Matching a tunnel Palm Beach Fishing 185 2010 against a pontoon Palm Beach Pontoons Sport Fish 160-7 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 — Palm Beach Fishing 185 2010 at 18,0 ft versus Palm Beach Pontoons Sport Fish 160-7 2013 at 16,3 ft. At 155 lbs and 93 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 140 hp, the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2010 has a 90-hp advantage over the Palm Beach Pontoons Sport Fish 160-7 2013's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 7 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 Palm Beach Fishing 185 2010 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the Palm Beach Pontoons Sport Fish 160-7 2013. 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2010 and its 140-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Palm Beach Pontoons Sport Fish 160-7 2013 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.