The Stamas 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 is a modified-V design and the Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 at 28,0 ft versus Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012 at 28,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012 tips the scales at 6 200 lbs - 1 000 lbs less than the Stamas 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 at 5 200 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 450 hp for the Stamas 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 and 450 hp for the Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Stamas 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 carries 220 gallons versus 204 gallons in the Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Stamas 289 Aegean Outboard 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Stamas 270 Tarpon Outboard 2006 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 Aegean Outboard 2012 could be the deciding factor.