The River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 is a deep-V design and the River Hawk Pro V Series 2013 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 at 16,0 ft versus River Hawk Pro V Series 2013 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 tips the scales at 870 lbs - 390 lbs more than the River Hawk Pro V Series 2013 at 480 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 60 hp for the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 and 40 hp for the River Hawk Pro V Series 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 4 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The River Hawk Pro V Series 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.