Matching a modified vee Hurricane Boats FS 223 BB 2009 against a tri-hull Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012 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 FS 223 BB 2009 at 22,0 ft versus Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012 at 20,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012 tips the scales at 4 075 lbs — 4 049 lbs less than the Hurricane Boats FS 223 BB 2009 at 26 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 SD 217 I/O 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FS 223 BB 2009's 250-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 FS 223 BB 2009 carries 87 gallons versus 52 gallons in the Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012. 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 SD 217 I/O 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FS 223 BB 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats SD 217 I/O 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 20,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats FS 223 BB 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.