The Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2008 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 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2008 at 17,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2008 tips the scales at 133 lbs — 114 lbs less 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.

The Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2008 tops out at 135 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Infinity M-8524 Cruise 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 Ultima 172 2008 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-8524 Cruise 2005 could be the deciding factor.