New and Used Deck Boats for Sale

Deck boats are one of the most popular family boats on the market, promising days on the lake fishing, enjoying watersports, swimming, and lounging in the sun. There is a huge choice of sizes, models, and styles and you can search for new and used deck boats for sale by budget, geographical location, or length to ensure you find the right one for your needs. 

Main Characteristics of Deck Boats

Deck boats are hugely versatile small- to mid-sized boats, allowing for fishing, watersports, and day cruising. They pack a lot into their compact size, with seating for multiple passengers, most notably in their widened bow (which is what differentiates them from the similar bowrider models). 

Deck boats are usually designed for inland waters or sheltered coastal areas and not all are equipped for rough seas. Hull shapes can vary, with some having deep-V hulls while others have a semi-V or tri-hull, and there are some which have twin catamaran-style hulls. 

When it comes to size, deck boats can be anything from 16 feet to 26 feet in size, although there are models both larger and smaller, too. They are hugely versatile and can come equipped with ski tow pylons for waterskiing and tubing, fishing accessories such as rod holders and livewells, and plenty of storage for all the equipment needed for a day on the lake. 

Types of Deck Boats

Fishing Deck Boats

Deck boats are renowned for their versatility, but there are models which focus more on one activity than another, and fishing tends to be top of the list. Dedicated fishing boats might offer more purpose-built features, however a fishing-focused deck boat will include equipment such as rod holders, a livewell, and gear storage for a successful day on the lake. They will also have a lot more seating than some other fishing boats, meaning friends and family can join you in comfort. 

Watersport Deck Boats

Watersports is another top activity enjoyed on a deck boat, and for those keen on waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing, buying a deck boat with plenty of watersports features will keep everyone happy. They will have a strong enough engine to ensure a good tow, as well as a watersports tower or ski tow pylon, and plenty of racks and storage for all the bulky equipment. 

Family Deck Boats

Deck boats are the quintessential family fun boat, with enough power to enjoy an exhilarating ride on the lake, plenty of seating and space for everyone, and a plethora of activities to be enjoyed, from watersports to fishing to sunbathing. There are many models designed for families, with features such as swim platforms with ladders, stereo speakers, Bimini tops for shade, head compartments, freshwater systems, and cooler boxes for drinks and snacks. 

Luxury Deck Boats

The range of deck boats is enormous, with everything from small, budget-friendly models to luxury boats complete with hand-stitched leather upholstery and huge sunpads. Luxury models will have features such as the latest electronics with touchscreen displays, built-in stereo systems, powerful engines, and a high-end finish. 

Best Deck Boat Brands

As one of the best loved styles of multifunctional family day boats, there are many brands building a wide array of excellent deck boats. Sea Ray is one of the biggest names, with a huge range of deck boats including watersports models as well as larger and more luxurious models. Princecraft and Starcraft also have wide ranges, offering models which focus on fishing (equipped with fishing electronics, casting seats, electric trolling motors and more) and others which appeal more to families. Starcraft in particular are well-known for their family-friendly models. 

Many brands, such as Tahoe and Stingray, focus as much on multifunctionality as possible, with watersports or fishing packages available as specific add-ons. Tahoe also offers a rare center console deck boat. When it comes to watersports, Crownline is a true luxurious hybrid deck boat with a long list of accessories including watersports towers and huge swim platforms.

Luxury deck boats give the feeling of being on a mini superyacht. Yet one of the most appealing things about deck boats is their wide variety, and brands such as Bayliner and Stingray also offer more compact models that are a great value for the money. They are well-known brands that pack their deck boats with accessories you’d expect to see on boats built by more expensive brands.