The Profile 304 V 2006 vs Profile 402 V 2006 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 Profile 402 V 2006 measures 40,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Profile 304 V 2006 at 30,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Profile 402 V 2006 tips the scales at 9 100 lbs - 4 250 lbs less than the Profile 304 V 2006 at 4 850 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Profile 402 V 2006 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Profile 304 V 2006 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Profile 402 V 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Profile 402 V 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 40,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Profile 304 V 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.