Interesting question but how many people have actually owned one of each and can objectively compare? Probably not a whole lot.

And...this is a Sea Ray site so...you know....the bias is strong here

 

Where do you think Four Winns belongs on the list?

 

I would put Formula at the top of that list.

 

You are crazy.

But to be honest those listed are not runabouts . They are boats and some technically yachts ...

EDIT: I had to look that up ...

A runabout is any small motorboat holding between four and eight people, well suited to moving about on the water. Characteristically between 20' and 35' in length.

And now Yachts start at 36+ feet. I think the USCG needs to update there listings a bit.

 

The facts they used was probably taken at a boat show somewhere by asking attendants "What boat brand they like best?" So it was probably skewed by what boat display they were closest to. LOL
So it's not much more than a popularity contest.
I like my SeaRay because it's the boat brand that is in my price range that holds up the best to river boating. I have been boating for 59 years.

 

Wassa matta, you guys afraid to stick yo neck out?
Cobalt
Crownline
Formula
Chaparral
Sea Ray
Regal
Four Winns
Glastron
Bayliner

These are all subjective because what's best for a boater on a small, inland lake is going to be different from a boater on Lake Michigan vs a boater on the ocean.

 

I'll play:
Formula
Sea Ray/Cobalt/Chaparral (I am personally not a Cobalt fan but the 3 are so close it comes to preference)
Crownline
Regal
Four Winns
Glastron
Baysinker

I will say the that the differences between Cobalt, Sea Ray and Chaparral varies by model and price point.

 

How come wellcraft isn’t on the list? I have owned 3 brands so I’ll just rank the ones I have owned.
Searay


Wellcraft




Bayliner

I was actually looking for a Chaparral sunesta when I found my searay, I really like those boats

 

Or Webcraft.

 

What about Larson? I would definitely give them a solid eighth place.

 

They don’t make Larson boat anymore. But a would rank them the same as a Glastron. A boat I had was a 1994 Mariah. I think that’s was a well built boat.

 

This is a hard one, because you really would have to compare like models to like models and similar years. For example, Bayliner built some top notch motor yachts in the day and there was a time that Glastron was considered a top of the line runabout.
From the list we have owned SeaRay, Cobalt and Glastron (this was really too old to consider for today). I was very happy with both my SeaRays and really when looking at a new boat a couple of years ago it was a race between a 240 Sundeck and an R5 - I found the R5 first. After owning it I do think my cobalt is a better boat than a SeaRay of the same vintage, it doesn't edge out the SeaRay by much, but here are some the details that I found:
The differences:
-The R5 has a better ride than the SeaRay, planes faster without trim tabs and is very quiet - no rattles or squeaks.
-The stripes on a Cobalt are gelcoat, no stickers,
-All of the hinges, fittings etc are stainless and very heavy. I have yet to find a loose screw or fitting on mine. The bimini for example, is just beefy - it does not shake or rattle at all, uses adjustable SS poles to keep tight, no straps or snaps.
- Other touches like a SS rail around the swim platform, looks nice and protects the platform. Hinges that hold the swimstep are also very beefy.
-Windshield frame is SS not aluminum.
-Styling - I don't care as much for the new SeaRay styling, I think Cobalt has a more classic look.
-The upholstery and interior finish work, I just like better, the dash coverings and rolled upholstery with accented stitching seem high quality - but maybe that's just personal opinion.

Thinks that are about equal:
-Engine packages - Mercury/Volvo, eh, one is red one is black, I have had both and like both.
-Rigging (engine room, wiring, accessories, etc) again I don't see much difference.
-Performance - other than the fast, flat planing that I mentioned above.

I can't really comment much past the boats I have owned, but I will say:


These are not ranked in any particular order, but grouped by what I would consider really good boats and not so good boats.

Formula - Well built, Emron paint, dated styling, engine options other than just Merc/Volvo
Cobalt (I do own one) - Solid build, classic styling, upscale interior. No stickers! Merc/Volvo and soon Monsoon engine options.
Regal - Solid build, upscale interior finishes, No Stickers! Merc/Volvo engines
SeaRay - Solid build, nice interior - I still like SeaRays, the newer styling is growing on me. Getting rid of stickers, but some are still there!
Chaparral - Nice looking boats, new styling is better I think, never been on one enough to comment much more.

I really don't know enough about any of these to comment.
Four Winns
Crownline
Glastron
Bayliner

 

Another brand that was not on the list was Boston Whaler.

I've owned three and found all three to be very solid, well built and offered a quiet ride. I will say that the first one I bought was a late 70's (sorry, my memory ain't what it used to be!) and the quality and ride were not what the other two were.

The next two were 2010's. (I had one of them in AZ and the other in WA.) Those both rode much better and were quieter when running in the waves.

All three were well built. Hull design changes were what made the later models ride better.

 

What are your top runabouts ranked in terms of quality, longevity, performance, and ergonomics?

An unanswerable question, after having owned runabouts since 1968.

The one with the best longevity had the lowest quality. But then again, since I meticulously maintain and garage keep, ANY boat would last me long.

Currently manufactured boats (name brand) just about ALL have "good" quality. It's the features that you desire that set them apart.

Performance is an individual thing. But what does performance mean? Go real fast, navigate rough seas, comfortable seating, etc. Everybody has their own definition.

Ergonomics is also too individual to rate. The most expensive runabout I ever rode in had the highest quality and best performance, but the windshield and seats and ALL of the ergonomics sucked. It was also ugly as sin.

My current SeaRay runabout checks all the boxes. It's also the nicest I ever owned, but also the most expensive (probably over priced). As far as longevity, only time will tell.

My other boat is a Boston Whaler CC fishing boat. It's not a 'Runabout" so I didn't consider it in the mix. But if you deleted that requirement it would win hands down.