When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 and the Maxum 3700 SY 2008 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 Maxum 3700 SY 2008 measures 37,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 34,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 at 3,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 tips the scales at 10 765 lbs — 8 833 lbs more than the Maxum 3700 SY 2008 at 1 932 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 Maxum 3700 SY 2008 tops out at 420 hp. Engine specs for the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 carries 15 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Maxum 3700 SY 2008. 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 Maxum 3700 SY 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Maxum 3100 SE 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Maxum 3700 SY 2008 could be the deciding factor.