When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 and the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 at 14,9 ft versus Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 tips the scales at 135 lbs — 108 lbs less than the Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 at 27 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 Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 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 172 XL 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 172 XL 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 17,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Alaskan 15 TL 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.