The Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 vs Orkney Longliner 16 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 at 14,4 ft versus Orkney Longliner 16 2017 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Orkney Longliner 16 2017 tips the scales at 600 lbs — 160 lbs less than the Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 at 440 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 20 hp for the Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 and 25 hp for the Orkney Longliner 16 2017. 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 boats are rated for 4 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 Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 comes in at 22 lbs per hp versus 24 lbs per hp for the Orkney Longliner 16 2017. 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.
Top speed is rated at 22 knots for the Orkney Longliner 16 2017 and 22 knots for the Orkney Coastliner 14 2017.
Bottom line: The Orkney Coastliner 14 2017 and Orkney Longliner 16 2017 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.