Matching a modified vee Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 OB 2008 against a tri-hull Hurricane Boats SS 194 OB 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 OB 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Hurricane Boats SS 194 OB 2011 at 18,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hurricane Boats SS 194 OB 2011 tips the scales at 3 325 lbs — 2 088 lbs less than the Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 OB 2008 at 1 237 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 SS 194 OB 2011 has a 65-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 OB 2008's 135-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 SS 194 OB 2011 carries 45 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 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 FDGS 172 OB 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SS 194 OB 2011 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 FDGS 172 OB 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FDGS 172 OB 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats SS 194 OB 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.