Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006
2006
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VS
Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009
2009
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Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 at 16,0 ft versus Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 at 18,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 1 090 lbs less than the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 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 2009 has a 35-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006's 80-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 carries 37 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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: The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 at 18,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 at 16,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeBlue Wave
MakeBlue Wave
Model170 Super Tunnel
Model1900 VLC
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam91 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches91
Draft [max] - DetailApprox. 8 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 - Feet16
Length - Feet18.58
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
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
Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14
Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel tank capacity - Gal37
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max80 hp
Engine max115 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
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 2006 vs Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009?
The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,6 feet overall. The Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 2,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009?
For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006. 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 or the Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009?
The Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 has the bigger tank at 37 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 and Blue Wave 1900 VLC 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2006 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.