Both the Starcraft Marine 1789 Tiller 2008 and the Starcraft Marine SF DLX 14 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, 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 - Starcraft Marine 1789 Tiller 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine SF DLX 14 2013 at 14,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine 1789 Tiller 2008 tips the scales at 745 lbs - 350 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine SF DLX 14 2013 at 395 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 - 50 hp for the Starcraft Marine 1789 Tiller 2008 and 35 hp for the Starcraft Marine SF DLX 14 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.

Both boats are rated for 4 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Starcraft Marine SF DLX 14 2013 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine 1789 Tiller 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.