When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the MasterCraft 255V 2012 and the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 are modified vee designs with fiberglass 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 MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 measures 33,8 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 8,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft 255V 2012 at 25,4 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the MasterCraft 255V 2012 tips the scales at 485 lbs — 360 lbs more than the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 at 125 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 MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the MasterCraft 255V 2012 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the MasterCraft 255V 2012 carries 9 gallons versus 2 gallons in the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The MasterCraft 255V 2012 is rated for 18 passengers, while the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft 255V 2012 could be the deciding factor.