The Starcraft Marine Islander 191 2005 vs Starcraft Marine Sport Runabout 172 OB Sport 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Islander 191 2005 at 19,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine Sport Runabout 172 OB Sport 2013 at 16,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Islander 191 2005 tips the scales at 1 525 lbs — 1 373 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Sport Runabout 172 OB Sport 2013 at 152 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 130 hp, the Starcraft Marine Sport Runabout 172 OB Sport 2013 has a 127-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Islander 191 2005's 3-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 Islander 191 2005 carries 34 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Sport Runabout 172 OB Sport 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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.