Actual CAT vs CAT style deck boat?
03-10-2011, 10:01 PM
#1
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Actual CAT vs CAT style deck boat?
I've been looking at 30'-36' Spectre cats with twin 500's (to do poker/fun runs) to add to the stable alongside the 20 Outlaw (for family days) but the wife through out a new idea... She threw out the idea of just trading in the 20 Outlaw on a 28+ft cat style deck boat to have the best of both worlds and just have one boat to insure, fuel, maintenance, etc. The deck boat would be a single engine boat and either be a pre-owned boat whichever I decide on. She hates the 20 Outlaw being a closed bow due to being about to take a limited number of people out with us and said if I got the Spectre, she'd drive me to trade the 20 Outlaw in on a open bow.
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
03-10-2011, 10:28 PM
#2
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I think you would prob have to make up your mind; go fast safely or go slow with the whole crew. Or, buy the Spectre and trade the baja for a pontoon! Fast deck boats are kinda dangerous especially in bumpy waters.
03-10-2011, 11:04 PM
#3
I've been looking at 30'-36' Spectre cats with twin 500's (to do poker/fun runs) to add to the stable alongside the 20 Outlaw (for family days) but the wife through out a new idea... She threw out the idea of just trading in the 20 Outlaw on a 28+ft cat style deck boat to have the best of both worlds and just have one boat to insure, fuel, maintenance, etc. The deck boat would be a single engine boat and either be a pre-owned boat whichever I decide on. She hates the 20 Outlaw being a closed bow due to being about to take a limited number of people out with us and said if I got the Spectre, she'd drive me to trade the 20 Outlaw in on a open bow.
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
Bayliner Rendezvous! Deck boat preferred by four out of five grannies on LOTO!
Buy her a 28 Skater and tell her to sit down and hang on!
03-10-2011, 11:11 PM
#4
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I've been looking at 30'-36' Spectre cats with twin 500's (to do poker/fun runs) to add to the stable alongside the 20 Outlaw (for family days) but the wife through out a new idea... She threw out the idea of just trading in the 20 Outlaw on a 28+ft cat style deck boat to have the best of both worlds and just have one boat to insure, fuel, maintenance, etc. The deck boat would be a single engine boat and either be a pre-owned boat whichever I decide on. She hates the 20 Outlaw being a closed bow due to being about to take a limited number of people out with us and said if I got the Spectre, she'd drive me to trade the 20 Outlaw in on a open bow.
I think you’ll see in the coming years an emergence of a boat that used to be primarily a “west coast” design. Deck boats have always been well received on the west coast lakes and you’ll find that most of the west coast builders offer some sort of deck boat option. I personally like the functionality of a deck boat (or “party boat”) as they have been revered to in the past.
Powerboat Magazine recently tested two such boats in February of this year for upcoming issues and while I’ll leave the conclusions and stats to the article, I was impressed by the two boats fit and finish and handling characteristics (the two boats being the Xflight 29 by Advantage boats and the 29 Deck boat by Nordic boats. The Advantage was pushed along with the help of a high-end Teague Custom Marine motor and the Nordic was powered with a 700SCI and NXT. Both boats offered “center cabins” if you will, with options of a porta-potty, storage or even a bed. Lots of creature comforts throughout with these two boats.
Another nice piece that was tested is the new Howad 28 open bow cat. While not a “deck boat” the open boat option allows to run comfortably with more people.
All boats were awesome. I would suggest looking into Nordic “Deck Boat” line, Advantages “Party Cat” and the new “X-Flight” lines, E-tickets “Luxury Cat” line, Howards “Sport Deck” line, DCB "deck" & "Sport Deck" lines, Eliminators “Fun Deck” Series, as well as the Essex “fusion” line to name a few.
http://www.advantageboats.com/
http://www.nordicboatsusa.com/
http://eticketboats.com/
http://www.eliminatorboat.com/
http://www.commanderboats.com/
http://www.howardboats.com/
http://www.dcbracing.com/home.htm
Then of course you have the open bow, mid cabin V-bottoms that seem to be making a big come back. Donzi’s new 35 mid cabin and Hallets new 35 mid cabin are spectacular machines (look for them in upcoming issues of Powerboat mag).
To answer your questions...
Yes, why not? People run their deck boats in havasu, Texoma, the delta, etc. in poker runs and fun runs all the time. I think with decent water you'll be comfortable and happy. If you run a 20' Baja now, there's no water any of the above mentioned deckboats/open bow cats cant run it that you've already run in.
Yes, actually I do. I also think you'll be pleasantly suprised with owning a deck boat. I also think it'd be useless to keep a 20' Baja for "family trips" and a 30-36 Spectre for poker runs since the Spectre is going to be more comfortable in both scenarios.
Between a 30-36 Spectre and a deck boat? I'd guestimate a deck boat will be 20-25 mph slower than the Spectre with same power.
Absolutely.
Good luck man. Keep us all posted on what you get. This is one of the fun parts of boating.
Last edited by thisistank; 03-10-2011 at 11:22 PM.
03-10-2011, 11:13 PM
#5
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I've been looking at 30'-36' Spectre cats with twin 500's (to do poker/fun runs) to add to the stable alongside the 20 Outlaw (for family days) but the wife through out a new idea... She threw out the idea of just trading in the 20 Outlaw on a 28+ft cat style deck boat to have the best of both worlds and just have one boat to insure, fuel, maintenance, etc. The deck boat would be a single engine boat and either be a pre-owned boat whichever I decide on. She hates the 20 Outlaw being a closed bow due to being about to take a limited number of people out with us and said if I got the Spectre, she'd drive me to trade the 20 Outlaw in on a open bow.
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
Can I really do both with a cat-style deck boat?
Do you think it would be a good compromise?
How far off are the speeds between the two?
Would insurance be cheaper on the deck boat?
How much rough water can the deck boat take? (I go to LOTO on occasion)
Who makes good quality cat deck boats? and what are the power options?
Actually, these days you can find very nice deck-cats. The earlier models sort of looked like bath tubs with 2 sponsons, but the newer ones are much nicer. Plus, your insurance rates will be less...I know about this part. :-)
I'm just insuring a brand new Howard Sport Deck next week from a guy in California w/ SC700. www.howardboats.com A few other nice ones are:
www.eticketboats.com
www.dcbracing.com
www.conquestboats.com
www.advantageboats.com
[These are in no particular order - in case a manufacturer is watching]
Good luck!
Devin
03-11-2011, 01:56 AM
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We bought this last year. My wife had the sames concerns as your wife. I didn't want the "deck boat bus" & she didn't want the closed bow. I always loved the looks of the Daytona so, the wife made me get a walk off bow. I wasn't down with it at first but, I'm sold now. Great for the kids & people that have a hard time getting in the boat. I have better pics but, I can't post them apparently. It came with a 525EFI & Bravo Racing XR. Top speed I saw last year was 86 going down river, full boat 70-74. I'm currently having it whippled and can't wait to get my hands on it then.
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/RDP/g...-bow-walk-deck
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/RDP/g...-bow-walk-deck
Last edited by regor; 03-11-2011 at 02:05 AM.
03-11-2011, 05:53 AM
#7
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Platinum Member
Comming from an objective "non-bias" observer, I can offer this:
I think you’ll see in the coming years an emergence of a boat that used to be primarily a “west coast” design. Deck boats have always been well received on the west coast lakes and you’ll find that most of the west coast builders offer some sort of deck boat option. I personally like the functionality of a deck boat (or “party boat”) as they have been revered to in the past.
Powerboat Magazine recently tested two such boats in February of this year for upcoming issues and while I’ll leave the conclusions and stats to the article, I was impressed by the two boats fit and finish and handling characteristics (the two boats being the Xflight 29 by Advantage boats and the 29 Deck boat by Nordic boats. The Advantage was pushed along with the help of a high-end Teague Custom Marine motor and the Nordic was powered with a 700SCI and NXT. Both boats offered “center cabins” if you will, with options of a porta-potty, storage or even a bed. Lots of creature comforts throughout with these two boats.
Another nice piece that was tested is the new Howad 28 open bow cat. While not a “deck boat” the open boat option allows to run comfortably with more people.
All boats were awesome. I would suggest looking into Nordic “Deck Boat” line, Advantages “Party Cat” and the new “X-Flight” lines, E-tickets “Luxury Cat” line, Howards “Sport Deck” line, DCB "deck" & "Sport Deck" lines, Eliminators “Fun Deck” Series, as well as the Essex “fusion” line to name a few.
http://www.advantageboats.com/
http://www.nordicboatsusa.com/
http://eticketboats.com/
http://www.eliminatorboat.com/
http://www.commanderboats.com/
http://www.howardboats.com/
http://www.dcbracing.com/home.htm
Then of course you have the open bow, mid cabin V-bottoms that seem to be making a big come back. Donzi’s new 35 mid cabin and Hallets new 35 mid cabin are spectacular machines (look for them in upcoming issues of Powerboat mag).
To answer your questions...
Yes, why not? People run their deck boats in havasu, Texoma, the delta, etc. in poker runs and fun runs all the time. I think with decent water you'll be comfortable and happy. If you run a 20' Baja now, there's no water any of the above mentioned deckboats/open bow cats cant run it that you've already run in.
Yes, actually I do. I also think you'll be pleasantly suprised with owning a deck boat. I also think it'd be useless to keep a 20' Baja for "family trips" and a 30-36 Spectre for poker runs since the Spectre is going to be more comfortable in both scenarios.
Between a 30-36 Spectre and a deck boat? I'd guestimate a deck boat will be 20-25 mph slower than the Spectre with same power.
Absolutely.
Refer to above. I wouldn't be hitting any 3+ footers in a deck boat.
Refer to above.
Good luck man. Keep us all posted on what you get. This is one of the fun parts of boating.
I think you’ll see in the coming years an emergence of a boat that used to be primarily a “west coast” design. Deck boats have always been well received on the west coast lakes and you’ll find that most of the west coast builders offer some sort of deck boat option. I personally like the functionality of a deck boat (or “party boat”) as they have been revered to in the past.
Powerboat Magazine recently tested two such boats in February of this year for upcoming issues and while I’ll leave the conclusions and stats to the article, I was impressed by the two boats fit and finish and handling characteristics (the two boats being the Xflight 29 by Advantage boats and the 29 Deck boat by Nordic boats. The Advantage was pushed along with the help of a high-end Teague Custom Marine motor and the Nordic was powered with a 700SCI and NXT. Both boats offered “center cabins” if you will, with options of a porta-potty, storage or even a bed. Lots of creature comforts throughout with these two boats.
Another nice piece that was tested is the new Howad 28 open bow cat. While not a “deck boat” the open boat option allows to run comfortably with more people.
All boats were awesome. I would suggest looking into Nordic “Deck Boat” line, Advantages “Party Cat” and the new “X-Flight” lines, E-tickets “Luxury Cat” line, Howards “Sport Deck” line, DCB "deck" & "Sport Deck" lines, Eliminators “Fun Deck” Series, as well as the Essex “fusion” line to name a few.
http://www.advantageboats.com/
http://www.nordicboatsusa.com/
http://eticketboats.com/
http://www.eliminatorboat.com/
http://www.commanderboats.com/
http://www.howardboats.com/
http://www.dcbracing.com/home.htm
Then of course you have the open bow, mid cabin V-bottoms that seem to be making a big come back. Donzi’s new 35 mid cabin and Hallets new 35 mid cabin are spectacular machines (look for them in upcoming issues of Powerboat mag).
To answer your questions...
Yes, why not? People run their deck boats in havasu, Texoma, the delta, etc. in poker runs and fun runs all the time. I think with decent water you'll be comfortable and happy. If you run a 20' Baja now, there's no water any of the above mentioned deckboats/open bow cats cant run it that you've already run in.
Yes, actually I do. I also think you'll be pleasantly suprised with owning a deck boat. I also think it'd be useless to keep a 20' Baja for "family trips" and a 30-36 Spectre for poker runs since the Spectre is going to be more comfortable in both scenarios.
Between a 30-36 Spectre and a deck boat? I'd guestimate a deck boat will be 20-25 mph slower than the Spectre with same power.
Absolutely.
Refer to above. I wouldn't be hitting any 3+ footers in a deck boat.
Refer to above.
Good luck man. Keep us all posted on what you get. This is one of the fun parts of boating.
excellent advise, I couldnt have said it any better. My favorite would be the E-Ticket..
03-11-2011, 07:12 AM
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Not sure about the bumpy water...
Does your wife like to get wet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkEhD...452332364B3E95
This video looks late in the day so it isn't even very rough..
Does your wife like to get wet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkEhD...452332364B3E95
This video looks late in the day so it isn't even very rough..
Last edited by baywatch; 03-11-2011 at 07:18 AM.
03-11-2011, 08:02 AM
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