Posted: May 31 2008 at 12:09 | IP Logged

Hi,

I am getting ready to go from my 1991 HydraSport 1850 Center Console to a deckboat. (Yep, got married!)  I am looking at the new Sun Deck 24' with the new hull design.   I basically have two questions.

First, a friend who really does know suggests that Hurricane is by far the best choice due to the fact that most other manufacturers, including Sea Ray and Four Winns, simply are not built to the same quality of a Hurricane.  The question here is has anyone else heard this?

Second, when purchasing new, how much negotiating room is there from the dealer's first quote?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Brad

Posted: June 03 2008 at 20:18 | IP Logged

Hi Reg,

Thanks for the reply.  I will actually be using the boat in the intracoastal waterway in saltwater, and plan on using a Yamaha 250 o/b.  I did have a dealer try very hard to sell me an Azure, but know nothing about them.   Plan on doing my research.  I think it will be tough to talk me out of a Hurricane.

Thanks again.

bb

Posted: July 03 2009 at 12:16 | IP Logged

I recently purchased the 216 Fundeck and absolutely love it.  I'm out of Atlantic Beach NC and also use the ICW.  I don't think anything compares (certainly not a pontoon of any kind)...it's a REAL boat and great for shallower water.  Love the way it handles! 

The dealer may have an incentive on the Azures from the Mfg., so follow your instincts.  Did a lot of research prior to.  Was considering the 24, but opted for the 216 for several reasons.  If you go to the Godfrey (Mfg) website and look closesly, you'll see that the "playpen" area is the same on both...only difference is that the 24 has an extended bow deck and is heavier, requiring much more HP.  I was able to cut costs with the 216 because all it needed was a Yamaha 150, which has a top end of 60 MPH with 2 on board.  The 150 is much cheaper to operate. 

As for negotiating, my experience is not much room because Hurricanes are selling (for a reason).  Also, there aren't a lot of dealers because they all have very large, exclusive territories.  If you have a favorite boat dealer, see if he has a relationship with the local franchise...he may be able to get a discount and pass it on to you. Make sure you look at all the options!!! There are many you might want that may not be on a showroom model. (Like hydrolic steering...a must) I passed up the "need it now" impulse and ordered mine.  Only took 3.5 weeks to deliver and I got what I want.

Good luck with your search.  If you're in the AB area and would like to put your hands on one, you're welcome to see mine and I'd be glad to take you on a cruise