Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

[Indy Boater]

Anyone have an opinion on the Godfrey Marine Hurricane Sundeck 217 and the Chaparrel 212 or 234 deck boats regarding reliability, performance, service and resale?

 

[MrBill]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

Went to the Boat Show last night and looked at both. I would be happy with either, but tended to like the Huricane. Unfortunately, Hurricane did not have I/O models on-hand, and the dealer was pushing the OB's to the hilt. I think I'd want to stay with the I/O, if for no other reason than I've had one for the last 20 years, and I would want the extended swim platform.<br /><br />The Chapparal tends to be a bit more rounded and seems like it may handle more like a runabout. It's the interior layout and seating of the Hurricane that I liked, it's wider up front...great for practical use, a hindrance in style, and I think the full windshield is an option I want to stick with. Both are great boats that are very comparable. If I do follow through...it will be a difficult choice and price and service offerings will be a big factor.

 

[Indy Boater]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

Thanks MrBill for your reply. I went back to the boat show today and added to my confusion. I looked at a Kayot V220 and S230 deck boats along with the Sea Ray and Cobalt lines. Big price difference with these two though. Any experience with the Kayots?

 

[MrBill]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

I too, added to the confusion. After the note to you...I pulled out the brochures that I got last night and also went to the Hurricane and Chapparel web sites. I am hooked on the Chaparrel styling and looks, but like some of the Hurricane layout and...the dealer seems better.<br /><br />I have never dealt with or owned Kayot, and do not know any owners.

 

[KCook]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

Chaparrals are finished nicer than Hurricanes. Which should help their resale. Also means Chaps usually cost more in the first place.<br /><br />Hurricane has plenty of experience with I/O boats. That this one dealer had only OB boats was the dealer's choice.<br /><br />Good analysis by MrBill on the design differences. The Hurricanes are more toward fishing and water sports with modest power. The deeper hull on the Chap will need a little more power but ride better. So the Chap scores for cruising.<br /><br />Kayots are also finished nicer than Hurricane, but may not be as expensive as Chap. Depends on your dealers. Kayot does not sell nearly as many boats, very rare to see posts by Kayot owners. But here is one - Deck boat for fresh and salt water use <br /><br />And here is another (long) thread on deckboat selection -<br /><br /> BoatingABC.com » ... » Help With Deck Boat Selection <br /><br />Try to arrange test rides,<br />Kelly Cook

 

[wasjr]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

I have had a great experience with my Hurricane 248. It is essentially a Sundeck series, without the windshield. Very solid. I have 5.7 Merc which will move the 24 ft boat, 63 gal of gas, 17 gal of water, gear, and passengers at 45+ mph(on gps) if need be.<br />I believe that Hurricane is the only mfg to offer all models in both outboard or I/O. They sell a lot of boats for saltwater use. When I was looking, what sold me on Hurricane was the layout and the experience of the company in building deck boats. Also, the inablility to find a used Hurricane led me to believe that there were many satisfied owners.<br />I am now considering a Sundeck 217 or 237 with an outboard. Due to varying weather here in TN, there have been several days during the winter when we could have taken the boat out, but with it winterized on a lift, not worth the hassle.

 

[airman]

Re: Godfrey Hurricane vs Chaparral

Take a look at "Brand new boat listing to port". Probably relevant to your decision...