The PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2010 is a pontoon design and the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 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.

The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2011 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2010 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Sport Cruiser Series 2010 carries 80 gallons versus 70 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 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 Sport Cruiser Series 2010 is rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 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 Sport Cruiser Series 2010 could be the deciding factor.