Hurricane Boats FunDeck  196 REF Outboard 2003 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003
2003
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VS
Hurricane Boats FunDeck  226 FF Outboard 2001 boat specs
Hurricane Boats
Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001
2001
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Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 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 2003 has a 148-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001's 2-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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeHurricane Boats
MakeHurricane Boats
ModelFunDeck 196 REF Outboard
ModelFunDeck 226 FF Outboard
Model Year2003
Model Year2001
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam90.5 in
Beam91.5"
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches90.5
Beam - Inches91.5
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail11 in
Draft [max] - Detail11"
Draft [max] - Meters0.28
Draft [max] - Meters0.28
Draft [max] - Inches11
Draft [max] - Inches11
Weight - Detail1720 lbs
Weight - Detail2050 lbs
Weight - kg780.18
Weight - kg929.86
Weight - lbs.172
Weight - lbs.205
Height - DetailBridge Clearance 60 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.52
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches6
Height - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Detail22'
Length overall - Meters5.74
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches226
Length overall - Inches264
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Engine max150 hp
Engine max2
Operational Info
Maximum people9 persons
Maximum people13 persons
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - DetailOptional

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001?
For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 has the edge at 172 lbs dry weight versus 205 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 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 2003 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 tops out at 2 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 REF Outboard 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 is certified for 13. 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 FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 measures 92" wide, compared to 91" for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003. 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 FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001?
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 REF Outboard 2003 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 196 REF Outboard 2003 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 226 FF Outboard 2001 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.