Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008
2008
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VS
Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007
2007
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Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 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 218 RE3 I/O 2008 measures 21,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 19,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 tips the scales at 3 995 lbs — 3 732 lbs more than the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 at 263 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 has a 75-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007's 225-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 52 gal and 52 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 at 21,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeHurricane Boats
MakeHurricane Boats
ModelFD 218 RE3 I/O
ModelSunDeck 217 O/B
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise12℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail34 in
Draft [max] - Detail14 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.36
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches14
Weight - Detail3,995 lbs
Weight - Detail2,630 lbs
Weight - kg1812.1
Weight - kg1192.95
Weight - lbs.3995
Weight - lbs.263
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches1
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Meters6.6
Length overall - Meters6.35
Length overall - Inches26
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 - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,440 lbs
Maximum capacity1,440 lbs
Maximum people1
Maximum people1

Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007?
The Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 19,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007?
For trailering, the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 has the edge at 263 lbs dry weight versus 3 995 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008. 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 FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 tops out at 225 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 218 RE3 I/O 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 52 gallons and 52 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 O/B 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FD 218 RE3 I/O 2008 and the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 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.