When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013 and the Go-Devil 20 x 54 SD 2013 are flat designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013 measures 16,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Go-Devil 20 x 54 SD 2013 at 2,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013 tips the scales at 455 lbs — 389 lbs more than the Go-Devil 20 x 54 SD 2013 at 66 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 — 30 hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013 and 50 hp for the Go-Devil 20 x 54 SD 2013. 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 54 SD 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013 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 54 SD 2013 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Go-Devil 20 x 54 SD 2013 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 44 2013. 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.