In the boating segment right now, it may seem like pontoon boats dominate the lakes when it comes to popularity. They’re comfy, boast plenty of space, and you can beef them up with some seriously high-horsepower engines to meet your performance needs.

At a time like this, it could be easy to overlook the benefits of deck boats amid the pontoon craze. However, if you’re looking for a new boat, you’ll definitely want to at least check out and consider your deck boat options too. Deck boats continue to be a valuable segment in the industry with a lot to offer, especially in terms of performance and getting an ample amount of boat for your buck.

So before defaulting to a pontoon boat when you’re considering your next (or first) family vessel, take the time to get to know your needs and do your homework because you might end up happier with a deck boat.

Fantastic Value

Recently manufacturers have put a major focus on price-point deck boats which has really shone a spotlight back on the segment. While the large fiberglass high-end beauties continue to impress, builders are also making it so you can get a lot more boat for a lot less money in the entry-level segment. It wasn’t that long ago when entry-level pontoons ruled the price-point battles. However, today we’re seeing fully loaded deck boats with power starting in the $30K range.

Generous Space

It’s no secret boaters crave the pontoon capacity, but what many of them don’t realize is they can get similar capacity on a deck boat without breaking a sweat.

With capacity ratings up, there’s never a reason for anyone to be left out of the fun. Although you don’t get the high sides of the pontoon, you instead get a sportier feel and more performance to impress your passengers. One of the best ways to learn whether a deck boat has enough space for you and your family is to rent one first from your local marina to see all they have to offer for yourself.

Unmatched Performance

When it comes to performance, this is where deck boats truly shine. If water sports are your main occupation on the water, you’ll want to consider a deck boat. While you can still do the majority of water sport activities with a pontoon, chances are you’ll need a larger engine to do it. You’re better equipped in a deck boat to maximize your horsepower, thanks to the traditional V-hull shape which allows you to get optimum performance. In the end it all comes down to preference. If you want to get out on the water and experience some thrilling performance that blows your hair back, a deck boat is a great option.

In order to receive comparable “white knuckle feel” with a pontoon, you’ll most likely have to have to upgrade to a larger engine(s) with greater horsepower on the back of your boat, which ultimately ends up increasing the cost to get that feeling. But on a deck boat, you can put a limited amount of horsepower and get better performance than you would using the same outboard on a pontoon boat.

Deck boats are built for performance and it comes to them effortlessly. So if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly boat that offers all the thrills you could want while simultaneously offering ample room for relaxation, you’d do well to check out a deck boat. Odds are, you won’t be disappointed.