The Marathon DN 1236 2013 is a flat-bottom design and the Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012 is a pontoon design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Marathon DN 1236 2013 at 12,0 ft versus Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012 tips the scales at 1 100 lbs - 990 lbs less than the Marathon DN 1236 2013 at 110 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 7 hp for the Marathon DN 1236 2013 and 25 hp for the Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Marathon DN 1236 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Marathon DN 1236 2013 comes in at 16 lbs per hp versus 44 lbs per hp for the Marathon Grumman Classic 1460F 2012. 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.