Matching a planing hull PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 against a pontoon PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 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 — PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 at 24,0 ft versus PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 tips the scales at 355 lbs — 331 lbs less than the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 at 24 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 219-hp advantage over the PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012's 6-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 Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 carries 103 gallons versus 7 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 FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft FX4 FishDeck 24 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Ultra 2200 I/O 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.