When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 and the River Hawk Sea Hawk Sport Series 2013 are deep vee designs with aluminum 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 135 hp, the River Hawk Sea Hawk Sport Series 2013 has a 75-hp advantage over the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the River Hawk Sea Hawk Sport Series 2013 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the River Hawk Kenai & Tailout Series 2013 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.