When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Custom Weld 17 - 26 ft. Outboards 2011 and the Custom Weld Cobra - 20 ft. 2010 are modified vee designs with aluminum 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?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Custom Weld Cobra - 20 ft. 2010 has a 331-hp advantage over the Custom Weld 17 - 26 ft. Outboards 2011's 19-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Custom Weld Cobra - 20 ft. 2010 carries 52 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Custom Weld 17 - 26 ft. Outboards 2011. 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 Custom Weld 17 - 26 ft. Outboards 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Custom Weld Cobra - 20 ft. 2010 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Custom Weld 17 - 26 ft. Outboards 2011 could be the deciding factor.