Consumer Wishlist - Manufacturers Take Note

[the MfM]

Yeah, the sea ray full width lowering one would be on the wishlist. I’m sure it wouldn’t be cheap though.

I like what some of the inboard ski and wake boats have. And what the early AR210 had. A platform that is very low to the water. When someone sits or stands on it it’s below the water. Makes it easy to board in deep or shallow water... so easy my 6 year old can climb in the boat without putting down the ladder.

It’s also a favorite place for everyone to sit while at the beach.

 

[MattFX4]

How about engines/drives that can maintain a nice cruising speed at 3500 - 4000 rpm so owners don’t have to constantly explain why their boats sound like they do and can actually have a conversation while underway that doesn’t require shouting? Obviously this would require a totally different type of power plant, but behind threads about fins, threads about trying to quiet these boats have got to be most numerous on the forums.

Like the new Indmar 2.3 ford EcoBoost engine mated to a jet drive??

 

[J-RAD]

Like the new Indmar 2.3 ford EcoBoost engine mated to a jet drive??
View attachment 88335

I saw this. Imagine a twin engine setup! The pump they have to mate with it looks like its massive in diameter. I bet it moves some water...

 

[dnicholas47]

Look at all the innovations of people on this board for making the boats quieter. Do those from the factory, instead of forcing the customer to do it after the fact.

 

[MattFX4]

I saw this. Imagine a twin engine setup! The pump they have to mate with it looks like its massive in diameter. I bet it moves some water...

Yeah don’t know if it would even fit in 240 hull, but will be interested to see what they do with this engine in other brands.

 

[Julian]

Here is my list of things I'd like to see manufacturers deliver on:

• Electronic throttles should trickle down to more models.
• Continue to improve Fuel economy
• Continue to improve Sound proofing
• Make a trailerable 26-27' model (8'6 wide)
• Offer Windlass as an option on the top end models
• Make some Stock options for cabin enclosures (full rain windshield made of vinyl)
• Use standard stereo connections/equipment whenever possible - RCA connections, pre amp outputs, no special wiring harnesses, make it easy for us to mod them.
• More Ballast options
• Offer a Larger fuel tank....60 gallon would be nice
• All models should think about Cell phone use, placement, charging, storing, mounting. They are ubiquitous nowadays - assume every seat will have one (at least in the cabin).
• Design the dashes to allow for easier add ons (like GPS/sounders, accessory power, phone holder, marine radio etc).
• Build in a dedicated garbage can location-fit a standard can to it (so you can replace over time) - for example, in the 24' models have one that slides into brackets on the ceiling of the closet with a hole to the top of the dash. Simple and functional.
• I like the in water seats....but the fold down one Sea Ray has is way nicer (bet they patented the crap out of that!) Fold down sides look amazing too!

 

[J-RAD]

Filler cushions for the rear u shaped seating.

Anyone done this on their own?

 

[AlphaKap]

Filler cushions for the rear u shaped seating.

Anyone done this on their own?

I really want that. Would be great with a camper enclosure.

 

[BlkGS]

Filler cushions for the rear u shaped seating.

Anyone done this on their own?

I might try this. I'd make it so it pops into the table mount. Not sure if that's be enough support or not, but it's a good idea.

 

[J-RAD]

I might try this. I'd make it so it pops into the table mount. Not sure if that's be enough support or not, but it's a good idea.

I'm considering it also. My parents old Four Winns has removable support bars and a center leg for filet cushions. I was thinking something similar might work. I've also got a friend who does upholstery. I may try to coordinate something with him.

Someone with a 230 said theirs came with rear filler cushions. I'd be interested to know if that's true and how they are supported.

 

[JDub]

My 2006 AR230 had rear filler cushions. Had 2 aluminum bars that ran from seat to seat. One at the back and one at the front. The cushion had a solid base like a thick starboard, and was hinged in the middle with a fabric. You would fold it open and it would sit down on those bars.

 

[haknslash]

Filler cushions for the rear u shaped seating.

Anyone done this on their own?

@Sotally Tober had a rear/cockpit filler cushion custom made and it was badass....along with the stripper pole

 

[Bruce]

Level pathways and sufficiently wide walkways to allow those that have trouble walking to roll onto and into boats.

 

[the MfM]

Level pathways and sufficiently wide walkways to allow those that have trouble walking to roll onto and into boats.

So you want a jet engine pontoon boat?

 

[Bruce]

So you want a jet engine pontoon boat?

Hoping to avoid the pontoon part but on something like the 275 increasing the walkway width would have made it possible.

 

[ptwb]

A part of me wonders if the only reason the 275 is 9' wide was to move the engines further out to fit that walkway.

IMO, max 8'6" width is more important than fitting in a level walkway.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Level pathways and sufficiently wide walkways to allow those that have trouble walking to roll onto and into boats.

I think a wheelchair friendly boat would be a very niche market.

 

[haknslash]

Doesn’t necessarily need to be wheel chair specific but if they added some actual aft freeboard instead of the sloping design they could add port or starboard access doors. Similar to a dive door on a center console. Could even be something like the folding tailgate of the Scarab but make them on the side.

 

[the MfM]

I think a wheelchair friendly boat would be a very niche market.

My son used a wheelchair. Pontoon boats were great for him... wide flat deck and side door that makes boarding super easy. The bigger issue was most docks (and the paths too them) aren’t exactly ADA compliant

 

[Bruce]

My son used a wheelchair. Pontoon boats were great for him... wide flat deck and side door that makes boarding super easy. The bigger issue was most docks (and the paths too them) aren’t exactly ADA compliant

Neither is getting in and out of the water but we make it happen for our kids.