcraft brand, which knows how to have a good time on the water, as seen by the new 2022 SVX 231 OB deck boat. And, oh man, is she stunning!

Thanks mainly to its outstanding 250 horsepower Yamaha engine, this family-friendly deck boat is as utilitarian as it is high-performance. The boat features a deep and large cockpit, which is ideal if you have smaller children on board and high-quality components that will last a long time.

One of the things I like about it is how adaptable it is. The SVX 231 is capable of handling a wide range of activities.

So whether you prefer a leisurely cruise on a bright Sunday afternoon, the thrilling adrenaline-inducing action of watersports, or simply want to hang out at the beach bar, there is something for everyone. With this deck boat, you can accomplish all of that and more.

Rub rails, hydraulic tilt steering, bow, stern traction mats, a bimini cover, and an AM/FM radio with wireless capabilities are all standard equipment.

The Starcraft SVX 231 Specs

  • Length: 22′ 8″
  • Beam: 8′ 6″
  • Dry Weight: 3,263 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 60 gal    
  • Overall Capacity: 2950 lbs
  • Max Power: 300 HP
  • Deadrise: 14°

3. Bayliner Element E18 18′ 2″ Deck Boat

View The Bayliner Element E18 here

The Bayliner Element E18 Deck Boat was created to accommodate a variety of boating activities. It contains built-in amenities for many water sports activities, in addition to the traditional cruising and fishing capabilities found in most deck boats.

The Bayliner E18 can accommodate up to nine passengers and may be customized to meet practically any day boating requirement.

One of them is a foldable sport arch that serves as a ski tow bar and wakeboard rack that can handle up to two wakeboards at once. It produces huge wakes comparable to those created by traditional wakeboard boats.

There are two powerful bow speakers and a carry-on cooler, cockpit table, and lounge seats with built-in cup holders on the port side. It also has a live well with aeration, casting platforms in the bow and stern, and seating.

The Bayliner Element E18 Specs

  • Length: 18′ 2″
  • Beam: 7′ 5″
  • Dry Weight: 8,350 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 165 gal  
  • Overall Capacity: 2000 lbs
  • Max Power: 125 HP
  • Deadrise: 17°

4. Chaparral 230 Suncoast 22″ 10″ Deck Boat

View The Chaparral 230 Suncoast here

Next, we have the Chaparral 230 Suncoast deck boat. The Chaparral 230 Suncoast, with a tag price of just over $50,000 (with a trailer and a Yamaha F200 four-stroke outboard), offers everything you might want in a deck boat, as well as a watersports boat, a day cruiser, and a bowrider.

In-deck ski/wakeboard storage and an optional arch with an elevated tow bit are among the sports features; cruising amenities include an enclosed head and built-in carry-on coolers.

Furthermore, it also includes bowrider-like features, including forward-seating with integrated cupholders and stereo speakers, a folding center windshield, and a bow-mounted telescopic boarding ladder for quick trips to the beach.

Plus, with about 23 feet of LOA and the capacity to carry a dozen people, she is about as capable of a deck boat as you’ll find.

The Chaparral 230 Suncoast Specs

  • Length: 22′ 10″
  • Beam: 8′ 6″
  • Dry Weight: 3500 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 70 gal    
  • Overall Capacity: 1850 lbs
  • Max Power: 250 HP
  • Deadrise: 20°

5. Hurricane Sundeck 187 OB 18′ 10″ Deck Boat

View The Hurricane Sundeck 187 OB XS here

Hurricane is known for producing deck boats, and one look at the 187 reveals that this model has been designed with years of expertise in mind. You’ll also notice that the options marked with an “IO” denote that they come with a sterndrive.

While several deck boat builders have switched to outboard-powered models, Hurricane offers both the 187 IO and the 187 OB (outboard version).

While current outboard deck boats have many excellent features to brag about, the 187 IO has one that none can match. That said, the 187 IO has a feature that none of them can match: the 187 IO has a feature that none of them can match.

As a result, the 187 IO A swim platform with a full beam and no large engine intruding on its area. As an added benefit, you’ll have a sizeable fold-out sun pad across the transom, perched on the engine box.

Wrap-around seating in the front and stern, a chaise lounge with a storage compartment below the passenger’s console, and a bow swim platform with a telescoping ladder make getting on and off the boat a breeze when you beach it are all features of the 187 models.

Anglers will enjoy the option of adding a fishing package (which includes fishing chairs, rod storage, and trolling motor pre-wiring) and a fishfinder for those occasions when you and the kids would instead cast a line than lounge about or pull tow-toys.

The Hurricane Sundeck 187 OB Specs

  • Length: 18′ 10″
  • Beam: 8′ 5″
  • Dry Weight: 2,450 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 36 gal    
  • Overall Capacity: 2,291
  • Max Power: 200 HP
  • Deadrise: 17°

6. The Concept 392 Family Edition 39′ 10″ Deck Boat

View The Concept 392 Family Edition here

Deck boats like the Concept 392 Family Edition is a force to be reckoned with on the water. For starters, it’s enormous. It has a central console and plenty of seating on the deck and bow. But it’s the fact that it’s designed for comfort and practicality that we find most appealing.

The 392 FE is entirely configurable, and it has various fishing features that make it suitable for a day disbursed out on the open sea catching big fish. Standard features are four strong Mercury throttles, a robust marine audio system, aft bench, bow, deck, and forward-console seats.

Coaming pads, aluminum powder-coated grab rails, a fiberglass helm seat, and many more features are included. Insulated fish cages, six fishing rod holders, two live wells, and a dockside freshwater inlet are among the fishing-friendly amenities included with the 392 FE.

No matter what you want to do, the 392 FE will get you there in style, whether you go fishing or just want to spend the day on the water with loved ones.

The Concept 392 Family Edition Specs

  • Length: 39′ 10″
  • Beam: 10′ 9″
  • Dry Weight (Without Engine): 10,500 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 400 gal  
  • Overall Capacity: Yacht
  • Max Power: 1,600 HP
  • Deadrise: 22°

The Best Deck Boats: What To Consider

Purchasing a boat is not something you do every day. You don’t buy a boat to sell it after a year. It’s an investment that will last a long time, perhaps even a lifetime.

As a result, you should take your time and select the best option for your budget and requirements. Keep the following principles in mind when looking for the best deck boats to buy.

It Is Best To Research Boat Dealers

Choosing one from a respected manufacturer is essential when purchasing a deck boat. Any of the brands mentioned in this article would be an excellent place to begin.

Take the time to go to each deck boat manufacturer’s official website and look at the numerous models they have to offer, as well as the typical features of each boat. Also, if you wish to add any comfort or convenience features, see if they have any modification choices accessible.

Check to see whether the manufacturer has any dealers in your region after you have a decent notion of the boat you want to buy. Then, contact them by phone or email and have them answer any questions you may have regarding a specific vessel.

You should talk about availability, models, customization, cost, and even financing if it’s a possibility. Set up an appointment to see the yacht in person once you’re pleased with what you’ve heard.

Choose a Deck Boat That Has All of the Features You Want

With so many gleaming new boats to select from, narrowing down your options may be a monumental process in and of itself. Boats nowadays come with a plethora of bells and whistles to attract you into purchasing one.

The easiest method to make a selection is to figure out which characteristics are most important to you, depending on the activities you’ll be doing with the boat 90% of the time.

Budget Plays An Vital Role When Purchasing A Deck Boat

A budget would not be a consideration when selecting a yacht with all the gizmos and gadgets you desire in a perfect world when it comes to features. However, the truth is that most individuals will always be concerned about pricing.

When searching for a deck boat, bear in mind that the more features and customization possibilities it offers, the higher the price point will be. Unfortunately, that is an unavoidable truth of life.

So, while a deck boat with personalized leather interiors, timber finishes, state-of-the-art audio system, large deck, flexible seating configuration, fishing-friendly fittings may be nice to have features. However, whatever else your heart desires are conceivable, all of these luxuries come with a heavy price tag.

Ask The Correct Questions Before Buying A Deck Boat

Before signing the sale contract, make sure you ask the following questions when you visit the dealership to examine the boat.

  • Is it possible to get my deck boat repaired and serviced here?
  • Is there a warranty on it? If that’s the case, what exactly does it cover?
  • After I’ve purchased the boat, how do I obtain it? Is it necessary for me to pick it up, or will it be delivered?
  • Can you set up a test drive for me before I buy it?
  • What is the normal method for repairing or servicing my boat? Should I leave it here, or will you send someone to get it?
  • How regularly does the boat need to be serviced, and how long does it take?
  • Does the sale cover storage, or would I need to take care of it myself?

If you want to be sure that you are getting the most value from your purchase, it would be best if you meet with a few different dealers once they have answered the questions above to your satisfaction. You could find that one dealer provides a service that the others do not. As a general rule, never settle for the first boat you like without considering a few others.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to like about deck boats. Their hybrid design meets a growing desire among boaters for a vessel that offers both speed and spaciousness for the utmost in water fun.

These one-of-a-kind boats aren’t for everyone, but they have a lot to offer those who pick them. If you require space and speed, the deck boat should undoubtedly be on your list, and you don’t want to compromise. Take one for a spin, and you’ll be hooked in no time.

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Check out our article on: Deck Boat vs. Bowrider: What’s the Difference?

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Project Boating Editorial Staff

My name is Brad Visser the chief editor and owner of Projectboaing.com. We have an amazing team of writers that contribute to our website. This team is passionate about boating and have years of experience not only in boats, but in writing helpful, informative articles to answer questions you may have.

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