Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 has the edge at 236 lbs dry weight versus 4 205 lbs for the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 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 SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 tops out at 27 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 is certified for 1. 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 share an 102" 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005?

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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 and the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005

Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002

2002

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Hurricane Boats

Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 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 300 hp, the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 has a 273-hp advantage over the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002's 27-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 GS 201 I/O 2002 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeHurricane Boats

ModelFunDeck GS 201 I/O

ModelSunDeck 217 I/O

Model Year2002

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102"

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail13"

Draft [max] - Detail16 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.33

Draft [max] - Meters0.41

Draft [max] - Inches13

Draft [max] - Inches16

Weight - Detail2360 lbs

Weight - Detail4,205 lbs

Weight - kg1070.48

Weight - kg1907.35

Weight - lbs.236

Weight - lbs.4205

Length overall - Detail20' 1"

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Meters6.35

Length overall - Inches24

Length overall - Inches25

Height - Detailnot available

Height - DetailBridge Clearance: 54 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.37

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches54

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Engine max27

Engine max300 hp

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people10 persons

Maximum people1

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,440 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 vs Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 or the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005?

For trailering, the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 has the edge at 236 lbs dry weight versus 4 205 lbs for the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 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 SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 tops out at 27 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 is certified for 1. 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 share an 102" 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005?

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 GS 201 I/O 2002 and Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Hurricane Boats FunDeck GS 201 I/O 2002 and the Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 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 GS 201 I/O 2002 full specs ← Hurricane Boats SunDeck 217 I/O 2005 full specs