The Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 is a modified-V design and the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 2012 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 measures 23,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 2012 at 18,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 tips the scales at 2 300 lbs - 750 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 2012 at 1 550 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 320 hp, the Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 has a 270-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 2012's 50-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 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 IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Limited IO 2321 RE I/O 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 23,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Cruise 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.