The Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 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 226 REF3 OB 2008 measures 22,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 O/B 2007 at 16,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 O/B 2007 tips the scales at 1 237 lbs — 1 214 lbs less than the Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 at 23 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 200 hp, the Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 has a 65-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 O/B 2007's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 29 gal and 26 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 O/B 2007 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FD 226 REF3 OB 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 172 O/B 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.