Known for their popular deck boats, Hurricane’s lineup of boats has often been praised for their quality and affordability. Well built and designed, Hurricane boats are well suited for recreational activities like fishing and watersports.
While reliable, there have been some reported issues with the manufacturing quality of these vessels.
One can easily find these boats in Noth East Florida and being a reputable brand, Hurricanes can be reliable when taken care of properly. Owners must, however, be aware of the potential problems and take extra caution to ensure their safety on the water.
Stability in choppy waters, bad wiring, underpowered engines, and water damage have been common issues reported by owners of Hurricane boats.
These problems can be incredibly dangerous and hazardous to the safety of those on board.
Let us now look in detail at the potential issues that can arise with these vessels:
Stability in Choppy Waters
If you are boating in a small lake or a pond with little to no waves, then you will be perfectly alright with your Hurricane boat. However, it is important to note that these boats are not designed for rougher waters and may not handle choppy water very well.
Many owners find a hard time controlling the boat in choppy waters and often lack the necessary stability. The structure shakes and wobbles and can become difficult to control.
This issue has been reported by multiple owners, leading to concerns about the stability of Hurricane boats in rougher conditions.
The deck boats in particular have been reported to have issues with stability. However, with time Hurricane seems to have resolved this issue by strengthening the hull and improving the design.
Questionable Seaworthiness
Most captains find that the boat is not truly seaworthy, and is best used in calmer waters. The hull of these boats is weaker compared to other manufacturers, and they do not handle heavier loads as well as some of their competitors.
The exposed metals on the boat are prone to corroding due to saltwater exposure. This has resulted in reports of rust and corrosion being found in many Hurricane boats, especially in areas with high salt concentrations.
Corroding grab rails and steps can be hazardous for those on board and pose a risk to safety. It is important that these areas are regularly checked for corrosion as part of an overall maintenance routine.
Underpowered Engines
Hurricane boats come equipped with standard Yamaha engines, which are known to provide good performance and reliability. However, some owners have reported the motors to be underpowered for their boats, leading to sluggish performance.
The engine may not have enough power to handle the size of the vessel, resulting in poor speed and handling.
People looking for watersports activities will face disappointment with these engines, as they are simply not capable of reaching the necessary speeds.
With more drag, fuel efficacy will always be in question, and this can be problematic, especially for those who use the boat for long-distance cruising.
Bad Wiring and Electrical Issues
The most common issue reported by owners of Hurricane boats is electrical issues. The wiring in these vessels has been known to fail and cause problems with the boat’s systems.
The issues range from loose electrical connections, blown fuses, and even complete system failure. Console switches going bad is a common issue, as these are known to be cheaply put together.
Inline fuses are hard to be found and no circuit breakers are available, making it difficult to find the source of any electrical problem. Some owners have even reported having to replace their wiring and console panels due to these issues.
It is important for all owners of Hurricane boats to inspect their wiring periodically as part of a routine maintenance plan.
Bilge Problems
Another common issue reported by owners is the failure of their bilge pumps to function properly. The pumps are prone to clog, and it is not uncommon for debris or other unwanted material to get stuck inside them.
This can lead to water accumulating in the boat, which can be incredibly dangerous.
Inspecting and cleaning the bilge regularly is a must for all boat owners. It is also important to check the bilge pumps for any clogs or blockages, and replace them as needed.
Non-Working Livewells
Livewells are a common feature on boats, and Hurricane boats have them. However, they may not work as expected due to poor design or incorrect wiring.
Some owners reported that their Livewells were simply non-functional when they purchased their boat.
Livewells are responsible for maintaining a certain temperature and oxygen level in the water, so any malfunction can be detrimental to the health of your catch. It is important to test them regularly and make sure they are working correctly.
It is essential to inspect the Livewell system before buying a vessel to make sure it is working properly.
If the Livewell does not appear to be working, then there may be an issue with the wiring or plumbing that needs to be addressed before buying the boat.
Faulty Drains
The port side drains on many Hurricane boats can be faulty and result in water not draining properly. This can cause standing water to accumulate, which is hazardous for those on board.
Drains are responsible for keeping the bilge of a boat dry, and any failing drains can lead to water damage. It is important to check all drains for proper functioning as part of an overall routine maintenance plan.
Faulty drains can lead to water seeping inside the boat and damage the electronics and other components. Replacing faulty drains or fixing any clogs should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vessel.
Hull Delamination
This is not a brand-specific issue, but it is an issue that many boat owners face. Hull delamination can occur when layers of the hull separate due to water seeping in between them.
This can lead to structural damage and even complete failure of the vessel if left unchecked.
Fiberglass boat hull tends to be the most vulnerable to this issue and it is important for all boat owners to inspect their hull regularly.
Signs of delamination can include a soft or spongy feeling in the hull, odd noises coming from the boat when moving, and visible cracks and blisters on the surface of the fiberglass.
It is important to fix any signs of delamination as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vessel. Replacing a delaminated hull can be costly, so it is best to inspect and repair any issues with the hull before they become too severe.
Gelcoat Crazing
Gelcoat crazing is a common problem on many boats, and Hurricane boats are no exception. Crazing can occur when the gelcoat has been exposed to UV light for extended periods of time and the surface starts to become brittle and crack.
It is important to inspect your boat regularly for any signs of crazing, as it can lead to damage and deterioration of the hull.
In some cases, it can be repaired by sanding down the affected area and reapplying more gelcoat. However, if the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to replace sections of the hull.
Low Resale Value
Hurricane boats tend to have a low resale value due to their age and general wear and tear. This can make it difficult for owners who are looking to sell their vessels, as buyers may be reluctant to purchase an older boat.
It is important to keep boats in good condition and perform routine maintenance in order to maximize the potential resale value.
Regular cleaning and polishing of the boat will help to keep it looking newer for longer, which can be a big factor in resale prices. Ultimately, if you’re looking to buy or sell a Hurricane boat, it is important to be aware of its common issues in order to make an informed decision.
Conclude:
In conclusion, there are a few common issues that can arise with Hurricane boats, including faulty Livewells, drains, hull delamination, Gelcoat crazing, and low resale value. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before making a purchase and for existing owners to maintain their vessels in order to keep it in the best condition possible. Taking the necessary steps to address any issues with a Hurricane boat can help to ensure that it remains seaworthy and safe for years to come.
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
