The Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009 vs Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 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 - Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 tips the scales at 580 lbs - 190 lbs less than the Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009 at 390 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 Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009's 25-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 Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009 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 18 x 56 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Go-Devil 18 x 56 2012 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 16 lbs per hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009. 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 18 x 56 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Go-Devil 16 x 38 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.