Both the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 and the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 I/O 2012 are planing designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 at 20,0 ft versus PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 I/O 2012 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 I/O 2012 tips the scales at 3 300 lbs - 1 300 lbs less than the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 at 2 000 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 260 hp, the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 I/O 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011's 200-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 70 gal and 70 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 10 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.