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Top Deck
Boat Options
The wait is over and it’s time to invest in the deck boat of your dreams. Knowing you’d like your next boat to be a deck boat is the first step; the next is discovering which model. As a staff we have compiled a list of leading deck boat manufacturers that are sure to appeal to the boater who may think he already has it all. Deck boats are versatile in every aspect, from amenities and designs to capabilities and vinyl colors.
By Ryan Beaty
Bayliner DX2250
So many boats are advertised for sports and speed, and all of the others are typically pontoons. But the Bayliner DX2250 is a deck boat completely designed for casual boating with friends and family in refreshing comfort. Every part of this boat was designed for optimal lounging capacities.

This family-friendly sterndrive model combines all the most popular aspects of the DX series to make a boat that is literally for everyone. The sleek exterior is complete with hull sculpting and stylish shear lines while the interior is loaded with all the comforts of home. The plush upholstery features quilting with black welt plus transitional cockpit and transom seating offer total lounging comfort while facing forward or aft. When underway, the wider V-hull offers stability and a high freeboard keeps everyone safe and dry. And it comes with a few key features like a dedicated wet bar with freshwater sink, a prep area and grocery locker, an enclosed storage compartment with optional head, a transitional companion seat, a sunpad for lounging options, and a self-bailing cockpit. So if you ever thought that it was a perfect day for an on-the-water picnic during the middle of a sunny-tsunami, this boat has everything covered.

Specifications
  • LOA:21’ 7”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:11 people
  • Max Horsepower:250hp
  • Fuel Capacity:55 gals.
Crownline E225 XS FISH boat
Crownline E225 XS FISH
Have you ever wanted a boat that provides all the options and convenience of a pontoon, but wanted to go with something a little different? Well, Crownline has designed a beautiful and sleek fiberglass deck boat with all the features and capabilities of a pontoon (and more) to go after this section of the market, and all for less money than a pontoon. Crownline is proud to introduce the newest addition to their ever-popular Eclipse sport deck boat outboard series, the E225 XS, specifically with the FISH package option. If you’re looking for a versatile boat with amazing handling and performance, plenty of comfortable seating, tons of storage, and beautiful eye-catching style lines, this is the boat for you.

While the boat is all about convenience and comfort, it is also about maximum efficiency. Every cushion is a lid for hands-free storage and oversized floor storage. With the FISH package, the boat comes with a 65-quart aerated and recycled livewell with LED lights in the back cushion, and the forward livewell on the front of the bow is an LED-lit aerated bait box with a fill and siphon and recirculation pump to keep your bait fresh for long periods of time. The FISH package also comes with two seat bases so you can move your casting chairs, full fishfinder capabilities, and the floor storage is set up to accommodate up to six rods. So if you’re in the market for a fiberglass deck boat or even if you’re in the market for a pontoon, taking a look at the brand-new Crownline E225 XS FISH will be well worth your time.

Specifications
  • LOA:21’ 10”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:11 people
  • Max Horsepower:250hp
  • Fuel Capacity:TBD.
Hurricane SD 2690
view from a Hurricane SD 2690 facing the rear
Hurricane SD 2690
If you enjoy cruising, fishing, tubing, water skiing, or even wakeboarding, the Hurricane SD series is something for you to look at, specifically the SD 2690 which is optimized to provide a fast, clean, and comfortable ride. Maneuverability aboard the boat couldn’t be easier with the walkthrough windshield, and the co-captain’s chair grants anyone the comfort of relaxing on the boat while providing the joy of riding shotgun.

If you enjoy active water sports, or are tired of just soaking up the sun, this versatile design will allow you to strap yourself down and command the water. Or maybe you’d just like to sleep in a little longer on your early-morning fishing days, and this boat will let you do that as it zips you across the water to reach your favorite spots at the same time you normally would. The center-mounted fish finder will be your happy companion to help you have plentiful catches.

This boat is all about adventure, and it doesn’t stop until you’re done!

Specifications
  • LOA:26’ 4”
  • Beam:9’
  • Max Capacity:Yacht Certified
  • Max Horsepower:425hp
  • Fuel Capacity:98 gals.
Monterey 385SS
Monterey 385SS
With a beautiful hull, a sleek hardtop, and crispy clean lines on the windshield, everything about the Monterey 385SS screams style and attention to detail. With a triple engine package separating it from other boats in its class, the performance and the speed, along with the efficiency and its unexpected quiet sound, are certainly going to impress.

The boat comes with a satisfying SeaDek floor, and the seating arrangement can be changed around for universal purposes like turning it from group engagement to a lounge and even a big sun island, and if you’re getting too much sun, you can just flip out the extra overhead shade from the boat’s hardtop with a simple push of a button. But what if you want to have a full lounge day on the water? This boat comes with its own TV, full stereo controls, and even a cook top grill, pullout fridge and freezer, and wet bar. And what if you are out on open water and just climbed aboard from some open-water swimming, and need to rinse off but don’t want to head back to land just yet? Well, the boat also comes equipped with a shower. And if you never want to head back in to land again, this boat comes with air conditioning, heating, a generator, and underneath is outfitted with a pullout sofa, a full bed, and another TV for comfortable overnight capabilities.

Specifications
  • LOA:37’ 1”
  • Beam:11’ 2”
  • Max Capacity:12 people
  • Max Horsepower:1,050hp
  • Fuel Capacity:946 gals.
NauticStar 223 DC
NauticStar 223 DC
Whether serving up a family beach party or facing down gnarly sea weather conditions, the 223 DC responds ably to any captain’s command.

Its rugged Deep Vee hull and U-shaped wraparound cockpit ensure a comfortable ride for everyone. A panoramic walk-through windshield, enclosed dressing room, leather touch upholstery and Infinity stereo system are just a few of its creature comforts. A SeaDek transom landing and forward and aft boarding ladders extend the fun beyond the boat. Take it up a notch with the optional fishing package, which includes a livewell and fishing seat. Now we are talking.

Whatever the circumstances, the 223 answers your call to the water.

Specifications
  • LOA:22’ 7”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:10
  • Max Horsepower:250hp
  • Fuel Capacity:62 gals.
Sea Ray SDX 250
Sea Ray SDX 250
The Sea Ray SDX 250 is the go-to for effortless family day boating. Its layout encourages socialization and relaxation, with technology that ensures ease of use. With impressive seating capacity, huge versatility, abundant storage, and stylish good looks, the SDX 250 invites families of novice and experienced boaters alike to make every weekend a joyous escape.

At the heart of every SDX beats an athletic pulse. Designed for precision performance and power, a fast and smooth ride is guaranteed. Available options like a sleek folding watersports tower lift your wakeboarding and skiing possibilities, while an available Bimini top lends shade as desired. And when the time comes to don or doff your gear, huge transom staging seats with hidden gear storage make the process a breeze.

Stay alert through an on-board management system connected to your mobile device that displays VesselView data on your device. VesselView Mobile uses Bluetooth to display gauge information on your iPhone or Android, and allows you to monitor all. And lean back against soft, premium-grade upholstery. Every inch of a Sea Ray SDX is befitting of the brand that just plain gets things right. SDX is more than a ride; it’s a sensory experience.

Specifications
  • LOA:25’ 2”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:14 people
  • Max Horsepower:300hp
  • Fuel Capacity:63 gals.
Splendor 259 Platinum
Splendor 259 Platinum
With the Splendor 259 Platinum deck boat, smooth rides and stability in harsh and crazy conditions is the claim to fame, and being a custom builder, Splendor offers nearly unlimited options for customizing your boat. And if you like to take your boat out in places that get a lot of sun, they do offer a double Bimini option to provide twice as much shade. For more space to relax, the Platinum model comes with a portside lounge seat instead of a dual captain’s chair as the boat has a clear emphasis on providing wide open spaces for people to interact and freely walk around on the boat deck.

With an outboard engine and one of the lowest integrated swim decks in the industry nearly right down to the waterline, climbing out of the water and back onto the boat couldn’t be easier and doesn’t sacrifice motor efficiency. So if you are in the market for a boat that focuses on open space, easy water access, and the safety that comes with stability during cautionary weather, the Splendor 259 Platinum shouldn’t be overlooked.

Specifications
  • LOA:25’ 9”
  • Beam:8’ 4”
  • Max Capacity:12 people
  • Max Horsepower:350hp
  • Fuel Capacity:54 gals.
Starcraft SVX 191 OB
Starcraft SVX 191 OB
If you love sporty deck boats and primarily get on the water for days of action-packed activities, then you will fall for the Starcraft SVX 191 OB. This is a very smooth-handling boat that scoots along the water with the propulsion from its standard Mercury engine; that, combined with the boat’s low profile, means you are guaranteed great water skiing or tubing with friends and family as the boat comes with a ski/tow pylon. And if you want to do some more casual fishing or boating with the family, all of the bow lounge seats provide additional storage for anything you might need or want throughout the day on the water, and there is a large ski locker in the flooring for any water skis or wakeboards you need to put away.

At first glance this boat may look small, but don’t let it give you the impression it’s only for small groups. Despite its size, there is a deceptive amount of open space on the deck, enabling you to bring your friends along with your family for a full day of group fun just like you could with a larger boat, all while being able to store the boat more easily! So if you’re looking for a compact deck boat capable of suiting your craving for water action as well as providing a casual day on the lake, then the Starcraft SVX 191 OB deserves your attention.

Specifications
  • LOA:18’ 11”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:12 people
  • Max Horsepower:150hp
  • Fuel Capacity:45 gals.
Stingray 201DC
Stingray 201DC
If you love the open feel, but like your boat to have a full windshield, you shouldn’t have to choose. The Stingray 201DC Dual Console gives you all the interior room and storage space you could ever need, and the added full wrap-around windshield provides a nice shield from the wind while leaving the beautiful wake trail of white water behind you. This 201DC Dual Console version gives you two sport bucket seats with bolsters. Deep cockpit and bow areas provide extra safety and security for your passengers. Behind the captain is a solid-surface countertop with a sink and faucet. Dual console deck boat and traditional runabout seating work together to give you a roomy boat with seating for the entire family plus some. The boat has a convenience package option at no charge, featuring dual bucket seats with bolsters, a 25-quart removable Igloo cooler, an electronic engine hour meter, a freshwater sink, an Italian steering wheel, a Fusion RA-55 Stereo BT-APP, and stainless steel spring line cleats.
Specifications
  • LOA:20’ 1”
  • Beam:8’ 4”
  • Max Capacity:10 people
  • Max Horsepower:115hp
  • Fuel Capacity:46 gals.
TAHOE 2150 CC
TAHOE 2150 CC
TAHOE 2150 CC
If you’re looking for a do-all SUV of a boat, the TAHOE 2150 CC is the one. It’s a fishing pro, cruising champ, and water sports standout all in one. The center console design lends itself to every on-water pursuit, and a powerful Mercury outboard to quickly get you up to speed.

Under-gunnel rod holders carry up to six combos at the ready when the bite gets hot. A livewell keeps your catch perky, tackle box storage keeps baits neat, and a pop-out tool holder safely stows pliers and tools. The available fishing package unleashes the full fishing prowess of the 2150 CC. And when it’s water sports time, bust out the available ski pylon and dig out the skis from the center storage. But this boat doesn’t exclusively cater to action. Relaxation can be found anywhere in the 2150 CC with a spacious bow swim platform, and bench and lounge seating inside. Get in the TAHOE 2150 CC and expand your on-water pursuits.

Specifications
  • LOA:21’ 1”
  • Beam:8’ 6”
  • Max Capacity:10 people
  • Max Horsepower:225hp
  • Fuel Capacity:46 gals.