Bowrider and Deck Boat Pros and Cons

If you are considering what boat design is best for you and your family, then this bow rider vs. deck boat video might be a good place to start. There are pros and cons to each and differences in the layout and performance of each. In this video we cover:

0:00 Intro
1:02 The interior layouts of Bow riders and Deck boats.
1:55 The differences in hull design.
2:32 Ride and performance differences.
3:16 Resale value in bow riders vs. deckboats.
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Here is a video on the difference between outboard vs. inboard/outboard power:

Here is a video on the top questions asked by boat buyers:

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[boatinglessons]

What is your favorite: Deck boat or Bow Rider? Have you owned one or both before?

[chrisdonelson]

First boat a 2006 Crownline 180br. Great boat. Great first boat to tow, launch, dock, maneuver. After two years, sold and bought a 2005 Crownline 240ex. Great boat. I now have a slip/lift. This boat is smooth. Fast. Great for chilling or tubing or skiing. Great for anchoring and laying in the sun. It would have been too much boat at first but now it's perfect. Big enough that my desire for a tritoon is gone. This boat rocks!

[seansimons]

My Bayliner rendezvous 2659 is by far the best deck boat I’ve had. Lots of space and storage. It is rather heavy behind my little Chevy 1500, but we make sure it out almost every weekend in the summer hear in WA

[BrianStDenis-pjtq]

My bias is our lake has huge waves so that is a prime concern for us. That said, I think you understated the difference in wave handling. A bow rider's narrower bow and steeper deadrise make it superior in big waves. Also, in 26 to 28', I think bow riders have higher gunnels, making them heavier. I have not seen a deck boat larger than 26 to 28', but I know fairly traditional bow riders go to 35'. If there are significant waves in your area, go with a bow rider or a tri-toon. Your review was quite excellent overall, thanks.

[BrandonTheGreatish]

I'm surely leaning towards Cobalt in the bowrider category. Great quality, great look and arguably better than all the ones suggested!

[Dracozoid]

You missed a manufacturer. Stingray. The hull design on their deck boat line is a great combination of bow rider and pontoon. It provides a dry ride and I have found it does well in chop. The beam is not as wide as you would find on a hurricane deck boat but not as narrow as traditional bow rider. It turns more readily without having to adjust trim and planes very easily. All in all I have found the Stingray hull design a great all around boat.

[joesmith]

I’m in love with a spacious deck boat. With the capacity, power, and fishing/swimming abilities, how could you go wrong. It’s the jack of all trades.

[assyrianme]

I had a bowrider 17.5 for a couple years. Newbie. I just got a 21 bowrider. I like speed and mine has doors. I was amazed at the quietness when I closed the windshield and doors. I didn't even feel the chill. I had no idea doors make that difference. I don't think a deck boat can do that.

[andrewscrutton]

We used to have a Princecraft Ventura 190, loved it, miss it. Im now looking at a Ventura 194. Its the perfect jack of all trades kinda boat.

[briandelanis]

I have an Osborn deck boat, it's extremely stable. And surprisingly fast with a 110 on it.

[MrCaveman]

I have a 1979 Viking Deck boat (24ft) and a 1994 Hurricane Deck boat (24.6 ft) Love the openness of both. But yes...they are both heavy boats.

[adamsmithyman]

Satisfied with our Hurricane SD 2400 OB 2022 model. Good video by the way.

[danatassler]

Second video of yours I've watched this morning, they're both great! Very informative. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND IS DOWNVOTING THESE??? Thank you so much for putting such useful information out here for us for FREE! Thank you!

[AlabamaSkunkApe]

Sean - after watching your videos, I have ordered my Tahoe deck boat. Should be delivered February-March 2021. The last boat I had was a bowrider and it was great. With this one, I wanted a bit more v hull and a wider deck like a pontoon. Great informational videos. Even though I am in Alabama USA, I appreciate the overviews and comparison videos. Thanks.

[RDBB]

Would you say a 1974 Dem Craft Tri hull is a deck boat or a bowrider? It seats 8… it’s a family boat, and I’m curious. Also I noticed it’s a Tri-hull what do you think? Is that good or would a mono hull be better?

[theresav]

where would a 1998 campion allante 505 BR rate with those top 5 you listed?

[devenadams]

I like big bows and I cannot lie. You other boaters can't deny...

[lunamorris]

Thank you so much for letting me express my feelings about your video. You record every video post so well. Keep the hard work going and good luck. Hope to see such a beneficial videos ahead too.

[Mrosh]

Bow rider boats sure are handy for carrying more passengers but they can’t just be non-bow riders converted to bow riders. They have to be designed with extra reserve bow bouncy to take the extra weight or the bow won’t go up when the wave come at it! Mastercraft boats learned this the hard way.

[sjhammer]

Does a 115 hp OB on a 18' deckboat have enough power to get a 185 lb middle aged non-professional slalom skier out of the water, or do I need the 150 hp?

Also, how is the deckboat ride on choppy water compared to a bowrider? Does it slam or cut through the waves? Thanks, Steve