When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the South Bay 922CLR 2008 and the South Bay 922E 2012 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — South Bay 922CLR 2008 at 23,0 ft versus South Bay 922E 2012 at 24,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the South Bay 922CLR 2008 tips the scales at 2 505 lbs — 2 202 lbs more than the South Bay 922E 2012 at 303 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 922E 2012 has a 35-hp advantage over the South Bay 922CLR 2008's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 29 gal and 27 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the South Bay 922E 2012 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the South Bay 922CLR 2008 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.