The Smoker Craft Infinity S-8523 F 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 S-8523 F 2005 measures 23,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 6,0 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 Infinity S-8523 F 2005 tips the scales at 235 lbs — 102 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2008 at 133 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 S-8523 F 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 S-8523 F 2005 is rated for 13 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 S-8523 F 2005 could be the deciding factor.