Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Series 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Series 2008 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 Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2005 carries a rated maximum of 6 hp. Engine data for the PlayCraft Ultra Series 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Ultra Series 2008 carries 103 gallons versus 41 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 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 Series 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2005 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 Series 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Ultra Series 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O 2005 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
ModelUltra Deck Cruiser 24 I/O
ModelUltra Series
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail3,800 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1723.65
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.38
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters7.39
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches291
Length overall - Inches336
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 - 103 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters389.9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal103
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max6.2 l
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people1
Maximum peoplenot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter24 in
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge0.090 in