When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Smoker Craft Alaskan 12 TL 2009 and the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 measures 16,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Alaskan 12 TL 2009 at 11,0 feet (2009). At 185 lbs and 101 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 Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Alaskan 12 TL 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Alaskan 12 TL 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Alaskan 12 TL 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.