The Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 is a flat-bottom design and the Marathon Owasco 16 2011 is a modified-V 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Marathon Owasco 16 2011 measures 16,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 at 12,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Marathon Owasco 16 2011 tips the scales at 510 lbs - 400 lbs less than the Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 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.
The Marathon Owasco 16 2011 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Marathon Owasco 16 2011 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Marathon Owasco 16 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Marathon Owasco 16 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Marathon Otisco 1236 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.