Matching a deep vee Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 against a modified vee Starcraft Marine Starfire 160 SC 2011 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 Expedition 186 Sport 2013 at 18,1 ft versus Starcraft Marine Starfire 160 SC 2011 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Starfire 160 SC 2011 tips the scales at 845 lbs — 831 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 at 14 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 150 hp, the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 has a 90-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Starfire 160 SC 2011's 60-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 Starfire 160 SC 2011 carries 16 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013. 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 Expedition 186 Sport 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Starfire 160 SC 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Expedition 186 Sport 2013 could be the deciding factor.