The Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006 vs Voyager Marine Series 8500 - 1685 Open 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Voyager Marine Series 8500 - 1685 Open 2007 measures 16,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006 at 12,0 feet (2006). At 9 lbs and 43 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 40 hp, the Voyager Marine Series 8500 - 1685 Open 2007 has a 35-hp advantage over the Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006's 5-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 Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006 is rated for 3 passengers, while the Voyager Marine Series 8500 - 1685 Open 2007 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Voyager Marine Series 8500 - 1685 Open 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the Voyager Marine Series 4700 - 12 Feet 2006. 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.