Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 vs Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 or the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 has the edge at 75 lbs dry weight versus 995 lbs for the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006. 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 180 Classic 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 tops out at 70 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 T Special 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 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 170 T Special 2004 measures 84" wide, compared to 9" for the Blue Wave 180 Classic 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.

Q: Are the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 and Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 and the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 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 T Special 2004 vs Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006

Blue Wave

Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004

2004

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Blue Wave

Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 vs Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 vs Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 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 180 Classic 2006 has a 45-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004's 70-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 180 Classic 2006 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 with its 70-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeBlue Wave

Model170 T Special

Model180 Classic

Model Year2004

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam84 in

Beam90 in

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches84

Beam - Inches9

Draft [max] - Detail8 - 10 in

Draft [max] - DetailApprox. 8 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.25

Draft [max] - Meters0.2

Draft [max] - Inches1

Draft [max] - Inches8

Weight - Detail750 lbs

Weight - Detail995 lbs

Weight - kg340.19

Weight - kg451.32

Weight - lbs.75

Weight - lbs.995

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5

Length overall - Meters5.38

Length overall - Inches197

Length overall - Inches212

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches8

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max70 hp

Engine max115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,102 lbs

Maximum capacity1,227 lbs

Maximum people5

Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 vs Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 or the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 has the edge at 75 lbs dry weight versus 995 lbs for the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006. 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 180 Classic 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 tops out at 70 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 T Special 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 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 170 T Special 2004 measures 84" wide, compared to 9" for the Blue Wave 180 Classic 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.

Are the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 and Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 170 T Special 2004 and the Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 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 T Special 2004 full specs ← Blue Wave 180 Classic 2006 full specs