When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 and the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 22 I/O 2011 are planing hull designs with fiberglass construction — 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 22 I/O 2011 measures 22,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 20,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 22 I/O 2011 tips the scales at 355 lbs — 353 lbs less than the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 20 2011 at 2 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 320 hp, the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 22 I/O 2011 has a 120-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 — 7 gal and 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 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.