2019 Hurricane FunDeck 196 OB review

Sports deck boats and party pontoons are enormously popular in the US, but have yet to really take off in Australia. Part of the problem, we suspect, is that most of these boats have rather ungainly looking aluminium pontoon hulls consisting of two or three cylindrical pontoons separated by an alloy-framed plywood deck. Visually, these boats are just not that appealing – at least compared with a traditional fibreglass bowrider or sports tow boat.

Enter Hurricane Boats. All Hurricane deck boats have a fibreglass hull, including the FunDeck models that are the models closest in design and layout to a party pontoon boat. The FunDecks have similar deck layouts, complete with perimeter alloy fencing panels, entry gates and bench seating, but have a more traditional, and much better-looking fibreglass hull.

As well as being visually more attractive, Hurricane's wide bodied, gullwing shaped fibreglass trihulls are claimed to be easier to maintain, sportier and more efficient than rival models using alloy pontoon tubes.

There are 10 different models between 5.5m and 7.1m in Hurricane Boats' FunDeck range. A mix of deck layouts are offered, but all models are outboard powered and have a side console helm station.

The entry model, and one of the first of the boats to arrive locally, is the FunDeck 196 OB (Outboard). We tested this smart-looking boat package, complete with a Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard.

Hurricane Boats Australia has base model FunDeck 196 OB packages starting from just $81,000 when paired with a Yamaha 90hp four-stroke outboard. Add $7700 if you want the optional tandem-axle braked trailer.

With deck boats you generally get more boat for your dollar, and this is true of the FunDeck 196. The hull has a maximum beam of 2.33m, but due to the rectangular shape of the hull, this beam-width extends all the way forward to the bow, boosting interior deck and storage space over a conventional vee-bow monohull.

The FunDeck also comes with lots of neat features, including the aft bimini cover, bow and stern seating areas for nine people, three entry gates, a deluxe side console helm station with fog-resistant engine gauges and a quick release windscreen, Marine Audio MA100 Bluetooth stereo system, ski tow bar, auto bilge pump, a retractable boarding ladder, positive foam flotation, a self-bailing cockpit, and more.

Our test boat was optioned with the larger and maximum power Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard, along with an upgraded Marine Audio MA300, a Lowrance Hook 3 fishfinder, removable table with cup holders, LED docking lights, upgraded helm chair (swivelling with reclining arm rests), a 25-litre cooler, plumbed live bait tank, and black rub rails with stainless steel inserts.

The additions lift the price to $96,700 with the optional tandem-axle trailer. Whilst this is closing in on $100K, it is still pretty decent value given the included features, and in comparison to a regular fibreglass bowrider that commands similar money.

There are two versions of the Hurricane FunDeck 196. In addition to the standard version on test here, there is a FunDeck 196F, or fishing, version. Instead of our test boat's lounge seating at the bow, the fishing model has a pair of pedestal helm chairs and more walkabout fishing space.

There is also a plumbed underfloor live bait tank in the fishing model, which was an included option on our standard boat.

Otherwise the two 196 models are identical in layout. Anglers will naturally gravitate toward the fishing model, but for families, the standard model will likely get the nod due to the extra seating capacity.

For the record, the starboard side bow lounge seat is 1.25m long and 490mm wide. It's opposite number over to port is a little shorter at 1.05m due to the position of the port-side entry gate.

There is an additional entry gate at the bow for easy boarding from the beach or boat ramp, along with a third gate at the transom on the starboard side.

The two bow bench seats have very comfortable vinyl upholstery, "multi-density" foam cushions and back-rests, as well as poly-plastic storage lockers underneath.

The FunDeck 196 OB does not have an anchor well so the anchor and rode will need to be stowed in one of the two bow seat compartments.

Extra storage areas for safety gear, clothing, and more are located aft, beneath the port-side L-shaped lounge seat.

There's also a sub-floor storage locker and compartments inside the helm console and within the port side bench seat bulkhead.

As with most deck boats, a lightweight aluminium fence encircles the deck, extending aft to the transom. The fence rail stands high enough at around 660mm off the deck to keep youngsters safely contained.

The large and well-appointed helm console is offset to starboard, slightly forward of amidships. It is an elaborate unit with ample provision for engine instruments, switch panels, flush-fit radios, and bracket-mounted electronics displays.

The tilt-adjust, sports steering wheel is well placed for a seated skipper, alongside the binnacle throttle box perched nearby.

Our test boat was fitted with the optional and wonderfully comfortable deluxe helm chair. The chair is big, wide and well padded, and can slide forward for a near perfect, car-like driving position.

Behind the helm chair is the stern entry gate that leads out to the starboard-side stern boarding platform, battery/bilge locker, and the telescopic boarding ladder.

On the port side opposite, there is provision for an optional pop-up changeroom and portable toilet. They were not fitted to our FunDeck test rig, but I would consider it a no-brainer option for this type of boat.

Hurricane's FunDeck range have either a gullwing or trihull fibreglass bottom with a central hull vee deadrise angle of about 13 degrees. This relatively flat-bottomed shape, in combination with those big gullwing chines, account for the exceptional stability of these boats at rest and underway.

The FunDecks displace very little water so they also plane easily and with less power than you would likely need with an alloy pontoon boat.

Drawing just 250mm of water at rest with the outboard drive leg up, skippers can easily nose a FunDeck up onto the beach or bank, as well as fish over shallow sand banks and mud flats.

With such a shallow vee hull you might expect the FunDeck 196 to be a bit hard riding underway, but we found it to be surprisingly comfortable. The ride may firm up a bit when pushed into a heavy chop, but otherwise you can expect the boat to be comfortable, safe, well mannered, and great fun to drive.

Pushed into a series of hard turns and figure eights, our test rig responded beautifully, holding tightly through turns with a slight inward lean and without any cavitation from Yamaha's evergreen 150hp four-stroke outboard.

Performance- Speed
4.0kt (7.4km/h) @ 1000rpm
4.7kt (8.7km/h) @ 1500rpm
5.9kt (10.9km/h) @ 2000rpm
7.4kt (13.7km/h) @ 2500rpm
15.6kt (28.9km/h) @ 3000rpm
17.9kt (33.1km/h) @ 3500rpm
23.8kt (44.0km/h) @ 4000rpm
26.6kt (49.2km/h) @ 4500rpm
29.5kt (54.6km/h) @ 5000rpm
32.7kt (60.5km/h) @ 5500rpm
34.5kt (63.8km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

With the Yamaha power we had on tap, combined with the boat's excellent handling and manoeuvrability, the FunDeck is more than capable of pulling skiers and wake-boarders – although there is not a whole lot of wake due to the boat's shallow draft.

The FunDeck 196 OB accepts outboards between 90hp and 150hp. However, given the modest top speed of 34.5 knots we achieved with the maximum-power Yamaha 150hp four-stroke, we would recommend 115hp as the minimum.

The Hurricane FunDeck 196 OB is a terrific addition to the family trailerboat market. It's a combination sports boat, family entertainer, bay cruiser, dive platform and fishing rig – all in the one package.

You really can't beat it for versatility, and yet the FunDeck 196 is also well equipped, spacious, safe, easy to maintain, and competitively priced. If you're after one boat to do it all, this new Hurricane FunDeck will serve you well. It ticks a lot of boxes.

Specifications
Model: Hurricane FunDeck 196 OB
Length overall: 5.74m
Hull length: 5.5m
Beam: 2.33m
Draft: 250mm
Deadrise: 13 degrees
Hull weight: 1000kg (dry, est)
Weight on trailer: 1550kg (dry, est)
Maximum power: 150hp
Engine as tested: Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard
Fuel: 100L
Maximum passengers: 9

Price: $89,000 including a Yamaha 150hp longshaft (20-inch) in-line four-cylinder four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and a stainless propeller. Notable options fitted include a Lowrance Hook 3 fishfinder, upgraded Marine Audio MA300 stereo system with Bluetooth/USB/aux and four speakers with LED lights, stern removable table with cup holders, LED docking lights, upgraded helm chair (swivelling with reclining arm rests), 25-litre cooler box, plumbed live bait tank, and black rub rails with stainless steel inserts. Add $7700 for a Spitfire brand tandem-axle braked trailer.

Priced from: $81,000 with a Yamaha 90hp longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard.

Supplied by: www.hurricaneboats.com.au