Both the Go-Devil 18 x 38 2011 and the Go-Devil 18 x 56 2013 are flat-bottom designs, both built in aluminium, so 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Go-Devil 18 x 38 2011 at 18,0 ft versus Go-Devil 18 x 56 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Go-Devil 18 x 56 2013 tips the scales at 580 lbs - 150 lbs less than the Go-Devil 18 x 38 2011 at 430 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 18 x 38 2011 and 50 hp for the Go-Devil 18 x 56 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.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 18 x 56 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Go-Devil 18 x 38 2011. 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.