When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 and the Excel Boats 860CRSC 2011 are modified vee designs with aluminum 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 Excel Boats 860CRSC 2011 measures 18,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 16,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 at 2,0 feet (2012). At 112 lbs and 97 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 Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Excel Boats 860CRSC 2011 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Excel Boats 860CRSC 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Excel Boats 2072VCC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Excel Boats 860CRSC 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.