Outboard motor- sun deck pros/cons??

B

Buttercup

New Member
Jul 11, 2013
26
Moneta, Virginia
Boat Info
2008 Sea Ray 210 signature Fission
Engines
350 Mag, Bravo III, DTS
I’ve owned two boats; a ‘94 SeaRay 200 select, and my current ‘08 210 select Fission. Both with 350 engine.
So, all I know is I/O bowrider.
I’m looking to trade up to a 23-25’ model. We will be buying used, probably 2012-2014 model years.

We live lake front in Virginia. My wife and I are both now semi-retired, affording us more time year round to enjoy boating. During the summer months we entertain a lot of tubing & wake boarding family members, we also spend a fair amount of time just cruising. The just cruising time is why we would like a bit larger boat... mostly for a smoother ride.

I don’t know anything about outboard motors, except they don’t require winterizing... allowing us to cruise around on a pretty January day!

I also don’t know anything about sundeck hulls, but I see more of these on the water than bow riders.

So, what configurations should we be considering? Any input is greatly appreciated!
 
Here in Central NY, my outboard requires winterizing, but I have a '93 2-stroke. Some of the new 4-strokes I've seen ads for have features that make the winterizing so easy that supposedly you can run it on a fair weather day, and re-winterize. I'm not sure if it's true or just a marketing gimmick though.

I personally prefer outboards. Your point of spark is moved outside of the boat, making it slightly safer in that regard. It is also easier to work on in my opinion.
 
You mentioned water sports. Are you willing to substantially give up your swim platform? To me this is the number one consideration for OB's. Just about everything else is a no-brainer in favor of the outboard.
 
Hmmm, I’ll need to check on the winterization thing!

The swim platform is a big deal to us... the kids are all over the sun pad, swapping riders and wrangling gear. Our boat is busy maybe 5 or 6 weekends and usually one whole week each summer being used for slinging kids around. Probably another 10-15 hours during the spring and fall it’s just the two of us and occasionally adult guests, just cruising. When I really think about it, we probably wouldn’t use the boat more than 2-3 times between Thanksgiving and April.
 
An outboard still needs to be winteized for extended layups. However the block doesn't retain water like a stern drive does so there is no fear of an engine block cracking from freeze damage.
 
I've got a 230 SLX and two boys, 7 and 9. The swim platform is great for water sports, and just watching the kids swim in the cove. I don't think I could go OB, even though it has several advantages over I/O.

It rides pretty nice, but a 25 footer should ride even better.
 
I have had outboards all my life and will switch back once I find the right boat with outboards and a cruiser! Of course, I’m in salt, and the differences are probably less important in fresh. I’ve seen boats with wrap around swim platforms with outboards, so if the swim platform is important, see what else might fit the bill. We used to pull tubes all day long and the tube would just become the swim platform in between runs.
 
Todd320 said:
I have had outboards all my life and will switch back once I find the right boat with outboards and a cruiser! Of course, I’m in salt, and the differences are probably less important in fresh. I’ve seen boats with wrap around swim platforms with outboards, so if the swim platform is important, see what else might fit the bill. We used to pull tubes all day long and the tube would just become the swim platform in between runs.
Click to expand...

https://www.regalboats.com/feature/...x/attachment/wrap-around-swim-platform-26obx/

This Regal has a wrap around swim platform. I'm sure if you can't do without it an aftermarket could be made up. I've small decks on either side of my splash well the kids can kick there feet in the water from.

There is also aftermarket towbar made specifically for outboards that's rather fun. Link below, no affiliation.

https://turboswing.com/
 
I ran outboards for a long time, and then switched to an I/O because it was cool and everybody had them. That was the era that OBs were declining.

Two years ago I sold my second boat - a fishing rig - and bought a Boston Whaler with a 4-stroke fuel injected OB. That was all it took. This year we traded the family boat I/O for a new Searay OB. The difference is outstanding. Quieter, faster, smoother, less fuel usage and an overly awesome engine. We've had 4 bangers and V-6's in the past, but this new Merc 150 has less vibration and noise than a V-8 Bravo 3.

I still have a swim platform on both sides of the engine. Regardless, that's not an issue for us. The issue is that winterizing my old I/O was a 3-4 hour ordeal (in the driveway), vs. 20 minutes (in the garage), so I'm not encumbered by weather.

And did I mention that I don't have to suck oil out, poke vents to drain water, add anti-freeze, nor have to worry about gimble bearings, u-joint lube, and thankfully those godawful bellows.

Look at the ads and tests in any boating magazine. 20 years ago, no outbords were in view. 10 years ago, maybe 10%. My last magazine showed 85% of the boats were OB equipped. Nuff said.
 
This one from an Aquila 32 drops all the way into the water (and notice the steps that auto extend down as well), or lifts up quite a ways, when up, you can tilt the engines out of the water.
1CFF64DB-00D7-42B9-8838-2246702679F7.jpeg
 
Thanks for all the great information on outboard and I/O differences.

What’s are the differences in bowrider and sun deck hulls?
 
In my understanding, the difference is in the hull shape and seating. Also, the sun deck is equipped to ease beaching and disembarking from the bow.
 
I’m wondering how the Hull shapes difference might impact the ride. The water here gets very chopped up when the lake is busy... wales from every direction!
 
For the boats I have looked at, the sundeck hulls are basically the same as bowriders. The difference is the wider flare at the bow to allow for more seating. Some boats are called a sundeck but the only distinguishing feature is the bow mounted ladder.
 
Buttercup said:
What’s are the differences in bowrider and sun deck hulls?
Click to expand...

From a performance standpoint, not much. Although the SPX/SDX/SLX do not share molds/hulls, for all intents and purposes what is below the waterline is basically the same. Yes, the SLX will give the best ride, but the Sundeck's hull is still a V-hull - it's not a modified V or anything like that as some manufacturer's do.
 
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