When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 220IS 2013 and the EdgeWater 388CC 2009 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 388CC 2009 measures 38,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 220IS 2013 at 22,0 feet (2013). At 25 lbs and 96 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 1 050 hp, the EdgeWater 388CC 2009 has a 800-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 220IS 2013's 250-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 220IS 2013 carries 65 gallons versus 34 gallons in the EdgeWater 388CC 2009. 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 388CC 2009 is rated for 11 passengers, while the EdgeWater 220IS 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 388CC 2009 could be the deciding factor.