Matching a pontoon Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 against a deep vee Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 measures 19,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008 at 11,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 tips the scales at 1 174 lbs — 1 029 lbs more than the Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008 at 145 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 50 hp, the Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 has a 40-hp advantage over the Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008's 10-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 Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fisher 18 Spirit 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher V1266 Lite Riveted Deep V 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.