Re: Hurricane 202 I/O w/ Penta 270 DP
It seems many Hurricane owners prefer outboard setups, so I appreciate seeing another potential I/O owner coming on board.
I see that you are going for the max HP for the boat. That should dial up the fun!
The SS202 I/O is similar to my model (12.5 degree deadrise hull design, beam width, larger front deck area for fishing seats, etc.). I had a choice between the Volvo or Mercruiser engine/drive power configurations when I ordered the boat. Both are excellent tried and true power choices (they both use the same GM engine blocks), I decided to go with the Mercruiser version of what you are considering, primarily because I trailer the boat to different places and figured no matter where I go, there will always be at least ?one? Mercruiser dealer near by. That coupled with the good parts availability I thought was a plus as well. I?m not waving the flag for Mercruiser as this is my first Mercury product, just sharing my reasoning this time around. I have had a previous boat with a Volvo engine/drive and had an excellent experience with it. I also like the 5.0L engine, which I had in a couple of GM vehicles years ago, they performed excellently and I had great experience with them. After a year and a half using the boat, I've been pretty satisfied with the fuel efficiency and performance of the 5.0 L MPI ECT coupled with the dual prop (I thought this configuration would be the best mix of performance and efficiency for my boat, even though I could go up to 320 HP. I couldn't be happier so far).
What you will appreciate most is the added performance of the dual prop drive. Although my boat is longer and heavier than the SS202 I/O, I have been very impressed on how quickly it jumps on plane (with or without dragging water toys) and I can also keep it on plane going as slow as 15-16 MPH (I have not had the need to use the aid of trim tabs to accomplish this). The boat handling is increased as well due to the unique prop design and larger housing of the drive. The boat will especially perform well with watersports activity. It will be a great performer for the experienced and you can go slow enough to have beginners feel more comfortable. There is also a feel of ?smoothness? that those counter-rotating props give that a single prop doesn't usually have. The drive system also gives you excellent control at slow speeds, especially when docking.
Most Hurricane owners love their boats (me included). You will also appreciate a great bunch of owners on the iBoats forum (and the Hurricane Owners forum on
Hurricane Boats). Personally, I think you?re making a great choice. Overall, the engine/drive configuration you?re considering in your model should make it really fly and handle like a sports car. I can?t picture anything less than a big smile on your face every time you pull back the throttle.
Share your experience when you get the boat in the water!
