The Smoker Craft Infinity S-8527 CR HT 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2009 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-8527 CR HT 2004 measures 27,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8527 CR HT 2004 tips the scales at 308 lbs — 175 lbs more than the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2009 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 2009 tops out at 140 hp. Engine specs for the Smoker Craft Infinity S-8527 CR HT 2004 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-8527 CR HT 2004 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2009 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-8527 CR HT 2004 could be the deciding factor.