Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005
2005
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VS
Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007
2007
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Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 1 090 lbs less than the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 at 85 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 has a 35-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005's 80-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 with its 80-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeBlue Wave
MakeBlue Wave
Model170 Classic
Model1900 VLC (2008)
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam91 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches91
Draft [max] - Detail8 - 10 in
Draft [max] - Detail12 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.25
Draft [max] - Meters0.3
Draft [max] - Inches1
Draft [max] - Inches12
Weight - Detail850 lbs
Weight - Detail1,175 lbs
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - kg532.97
Weight - lbs.85
Weight - lbs.1175
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters5.66
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches223
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max80 hp
Engine max115 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal37
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,102 lbs
Maximum capacity1,257 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5 people or 675 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialComposite
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007?
The Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007?
For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 tops out at 80 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 measures 91" wide, compared to 84" for the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 and Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 Classic 2005 and the Blue Wave 1900 VLC (2008) 2007 are built by Blue Wave. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.