The Smoker Craft Infinity 2240 I-O 2005 vs Smoker Craft Stinger 161 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Smoker Craft Infinity 2240 I-O 2005 has a 419-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft Stinger 161 2004's 6-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Smoker Craft Infinity 2240 I-O 2005 carries 51 gallons versus 16 gallons in the Smoker Craft Stinger 161 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 2240 I-O 2005 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Stinger 161 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 2240 I-O 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity 2240 I-O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Stinger 161 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.