The Falcon 390YT 2017 vs Falcon 520 2021 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Falcon 520 2021 measures 16,7 feet overall (2021), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Falcon 390YT 2017 at 12,7 feet (2017). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Falcon 520 2021 tips the scales at 717 lbs — 419 lbs less than the Falcon 390YT 2017 at 298 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 250 hp, the Falcon 390YT 2017 has a 135-hp advantage over the Falcon 520 2021's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Falcon 520 2021 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Falcon 390YT 2017 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Falcon 520 2021 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Falcon 390YT 2017 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 6 lbs per hp for the Falcon 520 2021. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Falcon 520 2021 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Falcon 390YT 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.