Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 against a deep vee Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 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 — Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 at 18,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 tips the scales at 1 273 lbs — 1 259 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 at 14 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 — 150 hp for the Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 and 150 hp for the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013. 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 Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 carries 32 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013. 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 Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine 170 IO 2008 could be the deciding factor.