Matching a pontoon Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 against a modified vee Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 — Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 at 18,3 ft versus Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 tips the scales at 1 325 lbs — 600 lbs more than the Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009 at 725 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 50 hp for the Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 and 60 hp for the Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Mirage 818 F RE 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Select 1600 SC 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.