INDEPENDENT BOAT TEST RESULTS |
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January/February 1999 |
Even after driving hundreds of boats throughout the year, there is still room for pleasant surprises. The Hurricane 237 FunDeck is one of them. Crossing the wind-whipped lake toward the leeward testing area, the 237 held its own zero protest. It didn't wander with the wind, pull or pound mercilessly. At a high cruising speed in some pretty big water, the 237 stayed glued to the surface and tracked effortlessly through the turns. It's apparent that the 237 is a product of Godfrey Marine's 40 years experience building pontoon and deck boats exclusively.
Helping keep clean-up and maintenance easy, the 237 features a self-bailing fiberglass deck with optional snap-in carpeting, which covers the whole floor, including the helm area. The floor beneath the helm is gently angled, giving the driver an ergonomically correct place to put his feet. Instrumentation is laid out in such a way that all are visible no matter which tilt position the wheel is in. An AM/FM stereo cassette is within easy reach, as are all auxiliary controls such as bilge and light switches. Some features show that a lot of forethought went into building the 237. For example, the sink is located behind the driver's seat, which means you can use it while the boat is in motion. Three cupholders surround the sink area, and the large changing room/head compartment on port side is there when you need it.
The 237 also looks a little more contemporary than a lot of deck boats that focus more on function rather than form. The full wraparound windshield angles back to give the boat more of a runabout look. Beneath the windshield, the bow-seat backrests also are angled, providing a comfortable place for front passengers to recline. Water access is easy, thanks to bow and stern ladders that conceal neatly into the deck. The stern platform also comes standard with a rack to hold fenders, a neat feature because they stow out of the way yet also within easy reach. Up front, the bow platform is equipped with an anchor locker and docking lights. The lights are mounted toward the rear of the platform and out of the way of boarding passengers. The bow platform is also where the optional fishing seats mount. Our test boat came with the fishing package, which included two fishing seats, a livewell and rod holders. It also comes with a trolling motor plug, an extra battery tray and tackle trays built into the step to the bow platform.
Weighing in at 3,080 pounds, the 237 scampers to a top speed of 44 mph at 5,200 rpm with a 200-hp Yamaha bolted to the transom. Godfrey also rigs the 237 for Mercury and OMC engines. At 75-percent throttle, it clips along at 32 mph, which is about the boat's ideal cruising speed. At those speeds, the 237 registers 83 decibels at the helm, making it one of the quietest boats in our tests. In standard trim, the 237 is handsomely equipped with such amenities as a Sunbrella convertible top, a cocktail table and oversize cupholders throughout the cabin. Outboard-equipped models come filled with hydraulic steering, which is part of why the boat handles so easily. Ample lined storage under seats, midship cleats and an adjustable helm seat make the 237 easy to use, dock and maneuver--rain or shine. Our testers can attest to that with the authority of experience.
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