Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 has the edge at 29 lbs dry weight versus 263 lbs for the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003. 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 SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 tops out at 200 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 218 REF 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 is certified for 10. 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 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 share an 102 in 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 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003?

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.

Q: Are the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 and the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 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 218 REF 2004 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003

Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004

2004

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Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003

2003

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 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 225 hp, the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 has a 25-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004's 200-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 10 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 SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 and its 225-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 with its 200-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeHurricane Boats

ModelFunDeck 218 REF

ModelSunDeck 217 Outboard

Model Year2004

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Draft [max] - Detail9 in

Draft [max] - Detail14 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.23

Draft [max] - Meters0.36

Draft [max] - Inches9

Draft [max] - Inches14

Weight - Detail2900 lbs

Weight - Detail2630 lbs

Weight - kg1315.42

Weight - kg1192.95

Weight - lbs.29

Weight - lbs.263

Height - DetailBridge Clearance 59 in

Height - DetailBridge Clearance 54 in

Height - Meters1.5

Height - Meters1.37

Height - Inches59

Height - Inches54

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters6.6

Length overall - Meters6.35

Length overall - Inches26

Length overall - Inches25

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Engine max200 hp

Engine max225 hp

Operational Info

Water capacityn/a

Maximum people10 persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailn/a

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 has the edge at 29 lbs dry weight versus 263 lbs for the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003. 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 SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 tops out at 200 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 218 REF 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 is certified for 10. 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 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 share an 102 in 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 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003?

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 FunDeck 218 REF 2004 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 REF 2004 and the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 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 218 REF 2004 full specs ← Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 Outboard 2003 full specs