When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Misty Harbor 2085FS 2013 and the Misty Harbor 2085GM 2009 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 2085FS 2013 at 2,0 ft versus Misty Harbor 2085GM 2009 at 2,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Misty Harbor 2085GM 2009 tips the scales at 159 lbs — 142 lbs less than the Misty Harbor 2085FS 2013 at 17 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Misty Harbor 2085FS 2013 has a 81-hp advantage over the Misty Harbor 2085GM 2009's 9-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 11 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 2085FS 2013 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Misty Harbor 2085GM 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.