The Nautique 200 Closed Bow 2011 is a modified-V design and the Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 - Nautique 200 Closed Bow 2011 at 20,0 ft versus Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012 at 20,0 ft. At 2 800 lbs and 2 850 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 343 hp for the Nautique 200 Closed Bow 2011 and 343 hp for the Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 29 gal and 29 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Nautique 200 Closed Bow 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautique 200 Open Bow 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique 200 Closed Bow 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.