Matching a modified vee Stamas 250 Tarpon 2008 against a deep vee Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Stamas 250 Tarpon 2008 at 26,0 ft versus Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 at 28,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 tips the scales at 669 lbs — 120 lbs less than the Stamas 250 Tarpon 2008 at 549 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 Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 tops out at 240 hp. Engine specs for the Stamas 250 Tarpon 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 106 gal and 106 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Stamas 250 Tarpon 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Stamas 289 Tarpon Inboard 2012 could be the deciding factor.