When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Starcraft Marine 1420 FLB 2008 and the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 measures 18,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine 1420 FLB 2008 at 14,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 tips the scales at 1 333 lbs — 1 329 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine 1420 FLB 2008 at 4 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 200 hp, the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 has a 175-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine 1420 FLB 2008's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine 1420 FLB 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 186 2012 could be the deciding factor.