The PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 is a pontoon design and the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 is a planing 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 - PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 at 24,0 ft versus PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 tips the scales at 2 400 lbs - 625 lbs less than the PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 at 1 775 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 225 hp, the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008's 125-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 carries 80 gallons versus 70 gallons in the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011. 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 PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 is rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Clipper Series 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 15 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.