The Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 vs Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 at 16,0 ft versus Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 2005 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 2005 tips the scales at 950 lbs - 410 lbs less than the Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 at 540 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 40 hp, the Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 has a 22-hp advantage over the Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 2005's 18-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 4 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 comes in at 14 lbs per hp versus 53 lbs per hp for the Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Go-Devil 16 x 56 2007 and its 40-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Go-Devil 16 x 7 Hard Top 2005 with its 18-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.