When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008 and the Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 are modified vee designs with composite 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 — Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008 tips the scales at 535 lbs — 460 lbs more than the Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 at 75 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 115 hp, the Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008's 65-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 7 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 Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008. 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 Klamath 19 ft. GTX 2005 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Klamath 16 ft. EXCC 2008 with its 65-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.