The Nautique 230 2013 is a deep-V design and the Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 is a modified-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 230 2013 at 23,0 ft versus Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nautique 230 2013 tips the scales at 4 400 lbs - 300 lbs more than the Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 at 4 100 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 390 hp, the Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 has a 47-hp advantage over the Nautique 230 2013's 343-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 carries 51 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Nautique 230 2013. 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 Nautique 230 2013 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique 230 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautique 230 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 16 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique Crossover Nautique 226 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.