The Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2005 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2012 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2005 at 18,0 ft versus Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2012 at 17,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2012 tips the scales at 1 325 lbs — 1 183 lbs less than the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2005 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 Ultima 172 2012 tops out at 140 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-818 CR 2005 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 Infinity M-818 CR 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2012 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 M-818 CR 2005 could be the deciding factor.