6 of the Best Deck Boats For Active Families

By combining the comfort and seating capacity of a pontoon boat with a sporty fiberglass V-hull that gives them bowrider-like handling, deck boats appeal to active families who like to have the best of both worlds. Easy to drive, easy to dock, easy to tow and easy to afford, it’s little wonder that they’ve become one of the fastest-selling boat categories over the past several years.

With their innovative hull designs, deck boats pull skiers, wake boarders and tubers with ease, while designs with forward-facing outdrives can even wake surf as well. This gives these boats unrivaled versatility, and is a big reason for their growing popularity.

Thinking of getting out on the water? Here are 6 of the best deck boats for active families.

Bayliner DX2000

Bayliner DX2000

Active families and Bayliner boats have a long history together, and the much-loved nameplate builds on this enduring heritage with its DX2000. With a choice of three interior floor plans to choose from and a long list of standard goodies including in-floor storage for wakeboards and skis, a 120-watt stereo, tilt steering, an extended aft swim platform, retractable bow and stern boarding ladders and an aerated live well under the aft bench seat, this boat comes with a long list of enticing options to personalize it exactly as you wish. Learn more here.

• Length: 19’ 6”
• Beam: 8’ 1”
• Dry weight: 2,810 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 35 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power: 150 hp

Four Winns HD 200

Four Winns HD 200

Four Winns hits a high note with its appealing HD 200, a 10-passenger deck boat with a number of innovative features like bow seat cushions mounted on articulated hinges, so they can be more easily flipped up to access the storage lockers beneath. A folding door provides cockpit protection from the cold morning breeze, while a big aft sunpad and wrap-around seating ensures everyone rides in comfort. With its forward-facing Volvo Penta sterndrive, it’s even safe for wake surfing. Learn more here.

• Length: 20’ 1”
• Beam: 8’ 4”
• Dry weight: 3,760 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 40 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Hurricane SunDeck 217 I/O

Hurricane Sundeck 217 I/O

The Sundeck 217 I/O from Hurricane focuses on value with a straightforward, uncomplicated design and an emphasis on the things that matter most, like comfortable seating for up to 11 people, a big aft swim platform with a retractable boarding ladder, plenty of storage space for gear, a head compartment built into the passenger console and thoughtful touches like stainless steel drink holders and a clean helm design with space to flush-mount a choice of big touch-screen displays. With its big stern sunpad and extensive option list, this boat’s enduring popularity is easy to understand. Learn more here.

• Length: 21’ 5”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry weight: 4,013 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 49 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 11
• Maximum power: 270 hp

Sea Ray SDX 250

Sea Ray SDX 250

Sea Ray has always been known for its upscale comfort and that’s really apparent on the company’s SDX 250 deck boat. With its exceptional premium upholstery, innovative face-to-face bow seating, reversible double-wide transom lounge seat, stylish helm with glass dash, extended rear swim platform, Bimini top, audiophile Fusion stereo system and VesselView remote data system, there’s a lot of boat to like before you even go near the drool-worthy option list. It’s one of the best deck boats available. Learn more here.

• Length: 25’ 2”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry weight: 5,301 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 63 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 14
• Maximum power: 350 hp

Starcraft StarStep 220 I/O

Starcraft Starstep 220 I/O

Starcraft’s StarStep 220 I/O delivers on comfort and value with a spacious interior layout with seating for 13, oversized bow and stern swim platforms with retractable boarding ladders, and a boatload of standard features including a Bimini top, a transom walk-through, in-floor storage space for bulky gear, tilt steering, a ski tow eye, a removable 36-quart cooler, a removable cockpit table, courtesy lights, docking lights and an AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth streaming. Learn more here.

• Length: 20’ 4”
• Beam: 102”
• Dry weight: 2,940 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 44 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 13
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Stingray 192 SC

Stingray 192 SC

The 192 SC remains one of the most popular models in Stingray’s extensive line-up on the strength of its sporty performance, versatile layout and focus on family fun. One of the best deck boats in the industry, it features large extended bow and stern swim platforms each come with a retractable boarding ladder, while a full complement of drink holders and fishing rod holders ensure that everything does indeed have its place. In-floor storage for bulky gear, a bow anchor locker, a removable 25-quart Igloo cooler and a Fusion stereo all come standard, while a wide range of upgrades are also available. Learn more here.

• Length: 20’ 1”
• Beam: 100”
• Dry weight: 2,600 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 46 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Maximum power: 175 hp