The Flagship of Flagships

It has taken a little longer than other segments in the boating industry, but trailerable fiberglass boats are hot once again. Thanks to manufacturers such as Hurricane, there is a buzz of excitement in the air for these types of vessels and that especially includes the SunDeck 2690.

The term flagship refers to the ship in a fleet that carries the commanding admiral, but in this case flagship translates to Hurricane’s best or most important model in the SunDeck lineup that ranges from this 26-footer to its entry-level model, the 18-foot SD 187. The Indiana-based manufacturer refers to the 2690 as its top-of-the-line model because, well, it is.

Even though it would be hard to not find a Hurricane deck boat on most major bodies of water across the entire U.S., it’s no secret its boats have done particularly well in the sunshine state. Florida’s year-round boating season and miles of lakes and waterways have benefited from the popular SunDeck lineup and when PDB magazine got a chance to get behind the helm of the latest SD 2690 it of course just happened to be in Florida.

Walk Through

We love the symmetrical look that starts in the bow and carries over to the dual helm chairs with flip-up bolsters and the walkthrough windshield. Directly in front of the first mate chair is a large enclosure, complete with a vented window, sink, faucet, storage, 12-volt and a TECMA toilet.

For the captain the console is centered around a large Garmin echoMAP 70S with Yamaha’s Command Link multi-function digital gauges on each side. The rocker switches are well-labeled and below is access to the Kicker Audio sound system.

Just behind the helm chair is an entertainment center with a hidden faucet and sink, with plenty of counter space up top with cooler storage and a trash receptacle below. Towards the stern is a unique space-saving amenity, a jump seat that folds away when not needed. Of course being Yacht Certified means you can never have enough seats onboard for everyone. The good news is that the seats are plush and as comfortable as they look. The multi-density foam with triple-needle stitched vinyl seating is deeper, higher from the floor and taller at the back rest, bow and stern boarding so you can enjoy the most comfort when you’re in it for the long haul. And up to 50 percent more seating and storage means more friends, more gear and more fun.

Luxury With A Kick

The estimated weight of the boat as tested is around 5,300 pounds, but with the Yamaha 300hp engine on the back you could double the weight and it would still be a sporty model. With the throttle pinned, we quickly jumped from zero to 30 mph in just over six seconds. The SunDeck topped out at 43.3 mph at 5900 rpms, but the optional cruising speed is around 24 mph at 3500 rpms when the boat is averaging 8.3 gallons per hour. 

With the SeaStar hydraulic steering combined with Yamaha power, the boat handles with ease and is a lot of fun to drive.

History Lesson

Hurricane only builds deck boats and has been doing so since 1974 so the manufacturer has had decades of experience and consumer feedback to fine-tune its construction and perfect its multi-use, multi-generational boat.   

SunDeck For Life

Whether you’re tubing, wakeboarding, skiing or just cruising, the Sundeck series has the right model for every active family. The signature deep-V hull design ensures stability and a smooth, dry ride. And these boats are decked out with spacious layouts, ample storage, a full-width swim deck for easy boarding, and all the room and amenities you need to enjoy an action-packed day on the water. Still trying to narrow down which SunDeck is right for you? You might want to take a closer look at the flagship SD 2690; it really does deserve the added recognition.

Owner Feedback

After nearly five years of enjoying his Hurricane SunDeck 2400, Pat Rosmonowski decided it was time for an upgrade so he returned to Naples Boat Mart. In October last fall he took delivery on a Hurricane SunDeck 2690, a deck boat that is just over two feet longer, which allows him accommodate larger groups.  

“We enjoy cruising the back waters of Naples, especially north of Wiggins Pass,” says Rosmonowski. “We frequent the various restaurants on the waterways and enjoy beaching the boat and dolphin watching. I was interested in a boat that would offer a smoother ride in the sometimes rough waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but I didn't want to give up the flexibility and ease of cruising the back waters. The draft of the 2690 is only slightly deeper than the 2400, but the hull design offers a smoother ride for open water cruising.”

His first Hurricane was powered by a Yamaha 250hp, which he greatly enjoyed. So when it came time to select the power for his 2690 he again went with Yamaha, but this time he went with the maximum horsepower for this particular model, a 350hp.

His decision to return to Naples Boat Mart was another easy one, after establishing a great relationship with the Naples, Fla., boat dealership.

“Naples Boat Mart has been exceptionally easy, helpful and accommodating to work with,” says Rosmonowski. “Philip Osborne and Kathy Weiler are my main contacts, Philip for sales and Kathy for service.”

If he had to be picky, he feels he might have had more storage space on the SD 2400 and he wishes the below-deck hatch was a little more accommodating for beach chairs and large items. Other than that he’s enjoying his new Hurricane and all that it has to offer including one key option.

“I added the optional jump seat in the stern which increases the seating capacity when needed,” adds Rosmonowski. “The swim platform is large and offers easy boarding and recreation.”

 Naples Boat Mart // 239-643-2292 // www.naplesboatmart.com

Specifications

Hurricane’s SunDeck 2690

LOA:               26’ 4”

Beam:              9’

Dry Weight:    3,842 lbs.

Max HP:          350

Fuel Capacity: 98 gal

www.hurricaneboats.com

Yamaha F300XCA

Induction:       EFI

Displacement: 4.2L

Weight:           562 lbs.

Gear Ratio:      1.75

Propeller:         Saltwater Series II-SDS

Diameter/Pitch:           15 3/4 x 15

www.yamahaoutboards.com