The Stealth Yachts 520 Patrol 2013 vs Stealth Yachts 520 Shuttle 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Stealth Yachts 520 Patrol 2013 at 52,0 ft versus Stealth Yachts 520 Shuttle 2008 at 52,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stealth Yachts 520 Patrol 2013 tips the scales at 96 700 lbs — 60 000 lbs more than the Stealth Yachts 520 Shuttle 2008 at 36 700 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 — 800 hp for the Stealth Yachts 520 Patrol 2013 and 800 hp for the Stealth Yachts 520 Shuttle 2008. 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 — 46 gal and 46 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 15 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.