Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 against a deep vee Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 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 Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 at 16,8 ft versus Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 2013 at 17,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 2013 tips the scales at 1 248 lbs — 1 096 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 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.
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 Superfisherman 176 2013. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 2013 carries 32 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012. 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Starcraft Marine Superfisherman 176 2013 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Starcraft Marine Limited 172 OB Sport 2012 with its 130-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.