Matching a deep vee Chris-Craft Lancer 20 2012 against a modified vee Chris-Craft Launch 20 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chris-Craft Lancer 20 2012 at 18,8 ft versus Chris-Craft Launch 20 2013 at 18,8 ft. At 2 913 lbs and 2 913 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 220 hp for the Chris-Craft Lancer 20 2012 and 225 hp for the Chris-Craft Launch 20 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 34 gal and 34 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chris-Craft Launch 20 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Chris-Craft Lancer 20 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chris-Craft Launch 20 2013 could be the deciding factor.