Both the ShearWater 20TE 2013 and the ShearWater X22 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ShearWater 20TE 2013 at 20,0 ft versus ShearWater X22 2012 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ShearWater X22 2012 tips the scales at 1 800 lbs - 200 lbs less than the ShearWater 20TE 2013 at 1 600 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 ShearWater X22 2012 has a 150-hp advantage over the ShearWater 20TE 2013's 150-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 56 gal and 56 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the ShearWater X22 2012 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ShearWater 20TE 2013 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.