When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Maritime 18 Defiant 2011 and the Maritime 20-P Express 2008 are modified vee designs with composite construction — 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Maritime 18 Defiant 2011 measures 18,5 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 16,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Maritime 20-P Express 2008 at 2,0 feet (2008). At 16 lbs and 21 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Maritime 18 Defiant 2011 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the Maritime 20-P Express 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 29 gal and 29 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Maritime 20-P Express 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Maritime 18 Defiant 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Maritime 20-P Express 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Maritime 20-P Express 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Maritime 18 Defiant 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.