Matching a modified vee McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008 against a deep vee McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008 at 17,0 ft versus McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 at 19,0 ft. At 125 lbs and 195 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 200 hp, the McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 has a 85-hp advantage over the McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008 carries 36 gallons versus 8 gallons in the McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 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 McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the McKee Craft Marathon 196 DC 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The McKee Craft Marathon 172 DC 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.