The Reinell 185FS 2003 vs Reinell 246 LSE 2012 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 Reinell 246 LSE 2012 measures 24,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 6,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Reinell 185FS 2003 at 18,0 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Reinell 246 LSE 2012 tips the scales at 412 lbs — 177 lbs less than the Reinell 185FS 2003 at 235 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 425 hp, the Reinell 246 LSE 2012 has a 215-hp advantage over the Reinell 185FS 2003's 210-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Reinell 246 LSE 2012 carries 81 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Reinell 185FS 2003. 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 Reinell 185FS 2003 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Reinell 246 LSE 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Reinell 185FS 2003 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Reinell 185FS 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Reinell 246 LSE 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.