When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 and the SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008 are tunnel 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 measures 20,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008 at 16,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008 tips the scales at 345 lbs — 226 lbs less than the SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 at 119 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 140 hp, the SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 has a 95-hp advantage over the SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008's 45-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SeaArk BayFisher MVT 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SeaArk Jet Tunnel 1652MVJT 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.