19' to 21' Bowriders or Sport Decks

[Seeking guidance]

I am new to boating...looking to purchase new for fresh water skiing, tubing and day tripping on a very large lake. For a variety of reasons it cannot be larger than 21'. Do not need top of the line but want a solid quality boat, good ride, and good history in getting replacement parts, when needed. Resale is not a significant factor as I would hope to keep this boat for a long time.
In talking to a variety of friends, friends of friends, dealers and reading conversations on online forums ....I am looking at Sea Ray, Four Winns and Stingrays.
I would appreciate input comparing them to each other.....and if I am not considering a line that I should....please point that out as well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

define "very large lake"

how much maintenance do you do yourself?

how familiar are you with boats?

stay away from bayliners
suggest you look at outboards
stingrays do not do well with anything more than a 6" chop
Four Winns is on-par with bayliners

what is your budget? new or used?

 

[JimS123]

first, welcome aboard

define "very large lake"

how much maintenance do you do yourself?

how familiar are you with boats?

stay away from bayliners
suggest you look at outboards
stingrays do not do well with anything more than a 6" chop
Four Winns is on-par with bayliners

what is your budget? new or used?

Bayliners have an age-old bad rap. Today they have been significantly improved and are not too bad.

Outboards are the ONLY way to go - I agree

We had a Stingray for 35 years (bought new). She worked well in heavy Lake Erie chop. Not much worse than our brand new SeaRay, which was basically the same size, except an outboard.

 

[Seeking guidance]

first, welcome aboard

define "very large lake"

how much maintenance do you do yourself?

how familiar are you with boats?

stay away from bayliners
suggest you look at outboards
stingrays do not do well with anything more than a 6" chop
Four Winns is on-par with bayliners

what is your budget? new or used?

Lake is 25 square miles
I have somebody else to do maintenance and store it.
Agreed...only outboards.
New----$40K to $50K.

 

[roscoe]

and good history in getting replacement parts, when needed.

boats are not like cars or lawn tractors.

Most brands will have few parts available other than motor parts and other non model specific parts.
They simply don't make and warehouse parts like swim platforms and glove box covers, like they do for cars. Designs, colors, suppliers change every few years. You can usually find something that will fit and work, but not a perfect match.


Are you saying 21' model length, or 21' on the tape measure?
21' from tip of propeller to the tip of bow?
21' from propeller to front of trailer?

 

[Scott06]

Lake is 25 square miles
I have somebody else to do maintenance and store it.
Agreed...only outboards.
New----$40K to $50K.

I’ve been very happy with the two Sea Rays I’ve owned over the last 25 years- 1991 170, and a 2004 200 sport. 21 is a good size for that lake And uses you outline. Look at the SPX 21.
personally I prefer IO ,despite the advantages of a modern 4 stroke ,solely for the a clean swim platform on the back.

 

[Texasmark]

On your question of bow riders, deep V assumed monohull, vs deck boat type more of a modified hull, and big water, deep V hands down and totally agree with today's outboard power. $40-50k budget "new" won't get you very far in today's market at 18-21' big water boat and adequate power and amenities.

 

[roffey]

I agree with the outboard, mine is an I/O. I've not had a lot of problems but did experience some. My boat is a sport deck boat and is about 20 feet (19.8). I am on a large lake as well, 500 miles of shore line but a sheltered lake. I mention sheltered as I have a Stingray. They are good lake boats but not great big water boats. OK fit and finish and that reflects in the price. You may want to look into them.

Models - Stingray Boats

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stingrayboats.com

 

[briangcc]

Bayliner has come a very long way from the 80's. Those dissing them really need to take a second look as they have repositioned themselves in the market. In other words, get with the times folks as today's Bayliner isn't the same as those from years gone by.

I wouldn't own a Stingray as they don't have the features I want. Others mention they have smaller engines and weigh less...which means they don't do well in choppy conditions.

I personally like the I/O as center of gravity is lower on the engine and it takes waves better in my opinion. For ease of maintenance though you cannot beat today's 4 stroke outboards.

$40-50k for a 21' boat? Where do you live as I won't get those prices unless I pick a bargain basement, engine neutered boat.

 

[Seeking guidance]

Bayliner has come a very long way from the 80's. Those dissing them really need to take a second look as they have repositioned themselves in the market. In other words, get with the times folks as today's Bayliner isn't the same as those from years gone by.

I wouldn't own a Stingray as they don't have the features I want. Others mention they have smaller engines and weigh less...which means they don't do well in choppy conditions.

I personally like the I/O as center of gravity is lower on the engine and it takes waves better in my opinion. For ease of maintenance though you cannot beat today's 4 stroke outboards.

$40-50k for a 21' boat? Where do you live as I won't get those prices unless I pick a bargain basement, engine neutered boat.

Very helpful folks---thanks.

 

[huggyb1972]

Your gonna be hard pressed to get a boat that rides better than a SeaRay. My 93 Stingray 501zp was a scary boat in all water it looked cool and ran fast, but anything more than a little chop on the water and it was useless, it was a pleasure for it to leave.

 

[Stinnett21]

Check out the Chaparral 21 SSI outboard.

 

[Stinnett21]

Also in your price range recommend looking at Starcraft. Nice affordable designs in deck boat style layouts with outboards.