INDEPENDENT BOAT TEST RESULTS |
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If you're like me, the phrase "deck boat" brings back childhood images of trolling about slowly on the lake while learning to drown worms with your granddad. The entire lake may as well have been a no-wake zone for all the speed that old log-boat could muster. Good times, nice memories--but not exactly hair-raising excitement.
Stepping on board a Godfrey Hurricane quickly blew those cobwebby recollections right out the other ear. Since 1974, Godfrey Marine has been building the Hurricane, a multi-purpose deck-style boat. Today, Hurricane is said to be the best-selling deck boat line in the world, and Godfrey is introducing a number of new models for 1999. In particular, the outboard-powered Hurricane FunDeck 170 caught our eye. Hurricane has been offering the spry 170 in a sterndrive version, but is responding to outboard fans with this new model for '99. A matter of size The FunDeck 170 is the smallest boat in the Hurricane line, but it's not little. At 16 feet, 9 inches long stem to stern, with a 7-foot, 1-inch beam, the 170 seats seven, with a maximum weight of 985 pounds.
The captain's chair swivels and is adjustable, and all seating is well padded and covered by 30-ounce expanded vinyl. Expanded vinyl has a knit backing which helps it recover its shape quicker and resist puddling. It is also more scuff-resistant than non-woven vinyl.
On the port side, between the two seating sections and set in a cutout, is a 25-quart cooler. Storage space on the 170 is generous for a boat of its size. Under each seat cushion, fore and aft, are compartments for gear. There's an in-floor ski locker, and ample helm locker that can handle a stack of PFD's. The helm station storage compartment also provides easy access to behind-the-dash wiring. Hull and Deck Design The hull and hand-laid fiberglass with a double layer of woven roving that extends all the way up to the gunwale for added strength. Featuring level-flotation foam filling and four-stringer (pressure-treated wood) support system, the 170's hull is a V-bottom with full-length strakes, wide chines for a dry ride, and an 18-degree deadrise at the transom.
The non-skid bow deck contains an anchor locker suitable for the dimensions of the boat. A single scupper at the aft end of the fully fiberglass-lined sole drains the cockpit, and the 170 can be ordered with an optional ($175) snap-in carpet kit. All Hurricane FunDecks are offered with a non-skid surface on the floor of the cockpit and optional snap-in carpets. Stainless steel hardware is used at the deck and hull joint. Deck rails are 1-inch stainless steel, and the stern-mounted boarding ladder and 4-inch deck cleats are stainless, too. The helm features an anti-feedback steering system, and a faux woodgrain instrument panel with a speed and fuel gauge as standard. A 50-watt, AM/FM stereo cassette with two speakers and circuit breaker panel also are standard.
Customary equipment such as an automatic bilge pump, navigation lights in stainless steel housings, and interior courtesy lights are standard on the Hurricane FunDeck 170 outboard model. A color-coordinated mooring cover ($425) and canopy ($350) are among the options. Color and gelcoat options for the boat are green/shale or blue/shale. A depthfinder can also be ordered. Our test unit came equipped with the instrument package upgrade (a must have, in our opinion), including a tach, voltmeter and hour meter. There are two more open positions for additional instruments--a digital depthfinder comes with the fish package. The fishing package ($425) includes a trolling motor plug, bow fishing seat, livewell with pump, and an extra battery tray. Performance and Handling The FunDeck 170 we tested was powered by a Yamaha 75, and Godfrey rates the boat for a maximum of 115 hp. Almost immediately, we determined that while the boat was powered well enough for pleasure cruising, a 90 or 100hp outboard would have to be the choice for anyone who wanted to ski or carry large parties.
Powered by the 75hp engine turning a 17-inch three-blade aluminum propeller, and loaded with two adults, the FunDeck 170 pushed a top speed of 38 mph. If you add an observer and ski gear for three persons, the Yamaha 75 running wide open would barely keep the boat moving at optimum skiing speeds. With two adults aboard the 1450-pound (dry weight) boat, we recorded a 0-to-30 mph time of 7.5 seconds--placing two more adults in the boat added another two full seconds to the time. The boat planed at somewhere between 3 and 4 seconds, depending on the motor trim setting. The handling characteristics of the FunDeck 170 proved exceptional, which made the lackluster acceleration with the 75 easily forgivable. The boat handled other craft's wakes or mild chop comfortably, and the short length of the hull provided energetic maneuverability and turn-on-a-dime cornering that would be lost if the boat were any larger or heavier. Player with character We found the Godfrey FunDeck 170 O/B to be a great choice for a couple or a young family who are looking for a deck-style boat. Its cockpit layout is well thought out; and the boat is roomy, especially for a craft just shy of 17 feet. Steering response is immediate, giving the boat a high-spirited character and making it fun to drive. It is compact easy to tow, launch, and drive; yet roomy enough to invite friends out for a day of cruising, fishing or skiing without feeling cramped. The FunDeck 170 O/B is stylish, versatile, and with 100 hp worth of juice, will be a lively player.
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An L-shaped aft lounge comfortably seats three, or two, if one passenger wants to recline. The bow seating is arranged in a punctuated J-shape. A non-padded section up front is used for the optional livewell and as a step to the bow deck. Three more adults can be pleasantly accommodated in the bow seats.
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