When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013 and the Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 are modified vee designs with composite 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 Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 measures 25,7 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013 at 18,6 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 tips the scales at 395 lbs — 376 lbs less than the Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013 at 19 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 320 hp, the Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 has a 170-hp advantage over the Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 66 gal and 66 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautic Star 252 SL / IO 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 25,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautic Star 1900 XS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.