Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009
2009
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VS
Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011
2011
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Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 vs Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 against a tri-hull Hurricane Boats SD 217 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 194 I/O 2009 at 18,0 ft versus Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 at 20,8 ft. At 411 lbs and 393 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 270 hp, the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 has a 45-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011'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 SD 217 OB 2011 at 20,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 at 18,0 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
ModelFDGS 194 I/O
ModelSD 217 OB
Model Year2009
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam101 in
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.57
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches101
Beam - Inches102
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in. (0.36 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [drive up] inches14
Weight - Detail2,435 lbs. Wet: 4,110 lbs
Weight - Detail3,930 lbs. (1,783 kg) Wet: 2,630 lbs. (1,193 kg)
Weight - kg1864.26
Weight - kg1782.62
Weight - lbs.411
Weight - lbs.393
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet20.83
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in. (6.31 m)
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Meters6.35
Length overall - Inches224
Length overall - Inches25
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeTri-Hull
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal. (197 l)
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 max270 hp
Engine max225 hp (168 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,430 lbs
Maximum capacity2,212 lbs. (1,003 kg)
Maximum people1
Maximum people1

Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 vs Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 or the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011?
The Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 is the longer of the two at 20,8 feet overall. The Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 2,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 or the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011?
For trailering, the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 has the edge at 393 lbs dry weight versus 411 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009. 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 FDGS 194 I/O 2009 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 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 FDGS 194 I/O 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009. 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 and Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011?
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 FDGS 194 I/O 2009 and Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FDGS 194 I/O 2009 and the Hurricane Boats SD 217 OB 2011 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.