Matching a pontoon PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 against a planing hull PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 measures 28,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 26,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). At 26 lbs and 22 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 200 hp for the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 and 200 hp for the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 carries 103 gallons versus 7 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 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 Ultra 2800 OB 2007 is rated for 18 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Ultra 2800 OB 2007 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 Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.