Hi.

We are a group students from Plymouth University conducting research into small powerboats and the features that are seen as the most important.

The questions we are hoping to find answers to are:

What deck layout is favoured on 15-20ft sized powerboats?
What features/options are “must-haves”?
What is valued most in a powerboat? (Speed, reliability, safety etc)

Thank you for any help you can give.

Currently for 15 thru 20 ft the best lay out or boat wanted is a fish & Ski model with an outboard engine. This seems to be the most common boat sought after for the size range but really is 17 to 20 ft so it is really close to what you listed..

It is combo boat with walk thru windshield / open bow that has removable bow seating cushions to make a front / bow fishing platform. Also has a removable trolling motor and removable engine hatch cushion(s) to make for a rear fishing platform. It will also have a removable tri - ski pole for water sports. This style of boat will have a built in livewell and fish finder as well. Single axle trailer with swing away tongue for easy storage.

I agree with BUP most people want a boat they can leave in the water all year or trailer with a medium sized suv. Take the family out and just putt around fish,tube, water ski ect.

cupholders and a big cooler.

The best things to have on a 15-20' boat are hot girls with tiny bikini's and beverages that make them not care if the bikini falls off

Thats why I mentioned "cupholders".......

usually the maintenance of the boat is around 3-4k for the year with storage, the women that follow the boat is upwards of 100k plus for maintenance and storage. very important to keep this in mind. this is stuff you don't learn in college.

Hope this Helped

Plymouth University in Plymouth NH by any chance ?

If so, and this research is not needed until, say , end of spring, I can walk you down a few private community stes of docks and you'll get the idea real quick.

Nothing better than seeing it in person, right ?

Let me know. I work and live (different towns from each other) next to Lake Winni .

Here is a company that makes boats at 20' with a big engine, they are also able to travel on very shallow Midwest Rivers.

http://www.gatorjetboats.com/GatorBoats.html

What deck layout is favoured on 15-20ft sized powerboats? Either an open or closed bow with 2 to 5 seats.
What features/options are “must-haves”? Radio/Bluetooth
What is valued most in a powerboat? Hull construction and quality horsepower