The Haines Signature 680F 2022 vs Haines Signature 788SF 2023 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Haines Signature 680F 2022 has a 50-hp advantage over the Haines Signature 788SF 2023's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Haines Signature 788SF 2023 carries 132 gallons versus 98 gallons in the Haines Signature 680F 2022. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Haines Signature 788SF 2023 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Haines Signature 680F 2022 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Haines Signature 788SF 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Haines Signature 788SF 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 26,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Haines Signature 680F 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.