When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2012 and the Custom Weld 21 - 22 ft. Storm 2013 are deep 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Custom Weld 21 - 22 ft. Storm 2013 measures 21,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2012 at 17,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Custom Weld 21 - 22 ft. Storm 2013 tips the scales at 3 625 lbs — 3 602 lbs less than the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2012 at 23 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Custom Weld 21 - 22 ft. Storm 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Custom Weld 21 - 22 ft. Storm 2013 could be the deciding factor.