Matching a modified vee Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2006 against a deep vee Stamas 317 Tarpon Outboard 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 290 Tarpon Outboard 2006 at 31,0 ft versus Stamas 317 Tarpon Outboard 2012 at 31,6 ft. At 6 lbs and 63 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 500 hp for the Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2006 and 500 hp for the Stamas 317 Tarpon 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 302 gal and 302 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Stamas 317 Tarpon Outboard 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2006 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Stamas 317 Tarpon Outboard 2012 could be the deciding factor.