Both the Sundance SV171 2010 and the Sundance SV186 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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 SV171 2010 at 17,1 ft versus Sundance SV186 2008 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sundance SV186 2008 tips the scales at 1 570 lbs - 320 lbs less than the Sundance SV171 2010 at 1 250 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 115 hp, the Sundance SV186 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Sundance SV171 2010's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sundance SV186 2008 carries 40 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Sundance SV171 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Sundance SV186 2008 comes in at 14 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Sundance SV171 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.