The Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 vs Smoker Craft S-8523 2006 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 S-8523 2006 measures 23,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 at 18,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft S-8523 2006 tips the scales at 245 lbs — 103 lbs less than the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 at 142 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 S-8523 2006 tops out at 175 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Smoker Craft S-8523 2006 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft S-8523 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft S-8523 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR Sundeck 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.