The Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006 vs Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006 at 22,0 ft versus Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 at 25,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 tips the scales at 2 440 lbs - 236 lbs less than the Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006 at 2 204 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 150 hp, the Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 has a 25-hp advantage over the Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006's 125-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 carries 30 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 comes in at 16 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
The Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006 is an inflatable design - lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Aqua Patio AP240 RE-4 Gate 2007 at 25,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Aqua Patio AP220 RE-3 Gate 2006 at 22,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.