The Sailfish 218 CC 2011 is a modified-V design and the Sailfish 240 CC 2013 is a deep-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 - Sailfish 218 CC 2011 at 21,3 ft versus Sailfish 240 CC 2013 at 23,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sailfish 218 CC 2011 tips the scales at 4 450 lbs - 1 050 lbs more than the Sailfish 240 CC 2013 at 3 400 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 300 hp, the Sailfish 240 CC 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the Sailfish 218 CC 2011's 250-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sailfish 240 CC 2013 carries 153 gallons versus 95 gallons in the Sailfish 218 CC 2011. 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 Sailfish 240 CC 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Sailfish 218 CC 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sailfish 240 CC 2013 could be the deciding factor.