very boater dreams of finding a boat that has it all—functionality, deluxe features, performance capabilities, and let’s not forget the look. No one wants to sacrifice aesthetics and comfort for the sake of durability or practicality.
Well, we’ve found a boat that really does have it all. With the Hurricane SunDeck 235-OB, you don’t have to sacrifice anything on your dream list. We were immediately impressed with the high-end vibe of this boat.
The PDB staff tested the SunDeck 235-OB this fall and we weren’t disappointed. Truthfully, you wouldn’t be either if you took this for a ride.
PDB Executive Editor Brady Kay—our longstanding expert on boats that really make the cut—can’t say enough good things about Hurricane’s impact on the deck boat industry.
“The Hurricane name as well as the SunDeck brand have been staples in this industry forever,” he said. “The SunDeck is an extremely popular boat all over the country for good reason. People want quality, comfort and performance, and they want it in a boat that looks classic and sharp. With the SunDeck as well as the rest of the Hurricane lineup, this level of quality is standard.”
Loaded With Amenities
The SunDeck 235 is optimized with a host of customizable features that make for a truly curated experience on the water. One of the first things we noticed was the walkthrough windshield that can be closed off for more protection from the wind or kept open for more accessibility. Going even beyond function, the black finish on the windshield frame adds a classy touch that keeps the whole frame looking polished.
We also appreciated the posh and classic theme of the shadow gray exterior and cognac vinyl seating with charcoal accents all brought together. The seating made us think of a great pair of leather boots that can class up any attire—exactly what the cognac and charcoal color choice does for this boat.
The customization options of this boat go far beyond colors, however. Walter Ross, director of product management and marketing at Hurricane Boats, spoke with enthusiasm about the myriad of features on the SunDeck 235 and the versatility of its overall design.
“This is a really well-designed boat,” he said. “You’ve got the optional Fusion sound system for a great entertaining experience and also the 7-inch Garmin display. And since this is a windshield boat with a dodger door, you have the option to close the area off and bring even greater protection from the weather. And of course there’s the Porta-Potty option with a nice changing room/head compartment, which you don’t normally find on a boat this size. It’s a great feature, especially for someone with a family.”
We share Walter’s enthusiasm for these things and noted other features as well, pretty much everywhere we looked. Under one seat, we found a wet storage compartment with a drain-out for easy cleaning that would be perfect for storing ice and drinks for a day trip, though it could certainly be used for dry storage as well. Really we found storage compartments everywhere we looked, especially under the seats. We also found lots of cupholders.
We were very appreciative of the ergonomic handlebars on the backs of all the seats, which made it easy to stand up and get our balance when we moved around the boat. And we loved the telescoping ski/tow pylon that can easily be pushed down into recessed storage when not in use. The anchor and ladder locker is also a great bonus, as well as the livewell/cooler combo. For a boat of its size, the SunDeck 235 really blew us away with just how packed with amenities it really is. Clearly versatility and function were major priorities in the design of this boat.
In addition to the numerous thoughtful amenities on this boat, we love how spacious it is. Walter explained some of the reasons behind the extra space in this boat.
“The SunDeck 235-OB was designed for a little bit heavier water than the normal Hurricane, so we wanted high sides on it and we wanted a different running surface. We made it bigger for taking on bigger waters,” he explained.
We all noted how roomy the boat is and were also struck by its depth, which is, of course, what makes it possible for this boat to have such a large head compartment. We also like the large ski locker in the floor for storing towables and other water toys.
The ample seating—which is very comfortable and easy to keep clean—is a great feature. We could definitely see how this boat would be great for a large family or a large group of friends looking for a good time. And even for smaller groups, the spacious interior is perfect for a lucky few to stretch out and really soak up some rays.
One of our favorite features of this boat has to be the spacious swim deck. With enough space to change in and out of wet gear or take a break from a swim, this space is perfect for a large group having a good time playing at the sandbar or anchored in a cove. It provides enough space to deal with dripping toys and gear before climbing back into the boat so that everyone isn’t bringing all the water back in with them.
Thoughtful Design & Details
In the end, we were thoroughly impressed with this boat, but it was the finer details and careful design that really took it to the top for us. We love the finishing detail of the MarineMat flooring and the way it tied the whole boat together (not to mention it is durable and easy to clean). The clean look of the finished fiberglass throughout the boat also really gave it a feeling of being the top of its class. We felt pampered. We also appreciated the easy-to-clean cupholders.
Walter shared what makes this boat different from the rest in all the best ways.
“This boat is a bridge between small boats and big boats,” he said. “You’re going to get into some areas with the SunDeck 235-OB that you’d never get into with a smaller boat. It’s really designed for coastal waters as well as fresh water lakes, Great Lakes, areas like that. It’s trailerable, yet it gives you that big water ride. This boat is something special. It’s one of the best boats we’ve come out with in a long time.”