The Starcraft Marine Coastal 229 OB 2013 is a modified-V design and the Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007 is a pontoon design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 Coastal 229 OB 2013 at 21,5 ft versus Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Coastal 229 OB 2013 tips the scales at 2 840 lbs - 752 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007 at 2 088 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 Coastal 229 OB 2013 has a 135-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007's 115-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 Coastal 229 OB 2013 carries 75 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007. 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 Coastal 229 OB 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Elite 206 RE 2007 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Coastal 229 OB 2013 could be the deciding factor.