When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SeaArk Forecast 170C 2012 and the SeaArk RiverCat 2060 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?
The SeaArk Forecast 170C 2012 carries a rated maximum of 75 hp. Engine data for the SeaArk RiverCat 2060 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 15 gal and 12 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SeaArk RiverCat 2060 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the SeaArk Forecast 170C 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SeaArk RiverCat 2060 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SeaArk RiverCat 2060 2013 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 Forecast 170C 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.