The Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 is a modified-V design and the Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O 2012 is a deep-V 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 at 25,0 ft versus Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O 2012 at 25,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O 2012 tips the scales at 5 150 lbs - 600 lbs less than the Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 at 4 550 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 400 hp, the Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008's 350-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 160 gal and 160 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 7 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.