Matching a tunnel Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009 against a modified vee Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009 at 16,6 ft versus Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 at 18,0 ft. At 85 lbs and 11 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 has a 70-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009'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 190 Super Tunnel 2007 carries 24 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Blue Wave 190 Super Tunnel 2007 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Blue Wave 170 Super Tunnel 2009. 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.