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Hurricane 232: Open Season

Get out there.

Hitting the throttle on the Hurricane Fundeck 232 GS sent a rush of wind through my hair. Depending on your attitude, that’s either a plus or minus. The Fundeck 232 GS, by Godfrey Marine, is the Hurricane line’s open model, more suited to leisurely cruising and entertaining than the company’s performance-oriented Sundeck 237 ($39,131 with a 260-hp MerCruiser) or any other deckboat with a windshield. Both tow skiers and can entertain large parties. So it comes down to layout: a wide open party platform or a windshielded sportboat. If you think the first option is up your alley, then take the Fundeck 232 GS for a spin.

With a hull that flattens to just 12 ½ degrees of deadrise at the transom, the Fundeck 232 GS’ chief attribute is stability, whether at rest or cruising. Pack the 25-quart cooler and host a floating picnic. For a smoother ride in a chop, check out the Ebbtide 2400 SC ($36,525 with a 260-hp MerCruiser), which has 16 degrees of transom deadrise, or the Crownline 238 DB ($39,209 with the 260-hp MerCruiser), which has 15 degrees at the transom.

All three boats have spacious cockpits with L-shaped benches curving along the port side and the transom. The Fundeck 232 GS has the best water access, with a large 2’10”-by-1’3″ bow swim platform. However, the engine hatch is built into the aft platform, which cramps play space. Both the 2400 SC and 238 DB have unrestricted aft platforms but less cockpit area.

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On the water, the Fundeck 232 GS’ flat hull helps it zip onto plane in 3.2 seconds with little bowrise. It’s predictable in turns but, naturally, doesn’t get as much bite on the water as a boat with a deeper V. While underway, passengers can grab onto quality 316L-grade stainless-steel railings along the aft cockpit gunwales and around the bow cockpit.

The Fundeck 232 GS’ head is 3’8″ tall, nice for a 23′ boat but not as spacious as the 238 DB’s 3’11” head. For stowage, the Fundeck 232 GS has lined bins under the aft benches and a dedicated spot to stow the cockpit table. The piano-hinged flip-out hatch on the port bench is awkward to reach around. The unlined speckle-finished ski locker in the bow sole swallows both skis and wakeboards.

Want to fish? The 2400 SC comes with a starboard under-gunwale rodrack and two optional fishing chairs ($500), but the Fundeck 232 GS has a better package-two bow chairs, a circulating livewell, rodholders, tackle drawers, an extra battery tray, and a trolling motor plug, all for $704. With no windshield, there’s plenty of casting space.

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LAST WORD. The wide, flat hull and traditional layout make this a stable, open party platform.

LOA…….23’2″ ** **

Beam…..8’6″ ** **

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Draft…..2’11” ****

Displacement (lbs., approx.)..3,010 ****

Transom deadrise……12 1/2°

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Bridge clearance…5’8″

Minimum cockpit depth…..2’6″

Max. headroom..3’8″

Fuel capacity (gal.)………..61 ****

Water capacity (gal.)………..2.5

Price (w/standard power)…….$37,634 ****

Price (w/test power)…….$37,634

STANDARD POWER: Single 260-hp MerCruiser 5.7L EFI Bravo Three V-8 gasoline stern drive.

OPTIONAL POWER: Single MerCruiser gasoline stern drive to 310 hp.

TEST BOAT POWER: Single 260-hp MerCruiser 5.7L EFI Bravo Three V-8 gasoline stern drive with 350 cid, 4.00″ bore x 3.48″ stroke, swinging a 14 1/4″ x 19″ three-bladed ss prop through a 2.2:1 reduction.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT (major items): AM/FM cassette stereo w/2 speakers; power steering; 12-volt power outlet; five 8″ ss cleats; Bimini top; ss ski-tow-eye; stern cockpit table; insulated 25-qt. removable cooler; ss 3-step telescoping ladder for bow and stern; auto. bilge pump.

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