The Astondoa AS8 2022 vs Astondoa AX8 2023 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 — Astondoa AS8 2022 at 82,1 ft versus Astondoa AX8 2023 at 80,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Astondoa AX8 2023 tips the scales at 139 728 lbs — 3 659 lbs less than the Astondoa AS8 2022 at 136 069 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 1 600 hp, the Astondoa AS8 2022 has a 250-hp advantage over the Astondoa AX8 2023's 1 350-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Astondoa AX8 2023 carries 1 875 gallons versus 1 637 gallons in the Astondoa AS8 2022. 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 Astondoa AS8 2022 is rated for 25 passengers, while the Astondoa AX8 2023 caps at 24. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Astondoa AS8 2022 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Astondoa AS8 2022 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 25 passengers and at 82,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Astondoa AX8 2023 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 24 that costs less to run day-to-day.