When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Sundance F17T 2013 and the Sundance SV186 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sundance F17T 2013 at 16,8 ft versus Sundance SV186 2011 at 18,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sundance F17T 2013 tips the scales at 845 lbs — 700 lbs more than the Sundance SV186 2011 at 145 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 150 hp, the Sundance SV186 2011 has a 80-hp advantage over the Sundance F17T 2013's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Sundance SV186 2011 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sundance F17T 2013 with its 70-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.