Matching a pontoon Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011 against a deep vee Starcraft Marine STX 2050 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 226 Cruise 2011 at 22,3 ft versus Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2013 at 20,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2013 tips the scales at 1 535 lbs — 1 514 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011 at 21 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 250 hp, the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011's 150-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 STX 2050 2013 carries 52 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011. 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 226 Cruise 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2013 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine 226 Cruise 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 22,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.