When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Kayot D226 OB 2009 and the Kayot S245 I/O 2005 are modified vee designs with fiberglass 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Kayot D226 OB 2009 at 22,0 ft versus Kayot S245 I/O 2005 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Kayot D226 OB 2009 tips the scales at 406 lbs — 360 lbs more than the Kayot S245 I/O 2005 at 46 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 320 hp, the Kayot S245 I/O 2005 has a 70-hp advantage over the Kayot D226 OB 2009's 250-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Kayot D226 OB 2009 carries 45 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Kayot S245 I/O 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 14 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.