Both the Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2011 and the Stamas 310 Express Outboard 2008 are modified-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 - Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2011 at 31,6 ft versus Stamas 310 Express Outboard 2008 at 32,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stamas 310 Express Outboard 2008 tips the scales at 9 800 lbs - 3 800 lbs less than the Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2011 at 6 000 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 310 Express Outboard 2008 tops out at 500 hp. Engine specs for the Stamas 290 Tarpon Outboard 2011 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 302 gal and 300 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.