Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008
2008
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VS
Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007
2007
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Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 measures 18,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). At 213 lbs and 299 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 has a 75-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 carries 52 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeHurricane Boats
MakeHurricane Boats
ModelFD 196 REF OB
ModelFunDeck GS 211 O/B
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam90.5 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches90.5
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise10°
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail10 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.25
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches1
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail27 in
Draft [max] - Detail14 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.69
Draft [max] - Meters0.36
Draft [max] - Inches27
Draft [max] - Inches14
Weight - Detail2,130 lbs
Weight - Detail2,990 lbs
Weight - kg966.15
Weight - kg1356.24
Weight - lbs.213
Weight - lbs.299
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches1
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Meters5.74
Length overall - Meters6.35
Length overall - Inches226
Length overall - Inches25
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail54 in
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters1.37
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches54
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,870 lbs
Maximum capacity1,440 lbs
Maximum people9
Maximum people1

Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007?
The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 16,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007?
For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 has the edge at 213 lbs dry weight versus 299 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 is certified for 1. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 91" for the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007?
The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008. That 23-gallon difference translates to roughly 69–115 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FD 196 REF OB 2008 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 211 O/B 2007 are built by Hurricane Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.