The Go-Devil 16 x 48 SD - Split Seat 2005 vs Go-Devil 20 x 56 2011 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 20 x 56 2011 measures 20,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Go-Devil 16 x 48 SD - Split Seat 2005 at 16,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 20 x 56 2011 tips the scales at 620 lbs - 110 lbs less than the Go-Devil 16 x 48 SD - Split Seat 2005 at 510 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 48 SD - Split Seat 2005 and 50 hp for the Go-Devil 20 x 56 2011. 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 56 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Go-Devil 16 x 48 SD - Split Seat 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 56 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Go-Devil 20 x 56 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Go-Devil 16 x 48 SD - Split Seat 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.