Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 measures 91" wide, compared to 84" for the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004. 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.

Q: Are the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 and Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 and the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 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.

Boat Comparison

Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009

Blue Wave

Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004

2004

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Blue Wave

Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 has a 35-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004'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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 with its 80-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeBlue Wave

Model170 Super Tunnel

Model1900 VLC

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam84 in

Beam91 in

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches84

Beam - Inches91

Draft [max] - Detail8 in

Draft [max] - Detail12 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.2

Draft [max] - Meters0.3

Draft [max] - Inches8

Draft [max] - Inches12

Weight - Detail850 lbs

Weight - Detail1,175 lbs

Weight - kg385.55

Weight - kg532.97

Weight - lbs.85

Weight - lbs.1175

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

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.58

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 Super Tunnel 2004 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009. 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 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 Super Tunnel 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 measures 91" wide, compared to 84" for the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004. 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 Super Tunnel 2004 and Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 and the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 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.

← Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2004 full specs ← Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 full specs