Matching a modified vee Marathon DN 16SST 2013 against a pontoon Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 16SST 2013 at 16,0 ft versus Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 tips the scales at 1 475 lbs — 1 433 lbs less than the Marathon DN 16SST 2013 at 42 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 70 hp, the Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 has a 30-hp advantage over the Marathon DN 16SST 2013's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Marathon DN 16SST 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Marathon Grumman Classic 1980LC 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Marathon DN 16SST 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.