Both the Mariah G25 2009 and the Mariah R23 2012 are modified-V designs, the first built in fibreglass and the second 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 - Mariah G25 2009 at 25,0 ft versus Mariah R23 2012 at 23,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Mariah G25 2009 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 900 lbs more than the Mariah R23 2012 at 4 000 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 425 hp, the Mariah G25 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Mariah R23 2012's 320-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Mariah G25 2009 carries 90 gallons versus 52 gallons in the Mariah R23 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 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.