Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

[eddiefebuary]

I everybody. I'm a boating newbie looking for a first boat for my family and was directed here from another forum. It is hard finding a boat to fit all my family's preferences.<br /><br />I hope to get a lot of replies even if you don't have a Hurricane boat but I especially would like to hear from those of you in SE Florida.<br /><br />After searching, I think I finally found the boat that will please both the wife and me.I would like a boat to primarily cruise the intracoastal but at the same time my wife wants the ability to go through the inlet (on calm days of 1-3 ft seas) and anchor just off shore to snorkel and swim. <br /><br />I don't like the center console fishing type boats that are normally used in the ocean.<br />With that in mind, will the Hurricane boats suit my needs? Keep in mind also that budget is an issue so I suppose I have to stay in the lower end of the Hurricane line, probably the 187 or 217. I know it won't be as comfortable as other boats in the open ocean but I want to primarily know if it can be safely taken through the inlet into the open ocean on relatively calm days of 1 to 3 foot seas.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

it's all relative. my friend had a 22' stingray deckboat. nice boat, lots of fun. but even in the chesapeake bay in a tight 1' chop, the boat banged around a lot. in 2' seas it was not confortable. my 20' center console did much better. the deck boats are nice, but usually have a wider beam and less deadrise to give you that stability at rest and while drifting.<br /><br />even if you can bear the banging and ride, you need to think about what it's doing to your boat. little things inside will start to fail. you'll probably experience more spider cracks in the gel. etc, etc.<br /><br />if you can get a test drive, i'd do that and judge for yourself.

 

[Big Foot]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Hi eddiefebuary,<br /><br />This boat searching stuff is tough isn't it? Never had any deckboats, but I have had four boats in Palm Beach County over the the past twenty years. If you are buying new, I also strongly suggest you do a sea trial, as that should help you see for yourself what you are comfortable with.<br /><br />Honestly, a newbie boater at the helm of a deckboat like the 187 loaded up with the family going through Palm Beach Inlet isn't going to be in the top percentile of the safest configurations. Palm Beach Inlet conditions vary daily, as wind, tides, current, seas, number of passengers, etc. will all affect how your boat performs on any given day. In the flattest conditions you will likely get out with a modicum of confidence. But be prepared for when conditions are rougher, you can easily take on water over the bow, depending on your skill level in keeping the bow up. You will see smaller boats, but the vast majority will be bigger and/or more seaworthy.<br /><br />Again, you definately need a sea trial to try it for yourself.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

What about something like this? http://www.glastron.com/pages/Models/GX235.html

 

[QC]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

I'm with JasonB on this one. All of the "deck boats" have pretty shallow deadrise. You need at least 20 degrees and should go with some sort of standard V hull with a deck boat type lay-out. The difference in comfort between 15 degrees and 20 degrees is substantial. There are quite a few like that out there, and there are some affordable models too.<br /><br />If budget wasn't an issue I'd go with a Cat.<br /><br />BTW, welcome to Iboats.<br /><br />P.S. I just checked on Hurricane's site and they don't even publish deadrise. Tells me they know that it will cause some buyers to look elsewhere. Not slamming them, I am sure they are great on flat water.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Inlet's are like women... They are all different and can be very unpredictable. <br /><br />I have taken my 2004, 205 Bayliner (20' Bowrider) off the coast of NJ in conditions you describe and had no problems. Keep an eye on the weather, tide and wind conditions. Also, talk to people who have used the inlets you plan to use. <br /><br />I have turned around on many occasions and spent the day on the ICW because it was too rough in the inlet/ocean.

 

[Big Foot]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Have you looked at the dual consoles? They are more seaworthy than deckboats.<br /><br /> http://www.aquasport.com/Boats/Boats_Detail.asp?s=7&b=134 <br /> http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Rec/default.asp?content=boats&family=ventura&number=210&type=Ventura <br /> http://www.cobiaboats.com/types_of_boats/dual_console/215dc.html <br /> http://www.gradywhite.com/225/ <br /> http://www.mako-boats.com/boat/index.cfm?fuseaction=boat.specs&nav=221&boat=1682 <br /> http://www.prolineboats.com/series/sport/22dcsport.html <br /> http://www.robalo.com/r227.asp <br /> http://www.seahuntboats.com/05e220.html <br /> http://www.scoutboats.com/models/222dorado.html <br /> http://www.seaswirl.com/Boats/Boats_Detail.asp?bid=461 <br /> http://www.wellcraft.com/Boats/Boats_Detail.asp?c=3&b=223

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Hi Eddiefebuary.. I think you'd do ok with the Hurricane in the ICW and even out thru palm beach (lake worth) inlet out to the ocean to go piddle around by the Breakers or off Singer island on a calm day.. <br /><br />Might want to install a larger bilge pump, and install an auxillury bilge pump (or two) as well... You can never have too much pumping capacity.. <br /><br />If you do decide to venture out on the big pond, even if staying close to shore, get a VHF radio.. A good handheld radio would do... <br /><br />Like Big Foot said, even on a flat day, Palm beach inlet can be a nasty place.. Lots of boat traffic and fast currents can make navigating the inlet trickey on a glass flat day.. Slow down, wait if necessary, watch, choose your course, then proceed.. <br /> Palm beach inlet web cam <br /><br />Running Jupiter inlet, for a newbee with family aboard, I would'nt advise it.. In fact, forget it... (no offense) .. It's unpredictable, and at times it requires you to be commited to running thru it.. No turning back mid-way.. Outgoing tide and east swells (even 1-3 feet) create standing waves in Jupiter inlet quite often.. Standing waves will make even the crusty old salts uneasy... <br /> Jupiter inlet web cam <br /> <br />Keep a watchful eye on the weather while you're out there.. Them thunder-boomers can come up fast and in a matter of minutes they'll kick up a sea (or the ICW for that matter) that you don't want no part of...<br /><br />Let us know how your boat shopping goes.. Hope to see you out there... <br /><br />Eddie.. Big Foot.. My boats name is "Spare Parts".. I moniter VHF channel 16, always.. Holler if you see me..

 

[jeffmcc]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

hey eddie i have a four winns 214 funship my boat is similiar to a hurricane i have 20 degree deadrise ilive in wilmington nc and travel the intracoastal and go out our inlet wich is a dangerous inlet depending on tide the boat works geat takes waves very well and cuts through chop great im sure the gulf is much more calm and the tides are not as strong but i dont know the only draw back to this boat is the bow sits close to the water if you take a couple of good waves in a row and to juice the motor to get the bow up it will take in some water any ways thinking about relocating to sw florida port charlotte area any good pointers you or anybody could give me would be helpful

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Going through any inlet in south Florida is not for any newbe in any boat in my opinion. With experience and on the right day with wind and tide in your favor the passage can be made safely.<br /><br />I don't know the Hurricane but any boat with an open bow is subject to getting swamped when you hit that point where tide and off shore water meet.<br /><br />Ah but you might say that you have seen many make the passage very comfortably and perhaps you can too. Lets say for the heck of it that you do and are out for a couple of hours and it is now time to come back. What???? The conditions have changed?? The wind has picked up a tad and the tide changed - - - The point is you need to know what you are doing to do it safely.

 

[eddiefebuary]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. I think the majority say that I should stay away from the Hurricane. <br />I appreciate the input and will keep searching.

 

[KCook]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

As Big Foot showed, there are plenty of Dual Console models in the same size range. May be priced higher than a Hurricane though.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

I was looking at a Hurricane at one time, but I changed my mind because they just seemed to ride too low in the water - not enough free board. If you look at other models like the Sea Ray and the Chaparral, you'll see how much higher they sit. I'm sure the water is rougher over on your side, so I would not go with the Hurricane.

 

[reference123]

Re: Hurricane deckboats in open ocean?

I realize you may have already made your decision but if not, here is my 2 cents. We purchased a Rinker Deckboat last year. It has been wonderful. It handles chop very very well and makes a great family boat. <br /><br />It sits high out of the water and has a full windshield (in fact ours has a full canopy as well that we can snap on to the windshield, bimini, and sides of the boat).<br /><br />We have had the boat fully loaded with 12 adults and still have the power to do any water sport as well as ride comfortably across chop at a good clip. While it is more of a suburban than a sport boat, I have not found another type of boat that is as good of an all around boat as a good deckboat.