When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Smoker Craft Freedom 180 TL 2012 and the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 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 Freedom 180 TL 2012 at 18,9 ft versus Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 at 17,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Freedom 180 TL 2012 tips the scales at 875 lbs — 742 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 at 133 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 140 hp, the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 has a 50-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft Freedom 180 TL 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 and its 140-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Smoker Craft Freedom 180 TL 2012 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.