The 204″ hulls are all the same, only top cap differences. The AE is a bit less bling, and for most is all the boat they ever need ! Imho, its a bit faster than its brethren, and also more affordable. With the 250 its more than most can handle unloaded, but tournament ready will push upper 70s easily if set up properly. A 225 also runs really good on this boat. The only thing I missed on my Cougar AE was the net storage,,,,,,,