The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2004 vs Smoker Craft Infinity 2280 I-O 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Smoker Craft Infinity 2280 I-O 2005 has a 296-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2004's 4-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 Infinity 2280 I-O 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2004 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 Infinity 2280 I-O 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity 2280 I-O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.