Matching a deep vee Stamas 289 Tarpon Outboard 2012 against a modified vee Stamas 290 Express Outboard 2006 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 289 Tarpon Outboard 2012 at 28,8 ft versus Stamas 290 Express Outboard 2006 at 31,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stamas 290 Express Outboard 2006 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 600 lbs less than the Stamas 289 Tarpon Outboard 2012 at 55 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 500 hp, the Stamas 290 Express Outboard 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Stamas 289 Tarpon Outboard 2012's 450-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 22 gal and 25 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 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.