When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Mako Boats 2201 Tunnel Inshore 2007 and the Mako Boats 284 Express 2008 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Mako Boats 284 Express 2008 measures 28,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Mako Boats 2201 Tunnel Inshore 2007 at 21,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Mako Boats 2201 Tunnel Inshore 2007 tips the scales at 189 lbs — 182 lbs more than the Mako Boats 284 Express 2008 at 7 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 225 hp, the Mako Boats 2201 Tunnel Inshore 2007 has a 25-hp advantage over the Mako Boats 284 Express 2008'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 Mako Boats 284 Express 2008 carries 194 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Mako Boats 2201 Tunnel Inshore 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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.