When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 245CX 2012 and the EdgeWater 318CC 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 318CC 2008 measures 32,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 245CX 2012 at 24,5 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the EdgeWater 245CX 2012 tips the scales at 355 lbs — 290 lbs more than the EdgeWater 318CC 2008 at 65 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 700 hp, the EdgeWater 318CC 2008 has a 350-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 245CX 2012's 350-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 2012 carries 13 gallons versus 3 gallons in the EdgeWater 318CC 2008. 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 318CC 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the EdgeWater 245CX 2012 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 318CC 2008 could be the deciding factor.