The Sedona FS 21 2005 vs Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 measures 22,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 20,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sedona FS 21 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sedona FS 21 2005 tips the scales at 1 965 lbs — 1 933 lbs more than the Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 at 32 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 135 hp, the Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 has a 45-hp advantage over the Sedona FS 21 2005's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 carries 26 gallons versus 22 gallons in the Sedona FS 21 2005. 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 Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Sedona FS 21 2005 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 22 lbs per hp for the Sedona FS 21 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
The Sedona FS 21 2005 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Sedona L 23 I/O 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sedona FS 21 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.