Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 boat specs
Duracraft
Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 boat specs
Duracraft
Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007
2007
View full specs →

Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 vs Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 vs Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 has a 50-hp advantage over the Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeDuracraft
MakeDuracraft
Model1542 FLS
Model1750 Basic Bass
Model Year2004
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam60 in
Beam71 in
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Meters1.8
Beam - Inches6
Beam - Inches71
Weight - Detail352 lbs
Weight - Detail683 lbs
Weight - kg159.66
Weight - kg309.8
Weight - lbs.352
Weight - lbs.683
Height - DetailSide - 20 in
Height - DetailSide: 22 in
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inches2
Height - Inches22
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters4.5
Length overall - Meters5.28
Length overall - Inches177
Length overall - Inches208
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailTransom: 20 in., Bottom: 50 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max25 HP
Engine max75 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum people3 Persons
Maximum people4

Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 vs Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 or the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007?
For trailering, the Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 has the edge at 352 lbs dry weight versus 683 lbs for the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 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 Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 tops out at 25 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 Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 is certified for 4. 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 Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 measures 71" wide, compared to 6" for the Duracraft 1542 FLS 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 Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 and Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Duracraft 1542 FLS 2004 and the Duracraft 1750 Basic Bass 2007 are built by Duracraft. 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.