The Smoker Craft Infinity A-8520 2005 vs Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 measures 24,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 22,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Infinity A-8520 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Infinity A-8520 2005 tips the scales at 158 lbs — 139 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 at 19 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Infinity A-8520 2005 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Infinity A-8520 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.