When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2009 and the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2011 are pontoon designs with aluminum 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Misty Harbor 1680EC 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Misty Harbor 1680EC 2011 at 16,0 ft. At 79 lbs and 79 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 40 hp, the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2011 has a 36-hp advantage over the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2009's 4-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 8 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 Misty Harbor 1680EC 2011 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 20 lbs per hp for the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2009. 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 Misty Harbor 1680EC 2011 and its 40-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Misty Harbor 1680EC 2009 with its 4-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.