The Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013 vs Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 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 Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013 measures 16,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 14,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). At 42 lbs and 16 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013's 40-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 Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft M-8520 F-RE 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft 16 Big Fish 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.