Deck boats can be the perfect way to spend a summer. Whether you're drifting lazily on the swells with your line in the water, towing your friend on his wakeboard for some thrills, or enjoying dinner with your loved one while watching the sun rest behind the horizon, a deck offers limitless possibilities.
All of those fantasies tend to diminish when confronted with the dreaded retail price. Sometimes the numbers on the price tag are staggering. But six companies have remedied that with some amazing entry-level decks that offer not only enough amenities to fill a Swiss army knife, but an outboard engine included in the price. While you're reading, remember, just pinch yourself and repeat, "It's not a dream."
223 DC Sport Deck By NauticStar
If there was ever a boat that was built for the pleasure cruise, the 223 DC is it. This boat is for the easy-going boater in all of us. The 223 DC comes standard with Sea Star hydraulic steering, making any captain's boating experience a breeze. With a 10-person seating capacity and 11 drink holders, lay back and take it easy under the bimini top and "chill" with the perfect refreshment of your choice-keeping those drinks chilled in the 25-quart Igloo cooler. If you're feeling like a swim, find privacy in the port-side enclosed changing room when getting in and out of your bathing suit. Once you're finished playing in the lake, re-entry is a breeze with the forward and aft boarding ladders built in.
The 223 DC comes equipped with a JBL Marine Audio system with an MP3 jack and four infinity speakers, making its sound system top of the line. The 223 DC also comes with available upgrade packages for the fisherman who's looking for the perfect fishing platform. With an optional trolling motor, aerated livewell and deck fishing seat with pedestal and base, NauticStar's sport deck can be any angler's dream. Whether you're an avid sports enthusiast or are just looking for some leisure, The 223 DC is a great investment for either.
LOA - 22' 7"
Beam - 8' 5"
Dry Weight - 2873 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 66 gallons
Max Seating Capacity - 10
Base Price with Yamaha F150 XA - $39,999
www.nauticstarboats.com
662-256-5636
2100 SS FC O/B By Ebbtide
The 2100's standard features are setting the bar for ease and comfort. Built with an adjustable captain's chair, bow and stern bench, sundeck and forward gate filler cushion, the captain and guests can enjoy an unrivaled sense of relaxation. With storage areas located throughout the boat, bring an entire day's worth of fun out to the water and still carry an incredible 12 people onboard. Ebbtide makes entertaining your guests simple with a standard MP3/iPod compatible, four-speaker stereo system, so when you go out in your 2100, you're going out in style.
The 2100 also comes standard with bimini top and enough comfortable lounge seating to give your guests a shady and peaceful afternoon on the lake. If you're looking to customize your deck, Ebbtide offers a great variety of upgrade packages to choose from. The luxury packages will ensure that the 2100 has an unfair advantage on the water as it boasts custom fittings and gauges, upholstery, carpeting, as well as high back bucket seats, a custom steering wheel and even a stainless steel bow scuff plate. If a sweet ride loaded with style is what you're in the market for, then Ebbtide's 2100 SS FC O/B is a great place to start looking.
The 2100 offers the buyer an opportunity to bring his own taste and personality and imbue it into his deck to create a boat that has a one-of-a-kind look to go along with performance and style that only Ebbtide can offer.
LOA - 21'
Beam - 8' 6"
Dry Weight - 2660 lbs
Fuel Capacity - 45 gallons
Max Seating Capacity - 12
Base Price with 150 Pro XS Mercury OptiMax - $39,487
www.ebbtideboats.com
615-797-3193
Tahoe 195 By Tahoe
If there's one phrase that can't be stressed enough about the Tahoe 195 deck, it's "standard features." Don't overlook this deck because of the price tag, this thing is loaded. It's hard to ask for more if you're looking for the standard setup on this deck. With marine-grade vinyl lounge seating located throughout, the 195 also comes with two removable fishing seats, allowing you to be prepared for whatever adventure you're taking and go out on your adventures with confidence. Tahoe has deliberately taken time to construct the 195 for optimum safety and comfort. With the hull being bonded chemically and fastened mechanically to the deck, a fiberglass protective cover for the engine and a carefully-laid non-skid deck surface, your family and friends are protected and assured a safe trip on the water.
Despite all the features, the price tag can still be a little intimidating. This particular deck boat is running a California compliant, 220 horsepower V6 MerCruiser motor. Sometimes it's better to pay for power and the MerCruiser can guarantee that with an estimated speed of up to 50 mph. The 195 also offers a myriad of entertainment options. Tahoe's sound packages range from the basic stereo system to an incredible Jensen stereo package that ensures top quality sound and clarity. The list of great standard features and optional packages goes on, so be sure to take a look at its site to see everything that could be included in your new Tahoe 195.
LOA - 19' 11"
Beam - 8' 5"
Dry Weight - 3005 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 36 gallons
Max Seating Capacity - 8
Base Price with 4.3 ECT MerCruiser - $33,395
www.basspro.com
855-825-3515
Limited 2000 OB Fish By Starcraft
With the Limited 2000 OB Fish from Starcraft, you can find yourself nestled comfortably in a lounge seat with more than 20 feet of deck space. The captain can rest comfortably on the relaxing premium-grade helm chair and steer effortlessly with the standard hydraulic steering. A removable table also comes with the "basic" package so guests are given the opportunity to enjoy dining at the table, or removing it and sprawling out over the 2000 OB's extra space. Passengers onboard can also take comfort under the bimini top and listen to their favorite music on the AM/FM stereo's MP3 auxiliary port.
Along with everything that the 2000 OB already offers, owners also have the opportunity to take advantage of Starcraft's diverse and customizable option packages. Install some of the sport options and give those thrill seekers in the group a chance to enjoy a little wake boarding. If the stereo system doesn't suit your taste, Starcraft also offers an upgrade to satellite radio. If you plan on making a day out of it, the 51-gallon fuel tank will supply enough go juice to ensure that you stay on the water as long as you want. Starcraft also offers the comfort of a snap-in carpet and if you really want to stand out from the rest, you can upgrade your new 2000 OB with the optional metal flake paint. Let's not forget about the fishermen. The 2000 OB also offers buyers two fishing seats, a livewell and the convenience of rod holders. Whatever your passion, Starcraft will help you realize it.
LOA - 20' 4"
Beam - 8' 5"
Dry Weight - 2315 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 51 gallons
Max Seating Capacity - 12
Base Price with Yamaha F150LA - $32,899
www.starcraftmarine.com
SunDeck Sport SS 188 OB By Hurricane
Hurricane's 188 OB is one of the top competitors for greatest value when it comes to its decks. If you see yourself as a "bargain deal" type of boater, then the 188 may be one of your best options. Don't be fooled by the price though, there is still a lot to say about this amazing deck boat that will surely have you checking its website for more info.
The standard hookup for the 188 comes complete with bow and stern telescoping ladders, a sink with manual water pump, and for the fishermen out there, a livewell with pump and a 25-quart cooler for those long evenings on the lake. Listen to your favorite tunes on the Sony CDXM-20 player, which comes with an MP3 input jack and two speakers to give you the right sound.
Of course, if it's options that you're looking for, the 188 has a list of great choices. This deck is a great choice for buyers who are looking for the finest entertainment options. With an expansive list of stereo options, the 188 allows the buyer to customize his deck to suit his need for quality sound. Even better yet, if you're looking for a great fishing boat, Hurricane also offers a wide array of upgrade options in fish finders, seating and let's not forget the trolling motor. Whatever you're looking for, Hurricane can deliver and do so at a phenomenal value.
LOA - 18' 10"
Beam - 8' 4"
Dry Weight - 2308 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 49 gallons
Max Seating Capacity - 10
Base Price with Yamaha 115 XA Four-Stroke - $20,999
www.hurricaneboats.com
574-522-8381
190 DB From Bayliner
Most times when you think "standard package," you picture the bare minimum. Bayliner's 190 DB redefines the meaning of standard with the all-new deck boat model. Starting with upholstery that's more like a pontoon than a typical deck, the 190 DB ensures any guest a comfortable day on the water. Tilt steering and up to 7 inches of additional cockpit space allow the captain a spacious and relaxing time. Carry up to 11 passengers and stow all their gear in the storage spaces located throughout the boat.
The 190 DB's standard load takes care of just about everything a boater could need. It comes standard with a 115 horsepower EFI four-stroke engine and can easily power through the water, even when at full capacity. The 190 DB also comes ready to upgrade. Some boaters just can't resist the urge to upgrade and Bayliner has set up the 190 DB to accommodate any number of recreational needs. From the fishing package, with its bow trolling motor and installed livewell, to the wakeboard tower with bimini of the flight series package, this boat can do it all. So if you're looking into a Bayliner, take the time to check out the 190 DB. If you take one home, why not use some of that money you saved to pay for that beach-side vacation?
LOA - 18' 7"
Beam - 8' 1"
Dry Weight - 3040 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 35 gallons
Max Capacity - 11 people
Base Price with 115 HP EFI Four-Stroke - $20,699
www.bayliner.com
