Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine 179 Pro V 2010 against a deep vee Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 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 179 Pro V 2010 at 17,5 ft versus Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 at 19,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine 179 Pro V 2010 tips the scales at 1 075 lbs — 932 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 at 143 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 Fishmaster 196 2013 has a 110-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine 179 Pro V 2010's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 carries 52 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Starcraft Marine 179 Pro V 2010. 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 Fishmaster 196 2013 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine 179 Pro V 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 could be the deciding factor.