Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 against a pontoon Starcraft Marine Limited 226 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine Limited 226 2011 measures 22,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 5,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 at 16,8 feet (2012). At 152 lbs and 195 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 130 hp for the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 and 150 hp for the Starcraft Marine Limited 226 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 23 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Limited 226 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Limited 226 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Limited 226 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 Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.