Both the Southport 27 Center Console 2012 and the Southport 28 Express 2010 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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 - Southport 27 Center Console 2012 at 26,5 ft versus Southport 28 Express 2010 at 28,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Southport 28 Express 2010 tips the scales at 7 400 lbs - 2 800 lbs less than the Southport 27 Center Console 2012 at 4 600 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 700 hp, the Southport 28 Express 2010 has a 200-hp advantage over the Southport 27 Center Console 2012's 500-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Southport 28 Express 2010 carries 250 gallons versus 204 gallons in the Southport 27 Center Console 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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.