The Smoker Craft Bass 171 2008 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Smoker Craft Bass 171 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Bass 171 2008 tips the scales at 924 lbs — 782 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 at 142 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 Bass 171 2008 carries a rated maximum of 75 hp. Engine data for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Bass 171 2008 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 Infinity M-818 CR 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Bass 171 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.