deckboats and wakeboarding, some questions

[manfoom]

My previous post "New Boats" asked some simple questions about buying a new boat. After some a lot of research, both on line, and at dealers we have narrowed our choices. One of the boats is nothing like we imagined, but it seems to fit out needs nicely. i have allready read any pertinent threads on this board with regards to deck boats, and most speak highly of Sun Rays and Hurricanes.<br /><br />The 19 foot. Sea Ray Sundeck is technically a deck boat, but has a v-hull, and more hp than its bowrider brother. Here are my questions:<br /><br />Does anyone have any experience with Sun Ray deckboats? If so, what are their pros and cons?<br /><br />How do deckboats (specifically Sun Rays, but any deckboat infor would be helpful) manage pulling Waterskiiers? Wakeboarders?<br /><br />What is the best place on earth to go boating? (hint: Lake Powell, Utah)<br /><br />Thanks in advance you guys have been great.

 

[L Christopher]

Re: deckboats and wakeboarding, some questions

Manfoom,<br />A lot of deck boats outwardly look very much like bowriders. Some have full windshields some only have a wind break for the driver, some have deeper "V" bottoms than others. I have seen all types pulling skiers and wakeboards and I can't see where there is too much differance, however, skiers don't like wake and wakeborders do like wake. The amount of trim will affect the amount of wake to a degree. I would suggest a full windshield and as deep a "V" as you can find, both will make for a better ride on a large lake such as Powell when the wind and water get angry. I don't own either but both boats you mention are good boats, Sea Ray has been around a long time and has a pretty good reputation.

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: deckboats and wakeboarding, some questions

Honestly, Once I skiied behind an inboard, I never went back. There aren't really going to be any boats out there that can transition from a GOOD slalom boat to a wakeboarding boat. If you're buing a boat for watersports, I think you shodl re-consider and go with an inboard (or a V-Drive). I knwo that Sea-Ray has to cost in that range...<br /><br />As far as the best place to go boating - don't take a 19 footer on Powell - I promise you will regreat it - it's wayyyyy too big of a body of water for that boat. I know because I've done it. <br /><br />My suggestion is you get down to Texas and boat on the Brazos River - it's gorgeous and has the flattest ski water you've ever seen...

 

[KCook]

Re: deckboats and wakeboarding, some questions

The 190 Sundeck is a cute design. Looks like a deckboat so it looks like it would hold lots of people. But it is rated for only 1100 pounds. For comparison the Hurricane 217 is rated for 1400 pounds. And Sea Rays are usually very pricey. Bet the same $$ would get you the bigger Hurricane, or the new Bayliner 2159. Both signifcantly bigger boats than the Sea Ray 190.<br /><br />A small Sea Ray does make some sense if you are committed to the Sea Ray family and expect to keep trading up to ever bigger Sea Rays. Otherwise some shopping should turn up better values with other brands.<br /><br />Most boats, with enough grunt, will do for wakeboarding. Skiing is a whole other matter. If you are serious about your skiing just stick with ski boats, as TxRiverRat said. Which may mean buying a used boat instead of new. Especially since you will want a bigger ski boat for the bigger lakes.<br /><br />Think bigger,<br />Kelly Cook

 

[lepper]

Re: deckboats and wakeboarding, some questions

txriverrat. How big is lake powell if a 19fter is to small for it? I take my 19footer out in the ocean with no problems. Just use c ommon sense don't go out on nasty days....<br /><br />like today here on the southern oregon coast wind waves are reachign 4ft..... not a good day for fishing...