Bowriders/Centerconsoles Species Intermarriage?

[Lidokey]

I seem to be noticing that center console manufacturers are in a race (OK, maybe only a movement) to offer models that have increasing amenities addressing more luxury, better seating, etc. I note that SeaRay has now 2 OB offers in their Sundeck line. I've only owned a boat for less than a year so when I bought it, I did the best job I could thinking through what I needed but now its clear that I wouldn't mind more fishing capabilities. Have a home in SW FL, shallow water is an issue and so an OB has some appeal due to a generally, shallower draft.
So what's my point in this post? I guess it's only to generate some comments as to A. Am I correct in the trend I see and B. How far do you think it may go, and C. Will we ever see a "Swiss Army type boat that combines sport, family, amenities, semi-luxury and fishing in a 24-30 ft craft that doesn't carry an appreciable premium to Searay's current pricing for boats in that category. Oh, yeah, I'd also like an option for dual power.
THoughts?

 

[spfortjohn]

I am in the same boat so to speak. Looking at the Pursuit dual console. Outboard and fish friendly but still had the seating and windshield like the searay. Gotta get finished with the new beach house then looking at trading boats i do love my searay

 

[ETsubchief]

Pursuits are defiently nice boats.
I have been pondering about getting a deckboat, just not sure.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

There are a lot of folks who want to fish hard with the guys and take the wife and her friends for a cocktail cruise or the kids for a ride on the tube.
The 4 stroke outboard has revolutionized this boating category. Instead of a loud, smelly, smokey beast on the back most people don't even know a 4 stroke is running next to you on the dock. The larger power available means bigger boats can be pushed with OB power. I think it is a great marriage. I love the simplicity of the CC's with some creature comforts like dual consoles and a head. The ability to hose a boat down and walk away is a great advantage. But the prices of some are unbelievable. It'll keep me on the used market for a while.

SeaRay is reacting to the Salty boat makers with OB power. I think it is long overdue. The first boat my father ever purchased was a 1990 180 BR with a 135 mercury black max. That boat would top out in the high 50's and pull a skier out with no problem. It also had a ton of space in it with a big wrap around rear seat and two captains chairs. Then they disappeared. You were lucky to find one and it had to be special ordered. Outboard power allows for more cockpit room in a shorter boat. I am glad to see the OBs come back.

 

[Bucit]

My 2 storke 200HP carbed Johnson didn't smoke (except for a cold start) and was almost as quiet as a 4 stroke without the maintenance. I'd take a 2 stroke over a 4 any day.

 

[ChiefScientist]

I purchased an Evinrude E-Tec. It doesn't smoke and is very quite.

I have often thought a perfect boat for me would be an outboard powered 280 Sundancer. If I ever needed to repower my 280 Sundancer, a transom bracket (with appropriate reinforcements called knee braces) with a pair of 250 E-Tec's would be fantastic!!

Think of all that storage under the powered hatch!

 

[Lidokey]

Great comments, thanks. The issue that I struggle with regarding OB's vs IO is that I am spoiled by the swim platform that the IO's provide. I've also got some older family members who need that real estate to board the boat from the dock. Seems like most of the OB configurations don't consider how one will board the boat. Lots of new designs out there and with the economy improving, feels like there will be more. Lets see what develops. Thanks again for your comments.