How to Use Our Side‑by‑Side Model Comparison Tool

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Blog > How to Use Our Side‑by‑Side Model Comparison Tool

Easily compare up to three Sportsman boats side by side to see specs, layouts and features. A great example is comparing the Open 232 and Heritage 231 to spot key differences for your boating lifestyle.

August 15, 2025
Cover image for the post How to Use Our Side‑by‑Side Model Comparison Tool
Victor Gonzalez
Chief Marketing Officer

Looking for an easy way to compare different Sportsman boats? Our Compare Models tool makes it simple. All you need to do is:

1.- Visit the Compare page on our website, where you can choose 2 or more models to view specs, engine options, standard features and more all in one place (sportsmanboatsmfg.com/compare).

2.- Select up to 3 boats at once

3.- Instantly you'll see everything from length and beam to livewell capacity, rod holders, deck layout and standard electronics laid out in columns.

It’s a fast way to see how boats stack up without jumping between pages.

Why Comparing the Open 232 vs Heritage 231 Is a Smart Use Case


Take the Open 232 and the Heritage 231. Both are 23′ 4″ center consoles with the same beam and draft but their layouts serve different boating lifestyles.

Open 232 – Open bow layout, removable filler board, aquarium livewells, generous rod storage and flexible seating. Perfect for anglers who also cruise or hit the sandbar.

Heritage 231 – U-shaped bow seating, edge‑to‑edge stern bench with flip‑up rear seats, stern anchor locker and family‑friendly storage. Built for sandbar days and relaxed outings.

When you compare these boats side by side using the tool, layout differences really shine through so you can weigh which setup fits your style without needing to bounce between pages.

It immediately shows: both boats share the same core specs but the layout purpose varies. If you want to fish and cruise, the Open 232 is flexible. If you’re thinking sandbar days and lounging, Heritage 231 is great for that family‑first experience.

What You’ll See in the Compare Layout

Here’s what the Compare tool shows you as discrete columns across your selected boats:

Core specs: length, beam, draft, fuel capacity
Performance & power options: recommended horsepower, steering, trim tab features
Deck layout & seating: bow seating design, aft bench or flip‑down seat, transom door
Fishing features: livewell capacity, rod holder locations, fish boxes
Comfort & family amenities: seating arrangements, coolers, shade options
Standard electronics & systems: SportLink® integration, stereo and chartplotter options, digital switching

Having all that lined up makes it effortless to compare the look, feel and fishing capability of different layouts.

Quick Tips Before You Compare

  • If you’re deciding between boats with similar dimensions (like the 23′ models), focus on layout, seating options, fishing amenities and stowage.
  • Consider your usual boating style: are you mostly fishing or mixing it up with sandbar outings, cruising and family time? That will guide which layout features matter most.

In summary

The Compare Models tool is your shortcut to making side‑by‑side decisions quickly especially between two very similar models that serve different purposes.

Try comparing the Open 232 and Heritage 231 to see for yourself how those layout choices really stand out.

It’s the easiest way to narrow in on what’s right for your boating lifestyle.