The Smoker Craft Cobra 180 2007 vs Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Smoker Craft Cobra 180 2007 measures 18,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 at 2,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Cobra 180 2007 tips the scales at 1 763 lbs — 1 568 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 at 195 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 Cobra 180 2007 carries a rated maximum of 175 hp. Engine data for the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 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 Cobra 180 2007 carries 37 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Cobra 180 2007 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8520 CR 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Cobra 180 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.