Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine 170 2009 against a pontoon Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine 170 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008 tips the scales at 2 417 lbs — 1 144 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine 170 2009 at 1 273 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 2009 and 150 hp for the Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008. 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 2009 carries 32 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008. 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 246 RE 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine 170 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine 246 RE 2008 could be the deciding factor.