It's Boat Test Monday! Every year, we meet up with some of the top manufactures in the pontoon and deck boat world to test their newest models. All of these reviews are compiled in a special Boat Test issue that comes out during the first part of the year.
Hurricane SunDeck 2400 OB
Our First Impression
Hurricane goes all out with this SunDeck to ensure that every detail is covered and every need is met. You truly have everything you'd ever hope to find on a deck boat included on this model as tested.
Consumer Test
At first glance you might not appreciate the versatility of this deck boat. You see the beautiful exterior, the wakeboard tower, sporty helm console, retractable ski pylon as well as the 300 horsepower engine and can tell this is a dream boat for any watersports enthusiast. But what you don't notice until you do some deeper investigating is the aerated livewell in the bow and the rod storage in one of the in-floor ski lockers. For those casual anglers, we love that you can switch your focus to fishing at the end of the day once you've worn out the wakeboarders in your family.
At the helm is a great-looking console with easy-to-read gauges, a built-in Lowrance color GPS and there is even a stereo remote control that actually floats in case it gets away from you. The actual stereo is inside the changing room enclosure where it is protected from the elements. Also inside is a sink, vented window as well as a toilet that includes a holding tank.
Behind the helm chair is an entertainment center with a sink, faucet, a portable cooler and even a flip-out trash receptacle. We also love the swim deck area that includes a second telescopic ladder, wash down, fender storage as well as rear-facing speakers. When it comes to speakers, this boat isn't lacking and we especially like the amp under the helm console as well as one of the most organized wiring systems we've ever seen at our test. Great craftsmanship starts with the wiring and this is just one example of why we love the quality on this boat.
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.
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 a great amount of storage space. The dual in-floor lockers at 22 inches deep are perfect for ski and wakeboard storage, but we also like the built-in rod storage in one of the compartments as well. Overall, the boat earned high marks for craftsmanship, fit and finish work and overall design.
Performance Test
With the incredible sound system and the Yamaha 300hp outboard on the back, this SunDeck just begs to have Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" blasting out the speakers. Sure to put a smile on anyone's face, we love the performance of this 24-footer. She's quick and responsive and with that power assist it's amazing how fun this boat is to drive. We reached speeds over 50 miles per hour with ease and honestly we had a hard time giving this one back to the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy It
You're going to pay a little more for quality and power on this model, but as tested you can put this deck boat in the category as the one you would want to own if the price fit your budget. This is a well-built, fun-to-drive sporty boat that backs up its looks with great performance.
Why We Love This Boat
You truly have everything you'd ever want on a deck boat with a mix of standards and options on this model. It's a versatile deck boat that truly has a lot to offer.
Just Being Picky
Getting back in the boat is important so we love that this SunDeck has two telescopic ladders. But with only three rungs on the bow ladder, it would be nice if this one dropped a little deeper into the water since the bow is taller compared to the stern.
Notable Standards
Stainless steel canopy, auto bilge pump, owners program membership, anchor locker, stainless steel cleats, stern telescoping ladder, dock lighting, 25-qt. cooler, entertainment center with sink, Sony DSXMS60 with USB and iPod Dock, stainless steel rubrail, stainless steel cupholders and enclosed head with sink.
Options On The Test Boat
Power assist steering, toilet, colored hull bottom, Xtreme package, playpen cover, wake tower speakers, wake tower with racks, engine set, livewell, rear washdown system, rod holder, M68C depth finder, compass and telescoping ski/tow bar.
Vital Stats & Specs
Number of Occupants - 12
Price As Tested With Power - $73K
Maximum Speed - 52.3 mph
Wild Ponies - 300hp
No. of Gates - 0
0-20 MPH - 5.0 seconds
Ladder Steps - 5
Ladder Measurement - 3' 11"
LOA - 24'
Beam - 8' 6"
Hull Design - Fiberglass
Dry Weight - 3,735 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 77 Gallons
Tallest Side Onboard - Sides 49"
Lowest Side Onboard - Stern 12"
Changing Room Height - 3' 10.5"
Test Drive
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
600 4.0 mph 82.5
1000 5.5 mph 87
1500 7.3 mph 85
2000 8.9 mph 89.5
2500 11.0 mph 92
3000 15.3 mph 97.5
3500 22.5 mph 100
4000 34.8 mph 106
4500 39.3 mph 106.5
5000 44.5 mph 108.5
5500 49.1 mph 113.5
5800 52.3 mph 116
Price As Tested $73,083
(Boat and Motor)
Base Price
(Boat Only) $33,006
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.hurricaneboats.com
Don't forget to check out the video of the test:
http://www.pontoon.net/boat-news/video.cfm?id=2950&flag=1&StartRow=2
