Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 has the edge at 172 lbs dry weight versus 172 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 tops out at 15 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 is certified for 9. 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 share an 90.5" 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 29 gallons and 29 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 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.

Boat Comparison

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004

Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001

2001

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Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 has a 135-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001's 15-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 29 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeHurricane Boats

ModelFunDeck 196 FF Outboard

ModelFunDeck 196 REF Outboard

Model Year2001

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90.5"

Beam90.5 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches90.5

Draft [max] - Detail11"

Draft [max] - Detail11 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.28

Draft [max] - Inches11

Weight - Detail1720 lbs

Weight - kg780.18

Weight - lbs.172

Length overall - Detail18' 10"

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.74

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches226

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Height - Detailnot available

Height - DetailBridge Clearance 60 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.52

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches6

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Engine max15

Engine max150 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailn/a

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 has the edge at 172 lbs dry weight versus 172 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001. 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 FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 tops out at 15 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 FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 is certified for 9. 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 FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 share an 90.5" 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 FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 29 gallons and 29 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 FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 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.

← Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 FF Outboard 2001 full specs ← Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2004 full specs