When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Manitou Pontoons 20 Aurora 2009 and the Manitou Pontoons 22 Encore Pro Angler VP 2013 are pontoon 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 Manitou Pontoons 22 Encore Pro Angler VP 2013 measures 22,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 20,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Manitou Pontoons 20 Aurora 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). At 167 lbs and 236 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Manitou Pontoons 22 Encore Pro Angler VP 2013 has a 80-hp advantage over the Manitou Pontoons 20 Aurora 2009's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 1 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.

Both are 2-tube and 3-tube pontoon designs respectively. Tube diameter and gauge affect stability and load capacity — more so than most buyers realize when comparing on paper.