Hurricane Fundeck 236

The decks are self draining under the fences with internal bilge pump and flotation foam fitted. Those barrier fences are constructed of alloy posts and cross members clad with pressed aluminium sheeting.

A marine-grade Sony stereo system is fitted along with stainless steel speakers as well as an iPod adapter to bring your favourite music aboard with you.

A stainless steel fishing rod rack is installed across the back, forward of the Mercury Verado engine and the decks are basically non-slip thanks to clip-in carpet. A base model Lowrance depth sounder is standard as is the deck wash on the rear boarding platform.

As can be seen there is no shortage of standard equipment and it all comes as a package, imported from the United States.

A boarding ladder on the bow and stern gives it flexibility when floating off the beach with gates in the fence either end and another amidships on the port side to assist embarking and disembarking on a wharf or jetty. The fence at the front is set back to allow installation of two seats on posts in the deck which would be a great fishing platform and two flush-mounted deck hatches hold the anchor gear.

Worth noting were the bases for this seating which was constructed of a moulded nylon framework effectively alleviating any corrosion should things stowed inside become wet.

At the aft end of the starboard lounge a module was fixed in place which featured a plumbed sink and tap with a fold-down cutting board for food preparation. An aperture at deck level in the fascia of the unit gave access to a small ice box which was removable should you want to take it to the beach.

The aft end of this module made up the helm and here Seastar hydraulic steering was installed below a busy instrumentation layout. It featured the multi position hub to make life comfortable for the skipper who was already more than comfortable in the swivel helm seat.

The lounge in the aft port corner also had bulk stowage areas underneath and in that corner out on the rear platform, a waist-high hinged hatch lifted to reveal a change room of sorts made up of a suspended soft curtain. This area could also be used as a shower as the deck wash is close by and a portable toilet would also compliment the boat for day trippers.

A fold-up telescopic ladder hinges from a rebate in the starboard side of the boarding platform and a large canopy is available to provide shade over the rear section of the deck.

Being a monohull allows the boat to lean into corners rather than out; the latter being typically of what happens with traditional pontoon-style boats. That being the case, there is greatly reduced inertia for the people on board during tight manoeuvres at speed and this boat is capable of those as well. It will come into its own as a family ski boat because of this attribute.

Hole shot is brilliant and it will get to its maximum speed of over 60 km/h quickly but if time is not your enemy you can swan along at 25 km/h without a problem; and quietly so with a low level of engine noise evident in this motor.

For its size, the Fundeck is very manoeuvrable though aeration at the propeller at speed in a tight turn indicated the motor could go down one bolt hole on the transom to prevent this.

The steering was very smooth and light at hand and tight turns were effortless.

So, fish, ski, wakeboard or just laze on the beach, the Fundeck will do it all and in quite a bit of comfort. And, there is more than enough room on board to make it an overnight affair if required. Just pick your style of fun and do it!