PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008
2008
View full specs →
VS
PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005
2005
View full specs →

PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 at 24,0 ft versus PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 at 25,0 ft. At 16 lbs and 26 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 has a 60-hp advantage over the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008's 90-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 Sunfish Series 2008 carries 66 gallons versus 3 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 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 2500 OB 2005 is rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePlayCraft
MakePlayCraft
ModelSunfish Series
ModelUltra 2500 OB
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,600 lbs
Weight - Detail2,600 lbs
Weight - kg725.75
Weight - kg1179.34
Weight - lbs.16
Weight - lbs.26
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet25
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches3
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter24 in
Tube diameter24 in
Tube gauge0.080 in
Tube gauge.090 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 - 66 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters249.84
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal66
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp
Engine max150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,025 lbs
Maximum capacity3,000 lbs
Maximum people1
Maximum people15

PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
For trailering, the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 26 lbs for the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is certified for 15. 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 Sunfish Series 2008 and PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 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 Sunfish Series 2008 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
The PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 has the bigger tank at 66 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 189–315 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 and PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the PlayCraft Sunfish Series 2008 and the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 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.