The South Bay 724E 2013 vs South Bay 8522C 2007 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 — South Bay 724E 2013 at 25,2 ft versus South Bay 8522C 2007 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the South Bay 8522C 2007 tips the scales at 2 305 lbs — 2 276 lbs less than the South Bay 724E 2013 at 29 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the South Bay 724E 2013 has a 35-hp advantage over the South Bay 8522C 2007's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The South Bay 724E 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the South Bay 8522C 2007 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the South Bay 724E 2013 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The South Bay 724E 2013 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 20 lbs per hp for the South Bay 8522C 2007. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The South Bay 8522C 2007 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The South Bay 724E 2013 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.