Hurricane SS 203 Crossfire

June 2015 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

Even the name sounds sporty on the brand-new Crossfire model that is fully loaded and has a lot going for it. Designed to be a performer, we absolutely love the look of the solid wakeboard tower that flows perfectly with the layout of the boat.

The Highlights

Starting with the massive wakeboard tower that includes side racks for your boards, it’s important to note that it can easily fold down for trailering or storage purposes yet is solid enough that it can stay up. There are also a couple of tower speakers, which are part of the Wet Sounds system that comes with a subwoofer and amp.

The black and grey exterior graphics—with the blue Crossfire logo on the side—tie in perfectly with the tower. Many boat owners choose to have their outboards painted after they purchase a boat, but Hurricane actually offers this as an option through their dealers and on this specific model the Yamaha 200 is color-matched to the rest of the boat. We love the added touch this brings to the overall feel.

At the helm, even the windshield is blue to help keep the look all tied in. As for the actual console, the large multi-function gauges are easy-to-read and there is even a place for an optional GPS if you choose to upgrade. If we had to be picky, with the built-in spot on the dash already in place, a GPS unit really should come standard because without one, the console feels like something is missing. Other than that, it’s truly amazing how many standard features are already included on this new model.

For the captain, the plush helm seat has a flip-up bolster plus movable arm rests and because it does slide, swivel and recline the driver can truly get comfortable.

The self-bailing deck has a great non-skid floor as well as an over six-foot long in-floor storage locker that is fiberglass lined. Across from the helm is a sink with a hand-held sprayer and below is a portable cooler that is easily accessible.

In the stern there are a couple of different storage options, which are ideal for wet items like ski ropes. The telescoping three-step boarding ladder provides solid handrails at the top and reaches nearly three feet into the water when open.

Other key features worth noting: there are blue LED accent lights located throughout the interior of the boat, plus a nice Ice Blue LED ring around the rubrail.

Inspection Notes

Below deck the long strakes allow for truer tracking and you can really feel this in the tight turns. The fiberglass V-hull is well-constructed and overall we consider this to be a safe, family-friendly design.

Inside the cockpit near the helm, the sides measure a family-friendly height of 26 inches tall, which also helped contribute to its high safety rating.

Performance Evaluation

With the SeaStar hydraulic steering, the V-hull easily dives into sharp turns for a fun and exhilarating thrill ride. With the Yamaha 200hp four-stroke—the maximum horsepower on this model—you can truly feel the power when you put the throttle down.

Our Take

A great design only works if it’s well-executed and that’s the case with this Crossfire. A lot of thought went into the layout and the added attention to detail is amazing. She performs as sporty as she looks and in the end having a comfortable boat that is fun to drive is really what it’s all about.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 10

Maximum Speed 46.1 mph

Wild Ponies 200 hp

No. of Gates 0

0-20 MPH 5.8 seconds

Ladder Measurement 2’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…Nothing is an afterthought as each design element perfectly flows together for a complete package of innovation and ingenuity.

Just being picky…Without the optional GPS included, the dash console appears to be missing something on this otherwise completely loaded deck boat.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

Love the colors; they all tie in so perfectly.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

LED rub rail, Wet Sounds stereo system (speakers, amp, subwoofer), wake tower w/ board racks, custom sea deck flooring, round courtesy lights, illuminated logo and custom crossfire vinyl w/ embroidery.