What is the difference between a deck boat and a runabout

That said, a pontoon will almost always win out in terms of spaciousness. While deck boats offer some of that spacious feel, they tend to offer less open space. With the spacious layout of a deck boat, you lose much of your ability to maneuver and zip around. It seems that the average deck boat owner is looking for a little taste of luxury when it comes to aesthetics and comfort, as many models are less than affordable. But it can switch on a dime and can be a real pain. Sure, the disadvantages of deck boats might be weighing on your mind now.

Think about it like this:. Wondering what deck boat features and prices actually look like? If you know what you need now, make sure you really know it. Deck boats often come with a swim platform of varying width to provide easy access to the water for swimmers and watersports users alike.

Deck boats are the clear winner in this category, as they offer more capacious storage spaces as well as more seating owing to their larger layout and width. Ready to make a decision on your next runabout?

Visit one of our New York locations to see our wide selection of boats for sale, including deck boats and bowriders. Deck Boats Vs. Typically, bowriders have a narrower bow. However, some bowriders forsake this narrower up-front space for more in the back stern and even for additional cabin space , in some instances. Depending on how you wanna use your boat, you can find value in either model layouts. Deck boats, though, often offer more of an open-concept layout leisurely boaters find valuable.

One main deck boat advantage over pontoon boats is speed. The potential is much higher, and a byproduct of a more speed-inclined design. But, how then does a deck boat compare to a bowrider? This is because bowriders typically have powerful stern-drive motors. The truth is this: Due to their design, bowriders perform better at higher speeds. And these higher speeds make bowriders especially good for handling rough waters.

Deck boats, alternatively, are better suited for clearer days. This is because deck boats handle better at lower speeds. Again, this is a personal preference. While deck boats will have flatter bottom and a little less bowrise the lifting of the front of the boat when accelerating , bowriders will have some type of V-hull, which comes to a point in the front and generally turns more sharply, particularly at higher speeds.

That can be anything from swimming to wakeboarding to tubing. Many also give you the option of adding a tower or other type of elevated point of attachment point for the rope. You will usually have more seating and storage aboard a deck boat, compared to a bowrider of the same size.