Hurricane

First Glance
For those frustrated with the prices of boats today who don’t feel you can still get a lot for $35K anymore, do we have some great news for you. Fiberglass boats are on the rise and a lot has to do with budget-friendly models like this one from Hurricane Boats.   

Details
From the keel up this boat has been completely redesigned for 2018 and from a cosmetic standpoint, the included options make a huge difference as it transforms it from a great price-point model to a sporty-looking deck boat. It starts with the sport graphics on the exterior and carries over to all the stainless features found inside the boat including grab rails, Bimini frame, cupholders and even the ski/tow bar.

For the new model year, the “Orange Twist” sport interior seating with graphite accents has been added and we love this color combination with the mostly white vinyl seating. We’re seeing the color orange trending up to this year as a great trim color on sporty models.

There are two chaise lounges up front with fiberglass liners with drains below the bench seats to help keep your gear dry. The hinged cushions can be easily raised thanks to a gas-assist shock, so these storage areas could be used as coolers too, if wanted.

Directly across from the helm is a rear-facing chaise and between the two back-to-back loungers are the Marine Audio stereo controls with an auxiliary jack below. If we’re being picky, we’d like to see a designated area to store your phone while it’s plugged in as well as a USB port. Boaters love not only to be plugged in, but also to have a safe place for their phone too. 

Multi-function gauges are located on the helm console with an open spot in the center of the dash for those wanting to upgrade to some type of a GPS map. In the stern behind the bucket helm chair is a great wrap-around U-shaped seating area and we love that the rear cushion slides out and rotates so you can step on the non-skid side to access the swim deck instead of stepping on the seats.

In the stern the boarding ladder is in its own compartment with a door, similar to the other four-step boarding on the bow, plus also located on the front of the bow is a designated anchor locker.

Closer Look
Up top the boat has been redesigned, but the proven hull with long strakes for truer tracking remains the same. The fiberglass V-hull is well-constructed and up top there is nearly 10 feet of deck space inside the boat. The freeboard is plenty tall with the sides measuring 30 inches from the deck up.  

Throttle Down
With the low profile it feels like you’re going even faster than you really are and that’s one of the benefits to this hull design. We just missed the 40 mph mark at full throttle with the Yamaha 115 VMAX on the back and she banks beautifully in the really sharp turns like you’d expect a V-hull to do. This really is a fun and sporty boat to drive and that optional ski/tow pylon will be put to good use on this Hurricane. 

Why Buy
Clearly the price will draw you in, but it’s the amenities and features that will hold your attention. This is a sleek, go-fast, low profile deck boat designed to get you out on the water for some quality family time.

Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.hurricaneboats.com

Specifications
Number of Occupants            10                   
Price As Tested With Power  34.9 K
Maximum Speed                    38.3 mph                   
Wild Ponies                            115 hp
No. of Gates                            2
0-20 MPH                               5.92 seconds 
Ladder Measurement              3’10” deep

Why we love this boat… A lot of value can be found on this sporty deck boat and we highly recommend all the options as-tested to complete the look. 

Just being picky… Boaters love music and that’s why we pack our phones with us so it would be nice to have a designated spot for them, especially when plugged in to the stereo.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Canvas canopy w/protective boot, bilge pump, drilled transom, cable steering, trim gauge w/engine pkg., hour meter, color-matched helm console, bow and stern telescoping ladders, quick-release windscreen, fog-resistant gauges, single bucket helm seat w/bolster, and white rubrail vinyl insert. 

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Wide gel zone, fixed ski/tow bar, sport graphic, sport interior, cable steering w/tilt wheel, MA300 stereo, upgraded steering wheel, preferred option group (boat cover, stern wash down, dual battery switch), Stainless Steel Upgrade Pkg. (w/stainless steel rubrail, cupholders, pull-up cleats, and canopy frame).

VITAL STATS
LOA                  18’ 10”           
Beam                 8’ 5”
Hull Design       Deep V
Dry Weight       2,400 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    36 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                             Yamaha VF115
Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           111.8ci/115hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1
Propeller                                                          N/A

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
800                  3.8                     71
1000                3.7                     78
1500                4.8                     80
2000                6.3                     86
2500                7.3                     86
3000                8.3                     92
3500                10.8                   93
4000                15.5                   92
4500                22.2                   93
5000                27.4                   95
5500                31.9                   99
6000                34.8                   101
6300                38.3                  106

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $34,855
(Boat and Motor)