The Fisher 1236 Riveted Jon 2005 vs Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fisher 1236 Riveted Jon 2005 at 12,0 ft versus Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2005 at 11,0 ft. At 165 lbs and 145 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 6 hp for the Fisher 1236 Riveted Jon 2005 and 10 hp for the Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
Both boats are rated for 3 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2005 comes in at 15 lbs per hp versus 28 lbs per hp for the Fisher 1236 Riveted Jon 2005. 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: The Fisher 1236 Riveted Jon 2005 and Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.