The Amels New Secret 2017 vs Amels Step One 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Amels New Secret 2017 measures 242,0 feet overall (2017), giving it roughly 62,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Amels Step One 2012 at 180,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Amels New Secret 2017 tips the scales at 3 580 000 lbs — 2 236 000 lbs more than the Amels Step One 2012 at 1 344 000 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 2 575 hp, the Amels New Secret 2017 has a 1 167-hp advantage over the Amels Step One 2012's 1 408-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Amels New Secret 2017 carries 40 946 gallons versus 30 379 gallons in the Amels Step One 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Amels New Secret 2017 is rated for 73 passengers, while the Amels Step One 2012 caps at 54. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Amels New Secret 2017 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Amels New Secret 2017 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 73 passengers and at 242,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Amels Step One 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 54 that costs less to run day-to-day.