When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SeaArk Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 and the SeaArk RiverCat 180 SC 2013 are modified 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SeaArk Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 measures 24,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the SeaArk RiverCat 180 SC 2013 at 18,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SeaArk RiverCat 180 SC 2013 tips the scales at 1 193 lbs — 1 028 lbs less than the SeaArk Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 at 165 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 225 hp, the SeaArk Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 has a 85-hp advantage over the SeaArk RiverCat 180 SC 2013's 140-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 Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the SeaArk RiverCat 180 SC 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SeaArk Coastal V240 (CC) 2009 could be the deciding factor.