The Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 is a modified-V design and the Striper 2605 Center Console O/B 2013 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 2605 Center Console O/B 2013 at 25,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 tips the scales at 4 550 lbs - 300 lbs more than the Striper 2605 Center Console O/B 2013 at 4 250 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 350 hp, the Striper 2601 Walk Around O/B 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Striper 2605 Center Console O/B 2013's 300-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.