Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

[Molelisa]

We have been boat shopping and have to decide between 2 deckboats, a 99 Sea Ray Sundeck or a 00 Hurricane 248GS . We know the Sea Ray has an excellent reputation and builds a strong boat, but don't know much about the Hurricane. Anyone have any info? We would appreciate any feedback, advice, etc. Thanks!

 

[boatneck]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

We just bought a 2001 Hurricane 188GS fundeck and are very happy with it. It has a Yamaha 115 4 stroke and planes well, stays dry and appears to be well made and nicely outfitted with useful options. Can't comment on Sea Ray other than it is a popular boat with a good reputation.

 

[JimH]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

It's a question of what you are going to be happy with (IE what's most important to you!) I bought a 99 248 (my brother bought a 00 Sea Ray). I (we) chose the Hurricane because of the overall value and amenities. It also helped that 2 other families (whom we respect and have gobs of cash to buy a Sea Ray or whatever) had a terrific experience with their 232 Hurricanes. Overall I'm happy. We had a problem with the hull cap at the port gangway door. It had cracked right through the glass on a trip over 3-5' seas. The dealer was very good about backing the product and we accepted a faultless repair. Initially we found a few problems and the dealer corrected them with no fuss. So the service was great. I got to speak personally with Godfrey's pres. at the St Pete boat show (1 yr after purchase) and he commented that I had a great dealer and that he'd back the product no matter what the issue. Conclusion: Great service - but maybe justified considering the number of problems. If I had to do again, I'd consider a Godfrey marine product - but I'd not choose the Hurricane. It rides reasonably well and gets up easy! But it's not the best at making way under a heavy chop or in bigger seas (unless you like to crawl home). I'd consider any Sea Ray a step up - also in $! My brother’s boat has been flawless. It's fit, finish, etc. are definitely above that of the 'cane (but he chucked out more green than I for a smaller boat and he can't get a hole shot like mine in spite of more power!) The 'cane has a great hull for getin' on plane and requires little effort. The trade-off is in the less-than-desirable ride!<br />I'm a picky guy. To me - it has to be right. So maybe I'm harsh on my boat maker - but it's tough to part with that much cash. One thing I'd add is that if you are a fresh-water (read calm lakes) boater, then the ride considerations are moot. Get the Hurricane in that case. If you are a salty dawg like me and my bros. - then I'd have to advise the Sea Ray if you got the green - but the 'cane is a great 2nd choice.<br />

 

[chpearce]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

Both Hurricane and Sea Ray products are top notch. Biggest difference on most larger models is power source. Hurricane are generally powered by pre-packed outboards and Sea Ray goes with the MerCruiser products. Perhaps a closer look at the power plant will help you make up your mind.

 

[cooksend]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

Do yourself a favor and check out the Crownline deck boats. They are superior to both of the products that you have mentioned with a reasonable price tag. Once a Crownie always a Crownie.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

Molelisa.<br /><br />Won't say I know the only truth in this world, just want to tell you my experience after 34 years of boating:<br /><br />6 boats of varying sizes, i/o's, single and twin installs and outboards made me choose a Sea Ray w/ Mercury because after doing my homework it really suited my needs.<br />Sea Ray was chosen for their very good quality all-in-all, Mercury because my previous experience was in their favor. I got it new in 1991 and never had one single problem (apart from the Richie compass' spirit evaporating). It still looks and performs like the day I got it. Alone it's behaviour when people move around in it (be it at still or under way) shows that it's stable and safe beyond the majority of other brands - even when compared to larger boats.<br /><br />You can see from these posts that Sea Ray is more expensive - still offering good value.<br /><br />So, if you can/will pay the price, go for the SR.

 

[KCook]

Re: Help! Sea Ray or Hurricane?

^