Matching a modified vee Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008 against a pontoon Sylvan Signature 8520 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008 measures 16,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sylvan Signature 8520 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). At 7 lbs and 19 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Sylvan Signature 8520 2009 has a 55-hp advantage over the Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sylvan Signature 8520 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Signature 8520 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Sylvan Signature 8520 2009. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Signature 8520 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Select 1600 TL 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.