When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Pro-Line 26 Express 2008 and the Pro-Line 29 Express 2009 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Pro-Line 26 Express 2008 at 26,0 ft versus Pro-Line 29 Express 2009 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Pro-Line 26 Express 2008 tips the scales at 5 161 lbs — 5 086 lbs more than the Pro-Line 29 Express 2009 at 75 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 600 hp, the Pro-Line 29 Express 2009 has a 150-hp advantage over the Pro-Line 26 Express 2008's 450-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 2 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Pro-Line 29 Express 2009 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Pro-Line 26 Express 2008 at 26,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.