Matching a modified vee Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009 against a pontoon Starcraft Marine Starfish 256 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine Starfish 256 2013 measures 26,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 12,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009 at 14,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Starfish 256 2013 tips the scales at 2 575 lbs — 2 532 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009 at 43 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 200 hp, the Starcraft Marine Starfish 256 2013 has a 175-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009's 25-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 Starfish 256 2013 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009 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 Starfish 256 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Starfish 256 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 26,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine SF 1420 DLX SIDE 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.