The Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 vs Go-Devil 20 x 38 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 measures 16,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 tips the scales at 315 lbs — 269 lbs more than the Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 at 46 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 15 hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 and 35 hp for the Go-Devil 20 x 38 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 21 lbs per hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 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: Choose the Go-Devil 20 x 38 2005 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 Go-Devil 16 x 30 Duck Skiff 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.