The McKee Craft Marathon 172 CC 2007 vs McKee Craft Marathon 172CC 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — McKee Craft Marathon 172 CC 2007 at 17,0 ft versus McKee Craft Marathon 172CC 2006 at 17,0 ft. At 125 lbs and 125 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the McKee Craft Marathon 172CC 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the McKee Craft Marathon 172 CC 2007's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 36 gal and 36 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 5 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The McKee Craft Marathon 172CC 2006 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the McKee Craft Marathon 172 CC 2007. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the McKee Craft Marathon 172CC 2006 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the McKee Craft Marathon 172 CC 2007 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.