Duracraft 1754 2004 vs Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Duracraft 1754 2004 or the Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007?

For trailering, the Duracraft 1754 2004 has the edge at 639 lbs dry weight versus 683 lbs for the Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Duracraft 1754 2004 tops out at 60 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 Duracraft 1754 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Duracraft 1754 2004 and Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 share an 71 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Duracraft 1754 2004 and Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Duracraft 1754 2004 and the Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

Boat Comparison

Duracraft 1754 2004 vs Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007

Duracraft

Duracraft 1754 2004

2004

View full specs →

Duracraft

Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Duracraft 1754 2004 vs Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Duracraft 1754 2004 vs Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the Duracraft 1754 2004 and 75 hp for the Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 Duracraft 1754 2004 and Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeDuracraft

Model1754

Model178 DLX Bass

Model Year2004

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam71 in

Beam - Meters1.8

Beam - Inches71

Weight - Detail639 lbs

Weight - Detail683 lbs

Weight - kg289.85

Weight - kg309.8

Weight - lbs.639

Weight - lbs.683

Height - DetailSide - 22 in

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches22

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Meters5.28

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 thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max60 HP

Engine max75 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum people4 Persons

Maximum people4

Duracraft 1754 2004 vs Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Duracraft 1754 2004 or the Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007?

For trailering, the Duracraft 1754 2004 has the edge at 639 lbs dry weight versus 683 lbs for the Duracraft 178 DLX 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 178 DLX Bass 2007 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Duracraft 1754 2004 tops out at 60 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 1754 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Duracraft 1754 2004 and Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 share an 71 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Duracraft 1754 2004 and Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Duracraft 1754 2004 and the Duracraft 178 DLX 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.

← Duracraft 1754 2004 full specs ← Duracraft 178 DLX Bass 2007 full specs