The Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 vs Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 measures 26,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 2005 at 22,0 feet (2005). At 335 lbs and 283 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 Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 carries a rated maximum of 250 hp. Engine data for the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 carries 47 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 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 Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 2005 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats Grand Isle 260 RF / SL 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 26,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 235 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.