First Impression
Last year Hurricane released the outboard version of the SunDeck Sport 205 and after a very successful debut, the sterndrive version is now here. We got a chance to get behind the wheel of this value-driven model and instantly noticed it has a lot of the same key features and designs that made the original such a hit.
Details
.jpg_600.jpg)
With many people wanting to get into boating for the first time but not being quite sure where to begin, this 20-footer makes a lot of sense. It starts with a compartment on the bow where the standard boarding ladder securely stows away and the space doubles as an anchor locker with a tie-off cleat inside. As you board from the front there is a built-in livewell below the step with symmetrical seating up front and deep storage compartments below. Speaking of storage, the in-floor ski locker is large enough for skis up to 70 inches long and deep enough for your tubes and wakeboards, so that should keep the watersport enthusiasts in your family happy. The snap-in Marine Mat floor provides a soft touch on your bare feet, yet is easy to clean up at the end of the day.
.JPG_600.jpg)
Across from the helm is an entertainment center with a sink, with an optional prep board/cover that slides out to give you more surface area. The area includes a washdown hose that ties into a 5-gallon freshwater tank, plus because there is no faucet you don’t have to worry about bumping it accidentally when you’re not washing up or covering the boat.
At the helm is a simplified console with room to add a touchscreen if desired. But as is, the dual multi-function gauges provide you with plenty of key information. While flip back seats are not new, we like that not only can you convert the helm chair into a rear-facing lounger, but you can also slide it to adjust to the height of your captain. Now that’s innovative.
.JPG_600.jpg)
In the stern is a U-shaped seating area and with a simple push of a button the electric engine hatch raises up to provide easy access to the MerCruiser 4.5L engine. With the hatch opened you can clearly see the built-in channels that are in place to ensure water flows out the back and doesn’t stay in the boat.
Probably our favorite section of this Hurricane is in the stern that includes two aft-facing jump seats and an integrated swim platform. This appears to be a main focus point for the engineers when designing the boat and we love the room back here. It also includes the Marine Mat touch that completes the sporty look the manufacturer was going for.
.JPG_600.jpg)
Closer Look
This is an all-new design from the keel up and we love the smooth running surface. The semi Vee fiberglass hull provides exceptional support using encapsulated wood stringers. Above deck, the gunwale or sides of the boat measure at 30 inches tall with the bow measuring at 26 inches.
Throttle Down
The 200hp sterndrive didn’t disappoint. With the V6 MerCruiser we reached a top speed in the mid 40 mph range after a 0-to-20 mph time of just over 6 seconds. This Hurricane dives into the sharp corners, is very responsive and a lot of fun to drive.
Why Buy
There are plenty of innovative designs that are truly unique to the 20-foot sterndrive market on this SunDeck Sport 205 I/O. It should appeal to a variety of boaters in search of a well-crafted deck boat.
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.hurricaneboats.com
Number of Occupants: 10
Price As Tested With Power: $52K
Maximum Speed: 45.6 mph
Wild Ponies: 200 hp
No. of Openings: 1
0-20 MPH: 6.23 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 10” deep
Why we love this boat… Quick, nimble and a lot of fun to drive is the best way to describe this 20-footer that comes in at budget-friendly price point.
Just being picky… Despite a lot of deep storage compartments, we didn’t find any lockable options for storing your small items such as keys and wallets.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Versatile Entertainment Center, Unique Aft Seating, Large Integrated Swim Platform, Multifunctional Helm Seat, Bow Ladder, Stern Ladder and Aluminum Canopy.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Removable Preparation Board/Cover.
VITAL STATS
LOA: 20’ 9”
Beam: 8’ 5”
Hull Design: V-Hull
Dry Weight: 3,600 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine: MerCruiser 4.5L
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 275ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.62:1
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
900 2.0 82.5
1000 3.5 84
1500 5.0 86
2000 6.6 87
2500 8.6 87
3000 10.0 90
3500 15.4 94
4000 26.2 96
4500 31.0 100
5000 34.4 103.5
5500 41.2 103.5
6000 45.6 106
PRICE
Price As Tested: $52,072
(Boat and Motor)
This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.
