The Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 vs Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 2012 measures 16,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 at 2,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 2012 tips the scales at 935 lbs — 773 lbs less than the Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 at 162 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 Pro Angler 161 XL 2012 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 carries 24 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 2012. 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 M-820 CR 2004 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 2012 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 M-820 CR 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Infinity M-820 CR 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161 XL 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.