When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 158CC 2012 and the EdgeWater 245CC 2008 are deep vee designs with composite 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 EdgeWater 245CC 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 8,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 158CC 2012 at 15,1 feet (2012). At 12 lbs and 34 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 350 hp, the EdgeWater 245CC 2008 has a 260-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 158CC 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 18 gal and 15 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The EdgeWater 245CC 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the EdgeWater 158CC 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 245CC 2008 could be the deciding factor.