When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Sweetwater SW 1570 2011 and the Sweetwater SW 1570 2012 are pontoon designs with aluminum 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 — Sweetwater SW 1570 2011 at 15,0 ft versus Sweetwater SW 1570 2012 at 15,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sweetwater SW 1570 2011 tips the scales at 1 835 lbs — 291 lbs more than the Sweetwater SW 1570 2012 at 1 544 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 Sweetwater SW 1570 2012 tops out at 40 hp. Engine specs for the Sweetwater SW 1570 2011 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
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.
Bottom line: The Sweetwater SW 1570 2011 and Sweetwater SW 1570 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.