Matching a pontoon Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 against a modified vee Starcraft Marine STX 2050 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 at 18,8 ft versus Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2011 at 20,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2011 tips the scales at 1 535 lbs — 1 380 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 at 155 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 250 hp, the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2011 has a 200-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 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 Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2011 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Stardeck 180 Fish 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine STX 2050 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.