When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 280CX 2013 and the EdgeWater 388CC 2011 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 2011 measures 37,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 9,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 280CX 2013 at 28,0 feet (2013). At 65 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 2011 has a 450-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 280CX 2013's 600-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 388CC 2011 carries 34 gallons versus 2 gallons in the EdgeWater 280CX 2013. 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 280CX 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the EdgeWater 388CC 2011 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 280CX 2013 could be the deciding factor.