Our First Impression

Sure it’s value-driven, but the SunDeck 237 from Hurricane is far from ordinary. It’s a true deck boat meaning it’s wide in the bow, all the way to the back, with quick planing, and a shallow draft; plus it’s nice and stable. We love this attractive and sporty-looking offering from Hurricane and we couldn’t wait to take her for a ride.

Consumer Test

We feel the most comfortable seat onboard should be for the captain, and on this boat it doesn’t get any better than the double-wide helm seat. Complete with a flip-up bolster, the adjustable chair even has a storage compartment built in below that is ideal for wallets and keys.

Other features worth noting include a sink and washdown behind the helm seat with storage below, fore and aft telescoping ladders, a large swim deck and a changing room opposite of the helm. Inside the changing enclosure is a vented window, electric faucet and sink and room for an optional toilet. If we had to be picky, the changing room, at roughly 3 1/2 feet tall, isn’t overly big, although it is plenty roomy for most children.

At the helm is a sporty console with easy-to-read gauges, well-labeled rocker switches and an overall attractive design. The optional Sony stereo upgrade unit is below the throttle, which keeps it protected from the elements, but it does make it harder to operate while underway. Other options include the snap-in carpet, which helps give the boat a more inviting look and feel, stainless rub rails and the large swim deck. The rest of the features are all part of the standard package, including the ski/tow eye, wrap-around windshield and entertainment center.   

Inspection Test

Hurricane builds its boats with what they call a Category 5 hull. This design features a widebody hull that is the same width bow to stern, along with lifting strakes, a shallow draft, and generous reverse chine hull, all of which enhance the overall comfort level of the ride. Below deck, the gel coat work was very consistent with no dull spots.

Above deck there is over 13 feet of usable deck space inside the cockpit, and we love the self-bailing design. Below the slip-out seat cushions the storage compartments are all well-finished with liners and an average amount of storage space. The in-floor lockable storage is perfect for skis and wakeboards because of its extra long and plenty deep design.

Gaining access to the engine is simple, and there is plenty of room to actually work on the I/O if needed, plus we like the sound-dampening insulations in the engine compartment as well. Overall, the boat earned high marks for craftsmanship, fit and finish work and overall design.

Performance Test

With the MerCruiser 5.0 MPI Bravo 3 engine, this SunDeck is quite a thrill ride. She is very quick with very smooth and predictable handling. In fact, with the responsive steering, this deck boat would benefit from a wakeboard tower. This Hurricane is a fun boat to drive, easy to handle and we always felt like we were in control with this hull.

Who Should Buy It

Sure to put a smile on your face, this is a great family-friendly boat that is priced well, with solid craftsmanship and has plenty to offer the couple or family that is looking for a fun boat to enjoy.

Number of Occupants:            10

Maximum Speed:                    45.8 mph

Wild Ponies:                            260hp

No. of Gates:                          1

0-20 MPH:                              5.5 seconds     

Ladder Measurement:             3’ 6” deep                     

Why we love this boat…The overall attractive and inviting layout can only be overshadowed by the solid design and quality craftsmanship.

Just being picky…We love the features in the changing room like the electric faucet and sink, vented window, etc. We just wish the enclosure itself was a little larger.

 NOTABLE STANDARDS

Color-coordinated canopy, stainless steel canopy, GX48 expanded vinyl, entertainment center, sink, pressurized water system, extra storage, bow and stern telescoping ladders, ski/tow eye, power-assisted steering w/tilt wheel, full wrap-around windshield and a 25-quart carry-on cooler.

 OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Sony stereo upgrade (CD XM30 w/ MP3 & four speakers), stainless steel rub rail, full swim platform and snap-in carpet.

VITAL STATS

LOA                            20’ 10”

Beam                           8’ 6”

Hull Design                 Fiberglass

Dry Weight                 4,205 lbs.

Fuel Capacity              52 Gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                         MerCruiser 5.0 MPI Bravo 3

Cylinder Type             V8

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           305ci/260hp   

Lower Unit Gear Ratio           2.20:1

Propeller                      NA

RPM      vs.     SPEED     vs. DB-A 

500                  3.2 mph           81.5                            

1000                5.3 mph           88.5    

1500                7.5 mph           85

2000                8.8 mph           87.5                            

2500                14.0 mph         95       

3000                22.3 mph         104.5  

3500                28.4 mph         110                                         

4000                34.0 mph         114                 

4500                39.0 mph         117.5  

5000                43.5 mph         118

5500                45.8 mph         119.5

Elkhart, Ind.

Phone: 574-522-8381

Website: www.hurricaneboats.com