Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 has the edge at 162 lbs dry weight versus 241 lbs for the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 has a documented max rating of 28 hp. Engine specifications for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 has the bigger tank at 51 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 are built by Smoker Craft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005

Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004

2004

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Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 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.

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 carries a rated maximum of 28 hp. Engine data for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 carries 51 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 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: The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeSmoker Craft

Model2040 I-O

ModelInfinity M-8520 Cruise

Model Year2004

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise13℃

Deadrisenot available

Draft [max] - Detail14 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.36

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches14

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail2410 lbs

Weight - Detail1,620 lbs

Weight - kg1093.16

Weight - kg734.82

Weight - lbs.241

Weight - lbs.162

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in

Length overall - Meters6.2

Length overall - Meters6.17

Length overall - Inches244

Length overall - Inches243

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches3

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal51

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Engine max28

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard75 hp

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutBoard

Operational Info

Maximum people12 Persons

Maximum people12

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,000 lbs

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameternot available

Tube diameter23 in

Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 has the edge at 162 lbs dry weight versus 241 lbs for the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 has a documented max rating of 28 hp. Engine specifications for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005?

The Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 has the bigger tank at 51 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 and the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 are built by Smoker Craft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Smoker Craft 2040 I-O 2004 full specs ← Smoker Craft Infinity M-8520 Cruise 2005 full specs