What Is a Deckboat Anyway…

You’ve seen the pontoon boats that always seem to draw a party whether sitting at the dock or at the anchor. They have roominess and features that just scream good times, but they don’t ride, or handle like a typical bowrider. Deckboats, or in Sea Ray parlance “Sundecks”, have nearly all the frills of the “toon” with handling and ski ability of the bow rider, and by combining the best features of the two, they create a family fun magnet that’s a match made in heaven.

Their most noticeable feature is the way they carry their beam right up to the bow. This gives plenty of room for passengers as well as gobs of storage for everything that makes a fun day on the water so special.



Check out the wrap-around three-piece windshield. The bottom half of the walk-through has a door that fills in the space to block the wind on chilly mornings. The bow seats are very roomy and the starboard backrest has storage for the optional bow pedestal table. At the bow, there’s plenty of room for a beach boarding ladder. Note the stainless steel drink holders, cleats, nav lights and grab rails.

So What’s Inside…

Let’s start up at the bow. You’ll notice how the bow doesn’t come to a point. It’s flat while still retaining the V-shape of the hull. This type of bow allows for a large storage area that houses an anchor and/or the optional beach boarding ladder. That’s a great way to board the boat, since most times you can drive the bow onto the shore while still keeping the stern in deeper water.

The seats are roomy and long enough to stretch your legs. The cushions are hinged for access to the storage underneath, and behind the starboard backrest, there’s yet another storage area. This is also the designated storage spot for the optional bow pedestal table. Sun worshipers can even add a bow filler cushion to turn the whole area into a large sunpad.

At Center Stage…

Right at the walk through windshield there’s storage to starboard, and this spot also houses the stereo and starter key. To port, is a door that leads to a compartment that you can use to suit your needs. Either make it storage for beach chairs and extra gear, or check off the “pump out head” box on the options list for keeping natures emergencies at bay. Under your feet, even more storage for skis and boards.



The helm is uncluttered thanks to the multi-function gauges. The tilt wheel is standard as is the power assist steering. Check out the bucket seat. It's adjustable and includes the flip up bolster. Notice the wrap around windshield with stainless steel supports at the walk-through.

Both helm and passenger seats are bucket style with standard flip-up bolsters. Multi-function gauges keep the helm neat and tidy. The tilt steering wheel and power assist steering are standard. Both seats swivel, and by swinging the passenger seat around 180 deg. you’ll get the best seat in the house for observing the water sports.

Moving Aft…

In the cockpit, there’s more storage under the seats as well as a dedicated spot for the carry on cooler. The engine compartment is accessed by lifting the aft seats, so pre-trip checks are a breeze. There’s plenty of room to get to the whole engine and even a storage space on the side.

To starboard is a convenient door leading out to the swim platform, but before going all the way out, check out the additional insulated cooler built into the deck.

The After Effects…

All the way aft is the swim platform. More and more builders are making this the gathering area of choice while at anchor, and rightly so. Having aft facing seats gives you the freedom to watch the kids in the water while still being able to relax with a soda and not have to worry about getting your backside wet. Sea Ray is quick to point out, however, that these seats are NOT designed for use when the boat is underway, and they are right to do so. Make sure everyone is back in the cockpit before starting up. But while at anchor… this area is hard to beat. There’s a standard 3-step swim ladder back here as well.



Aft facing seats at the swim platform keep everyone in the action. There's storage underneath, and notice to the right, there's an insulated storage compartment built into the deck at the walk-through. Just under the 210 decal is a pop-up ski tow pylon. Inside the cockpit are the optional pedestal table and one of the four standard speakers. Swing the port side bucket seat around for the best observer’s seat in the house.

Notable Options

With all the standard features this boat has to offer, is there anything left on the options list worth considering? We think so. For starters, there’s the air compressor. At least that‘s how Sea Ray refers to it. It’s actually a 12-volt air pump, which is a necessity for blowing up the tubes. No sense keeping those bulky things all filled up and taking valuable space when not in use. The canvas packages are must haves for keeping your investment in pristine shape. If you’re big into wakeboarding, then the optional tower is for you. Are you a salt water boater? Then add a galvanized trailer as an upgrade to the standard painted version.

So while no boat is the perfect boat for everyone, deckboats sure come close for a lot of boaters. If you’re looking to make the most of your time on the water with friends and family, and who isn’t, then you should give one a try. And you might just want to start by looking at Sea Ray’s entry level 210 Sundeck. You’ll probably find that it’s a level above what you were expecting.

The boat has a MSRP of $42,417 with the 5.0L 260-hp MPI MerCruiser engine.

Sea Ray 210 Sundeck (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
GPS/Chart
VHF Radio
Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Trailer
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit	Snap-in
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Tower: Watersports
Transom Door
Transom Shower
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional