The Marathon DN B14SST 2013 is a modified-V design and the Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011 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 B14SST 2013 at 14,3 ft versus Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011 tips the scales at 1 460 lbs - 1 146 lbs less than the Marathon DN B14SST 2013 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 25 hp for the Marathon DN B14SST 2013 and 40 hp for the Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011. 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 1680LC 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Marathon DN B14SST 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Marathon DN B14SST 2013 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 37 lbs per hp for the Marathon Grumman Classic 1680LC 2011. 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.