PDB Shootout Hurricane

First Impression

This is the kind of boat that makes you fall in love with boating all over again and it doesn’t hurt that it’s Hurricane’s flagship model, meaning it stands at the top among other high-end boats.

Highlights

The Luxe Sienna Package includes Sienna furniture and outside graphics and wow, does it make a great first impression. We love the high-end soft-touch vinyl used throughout the boat that is as durable as it comfortable.

Even though this SunDeck has been around awhile it has been given a fresh look for 2019. For starters the arch with full Bimini only adds to the sporty look of the full wraparound windshield model. At the helm is a wall of controls that automatically drawns your eye to the Simrad GO7 XSE touchscreen in the center. Yamaha digital gauges are located on each side with multiple rows of rocker switches below. This is also where the Polk Audio stereo controls are located. For the captain, there is plenty of legroom to stretch out or flip up the bolster on the bucket helm chair and just stand.

Directly across from the helm is a full enclosure with 4 feet of headroom inside with a head, Corian counter tops, sink, window as well as a light and there is even a 12-volt outlet.

Behind the captain’s chair is another great amenity, a galley with a sink and faucet, storage, trash receptacle, built-in wine holder plus as a sliding drawer. Also in this area is a fold-down “jump seat” that gets out of your way when not needed but comes in extremely handy when you do.

There are no gates onboard but the deep 36-inch tall freeboard provides a safe enclosure and to reach the stern swim deck there are two steps to climb out. If we had to be picky a little half gate at the top of the step might be nice, but we still consider this to be a family-friendly design. Included with the swim deck is a ski/tow pylon and this is where one of the two four-step boarding ladders are located. One other feature worth noting: the snap-in carpet is a great added touch that makes cleanup easy, yet completes the high-end look.

Inspection

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. The signature deep-V hull design ensures stability and a smooth, dry ride.

Performance

She banks beautifully in the tight corners like a deep-V hull should and it’s easy to see why Hurricane sells a lot of this model. We reached a top speed of 44 miles per hour with the Yamaha 300 four-stroke on the back and the zero-to-20 mph time of 4.29 seconds was very impressive.

Parting Thought

While the price as tested won’t be for every budget, there is still a lot of added value with this flagship model that we thoroughly loved. She handles great, comes standard with a lot of great features with key options to help put it over the top.

For More Information:
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.hurricaneboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: Yacht Certified                     
Price As Tested With Power: $98.5 K
Maximum Speed: 44.1 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 300 hp
No. of Gates: 0
0-20 MPH: 4.29 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…Proven hull, loaded with features and fun to drive, this flagship model checks a lot of boxes for those looking for a comfortable performance boat. 

Just being picky…With a deep freeboard we consider this to be a safe, family-friendly boat, but for those with smaller children some type of a gate would be nice.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Entertainment center w/sink, MA300 Bluetooth stereo w/6 black speakers, anchor locker, 2 telescoping ladders, swim platform, stern washdown, Simrad GO7 XSE touchscreen, Fishfinder/Chartplotter, full wrap-around windshield, single bucket helm chair w/bolster, enclosed head w/sink, hydraulic SeaStar steering w/tilt wheel, white rub rail, ss insert and base soft-touch tan vinyl. 

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Luxe Sienna Pkg. (Sienna furniture and graphics) black windshield, black rub rail, stern remote, underwater lights, XK Polk Plus upgrade stereo, RGB accent interior lighting, Yamaha Command Link digital gauges, fold-out seat and snap-in Paja Beige mat.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 26’ 4”             
Beam: 9’ 0”
Hull Design: Deep V Hull
Dry Weight: 4,475 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 98 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 300
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256.3ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 15 X 15 3/4 SW Series II

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
600                  2.9                     76
1000                5.8                     85
1500                7.5                     87
2000                9.8                     89.5
2500                12.8                   92
3000                15.1                   96
3500                19.6                   97.5
4000                25.7                   96.5
4500                30.8                   99
5000                36.6                   100
5500                38.8                   101.5
5900                44.1                   103

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $98,474
Base Price (Boat Only): $60,554

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.