PDB Shootout: Hurricane

Quick Glance

Priced to come in around $30K with a 90hp engine, you won’t believe the value packed into this deck boat that is rated for up to nine passengers and capable of speeds near the 40 mph mark.

Highlights

Our industry is starving for great family-friendly boats like this one that won’t break the bank while getting more people on the water. There is a nice balanced feel to the overall layout that includes plenty of storage below the seats and average comfort seating.     

Sure it’s considered an entry-level model, but some features you won’t find on other price-point boats such as the helm chair with a fixed bolster that slides and can be adjusted to accommodate the height of different drivers as well as the tilt steering wheel.

There is room to add a GPS map at the helm if desired between the two multi-function gauges, but again, this deck boat is all about staying around a specific price range that is friendly enough for most budgets.

There are quite a few options on this boat that help dial up the fun as well as the versatility including the fishing package, which features a built-in livewell in the stern and a fishing chair that mounts in the bow. When you’re not angling and on the hunt for your next catch, the fishing chair and pedestal store nicely in the deep (12 inches) and wide (32- by 19-inch opening) in-floor ski locker that is over 7 feet long inside. It’s also plenty big for wakeboards, skis and other water toys. 

Another great option that many will consider to be a must is the upgraded Fusion stereo. The unit is mounted directly across from the helm, providing easy access for everyone on board and the four speakers are more than enough to get this party started right.

Other key features include 10 fixed cupholders, a large swim deck in the stern and a telescoping, four-step boarding ladder. And even though it is available as an option, a ski/tow pylon should really come standard on this boat if we’re being picky, since clearly it is water sports friendly. 

Closer Look

The Transverse Stringer Grid System is the backbone of a Hurricane deck boat. The integrated system works together to control the flex in the hull and provide exceptional support.

Performance

With the lightweight design she handles extremely well with a hull that includes a little flare to provide a smoother ride in rougher water. Rated for up to a 115hp sized outboard, we feel the Yamaha 90 four-stroke is a great pairing that gave us a top speed in the upper 30s with a blistering zero-to-20 mph time of just under five seconds. She of course banks beautifully in the sharp turns like a vee hull should and is truly a fun boat to drive.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot of value found on this 19-footer as it helps fill a void in the fiberglass market. Hurricane offers a wide variety of deck boats for all budgets, but this entry-level offering could become one of its most popular. Proving there are still well-built boats in the $30K range, we can’t say enough good about this new SunDeck Sport.

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

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 9                   
Price As Tested With Power: $33.8 K
Maximum Speed: 36.8 mph               
Wild Ponies: 90 hp     
No. of Openings: 2
0-20 MPH: 4.44 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…Don’t overlook this Hurricane as just an entry-level model because the features and added value will truly surprise you.  

Just being picky…It’s a SunDeck Sport so clearly it’s geared towards water sports, so it really should come standard with a ski/tow pylon to take advantage of its performance capabilities.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Bilge Pump, Drilled Transom, Fusion System, Stern Telescoping Ladder, White Rubrail, Instrument Panel featuring Fog Resistant gauges and Quick Release Windscreen.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Boat Cover Canopy, Fusion System Stereo, LED Docking Lights, Hydraulic Bay Star Steering w/Tilt Wheel, Fishing Package, Stainless Steel Upgrade, Package II, SS Cupholders, Pull-Up Cleats and SS Fuel Cap.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 19’ 2”     
Beam: 7’ 8”
Hull Design: Semi Vee
Dry Weight: 2,500 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 22 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 90
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 109.8ci/90hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.15:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  2.8                 
1000                4.1     
1500                6.1                 
2000                7.0                 
2500                8.5                 
3000                9.6                 
3500                13.6               
4000                9.3                 
4500                24.8               
5000                28.9               
5500                33.2               
5800                36.8                

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $33,789
Base Price (Boat Only): $16,592

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.