Both the Marathon DN B14SST 2009 and the Marathon Owasco 16 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so 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 - Marathon DN B14SST 2009 at 14,0 ft versus Marathon Owasco 16 2012 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Marathon Owasco 16 2012 tips the scales at 510 lbs - 196 lbs less than the Marathon DN B14SST 2009 at 314 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 50 hp, the Marathon Owasco 16 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Marathon DN B14SST 2009's 25-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 Marathon Owasco 16 2012 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Marathon DN B14SST 2009. 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.