When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 188CX 2011 and the EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 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 245CX (2009) 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 188CX 2011 at 18,7 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 2008 tips the scales at 355 lbs — 140 lbs less than the EdgeWater 188CX 2011 at 215 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 2008 has a 200-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 188CX 2011's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 2008 carries 13 gallons versus 4 gallons in the EdgeWater 188CX 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 EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the EdgeWater 188CX 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 245CX (2009) 2008 could be the deciding factor.