When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bryant 198 2012 and the Bryant 246 2008 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bryant 246 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bryant 198 2012 at 19,7 feet (2012). At 283 lbs and 382 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Bryant 198 2012 has a 217-hp advantage over the Bryant 246 2008's 8-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bryant 246 2008 carries 49 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Bryant 198 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 Bryant 246 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Bryant 198 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bryant 246 2008 could be the deciding factor.