Info on 220 Sundeck 04-08

[jason78]

My Mom has decided she wants to get in to boating and has asked me to help her find a boat. It seems like she wants a mid size bowrider. She is on a larger lake than I so I think a 220SD (04-08) is about the smallest she should go and not get beat up too bad from wakes. She really likes the 220 Sundeck.

I have found several but they all have the base power package 5.0MPI Bravo3. Looks like 350MAG and even 6.2MPI were available as engines on these boats. I have heard a number of times the rule of thumb for boat power is to avoid the base engine package if possible but I figured I would ask those that own these boats, how does this engine package perform for you?

I also know my 225WE 5.0MPI B3 was a dog with any more than about 3 adults and 2 kids however weight of the boat and weight distribution is quite a bit different in a bow rider. The intended use is cruising around mostly but she also would want to pull maybe 1 skier at a time with 3 other adults and maybe 2 or 3 kids on board. Basically something she can use to cruise but also something her Kids can take Grandkids on when they come to visit.

That is probably at or near capacity for this boat so would love to hear comments about performance and planing out with the 5.0MPI/B3 package. Thanks!

 

[Fly4Kix]

We've got a 2005 220SD with that power/drive package. Yes I think it would be nice sometimes to have a little more get-up-and-go but only when towing the kids(or adults) on the tubes or skis. That being said I don't think we have issues with our typical load of 3-4 adults and a couple kids and all the supplies for a day out.

As far as the ride quality, we spend most of our time on the TN river and never had much trouble. Maybe on the days where it's crazy busy and breezy is it even a concern.

 

[jason78]

Thanks for the comments!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Jason, depending on the year, the Alpha was actually the standard drive hooked up to the 5.0. With the inherent design of a SD (more weight/people sitting further aft), that made the boat harder to plane. That would be the only thing I would say "Do not buy" to. Don't get the Alpha. If you can find a 350MAG, great - it certainly won't hurt. But, I also wouldn't go out and purposefully look for the 6.2L - really not much difference than the 350MAG.

All that being said... a 5.0L B3 is a good package. If you find it doesn't quite have the oomph you wanted, a set of Smart Tabs will make a very noticeable difference - it will also (as you well know by using your trim tabs) really help to calm the bow down in a choppy sea and give it a better ride.

To sum up... 5.0L/B3 is good - but you can never argue with a little more power.

 

[jason78]

Thanks for the reply Dennis! I really appreciate the information! You guys dont have one available right now do you?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Nah. No suck luck. Got a 200SD (and maybe another 200SD coming in soon), but that's going the wrong direction in terms of size for a large lake. I agree with your thought process about not going too small. In fact, you may want to expand your (her) search to a mid-2000's 240SD. Honestly, when it comes to Sundecks, you really can't beat an '01-'09 240SD. A 240SD with a 350MAG/B3 is a killer boat - it pretty much has it all. It planes out as good as (I think better) a 220SD with the same power, even though it's a good 3' longer.

Remember... all boats shrink when you add water :lol:

EDIT: Oh... don't have any used 240SD's in stock, either.

 

[jason78]

In fact, you may want to expand your (her) search to a mid-2000's 240SD. Honestly, when it comes to Sundecks, you really can't beat an '01-'09 240SD. A 240SD with a 350MAG/B3 is a killer boat - it pretty much has it all. It planes out as good as (I think better) a 220SD with the same power, even though it's a good 3' longer.

Remember... all boats shrink when you add water :lol:

Oh yeah, you dont have to tell me! I have gotten her to this point from a 17 footer so it is a work in progress.:grin: In fact the only reason she is willing to try the 22 is because I told her it is the smallest boat she will want on her lake. She is very concerned about handling the boat on the lake and around the dock when using it by herself (my father passed away several years back). We never had a boat growing up nor has she ever really driven a boat (other than mine breifly a time or two). I know how she feels though, I remember thinking my 225WE was WAY too big then 6 months later I was in a 280DA and now I feel comfortable operating a 340DA.

Maybe I can find a 240SD and cover the "240" on the side before the Sea Trial and let her get used to it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Maybe I can find a 240SD and cover the "240" on the side before the Sea Trial and let her get used to it.

You know, all joking aside, that's not a bad idea. I've found most people are more intimidated by the "concept" of the length than the actual boat. It wouldn't be to actually trick or deceive her... just so she doesn't go into it with a preconceived notion that "it's too big for me". I'm not saying to actually do it, but you do bring up an interesting point. One of those things that makes you go "Hmmmmmm.....".