PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005?

The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 has a documented max rating of 6 hp. Engine specifications for the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 is certified for 18. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005?

The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 are built by PlayCraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005

PlayCraft

PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009

2009

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PlayCraft

PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 tops out at 6 hp. Engine specs for the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 carries 80 gallons versus 30 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005. 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 Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 is rated for 18 passengers, while the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 18 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePlayCraft

ModelSport Cruiser Series

ModelUltra 2800 I/O

Model Year2009

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Length - Feet24

Length - Feet28

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters7.32

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inches288

Length overall - Inches336

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,950 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1791.69

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3950

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull typePontoon

Hull typenot available

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter24 in.

Tube gauge0.080 in.

Tube gauge.090 in.

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 - 80 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel tank capacity - Gal30

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max6.2 l

Operational Info

Maximum capacity3,000 lbs.

Maximum capacity3,580 lbs.

Maximum people15

Maximum people18

PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005?

The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 has a documented max rating of 6 hp. Engine specifications for the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 is certified for 18. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005?

The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 and the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 are built by PlayCraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2009 full specs ← PlayCraft Ultra 2800 I/O 2005 full specs