Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 has the edge at 29 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005. 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 238 RE I/O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 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 238 RE I/O 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003

Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005

2005

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Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003

2003

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 320 hp, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 has a 120-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003'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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeHurricane Boats

ModelFunDeck 238 RE I/O

ModelFunDeck 218 RE

Model Year2005

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail18 in

Draft [max] - Detail9 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.46

Draft [max] - Meters0.23

Draft [max] - Inches18

Draft [max] - Inches9

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs

Weight - Detail2900 lbs

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg1315.42

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.29

Height - DetailBridge Clearance: 59 in

Height - DetailBridge Clearance 59 in

Height - Meters1.5

Height - Inches59

Length - Feet23

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches9

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters7.24

Length overall - Meters6.6

Length overall - Inches285

Length overall - Inches26

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max320 hp

Engine max200 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,725 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people12

Maximum people10 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityn/a

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Detailn/a

Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 vs Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 or the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 has the edge at 29 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005. 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 238 RE I/O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 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 238 RE I/O 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 and Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 238 RE I/O 2005 and the Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 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 238 RE I/O 2005 full specs ← Hurricane Boats FunDeck 218 RE 2003 full specs