Fisher FX DV 18 2002 vs Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fisher FX DV 18 2002 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 tops out at 125 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 Fisher FX DV 18 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 share an 93.75" 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 4 gallons and 3 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 are built by Fisher. 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

Fisher FX DV 18 2002 vs Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005

Fisher

Fisher FX DV 18 2002

2002

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Fisher

Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fisher FX DV 18 2002 vs Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fisher FX DV 18 2002 vs Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 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 200 hp, the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 has a 75-hp advantage over the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005's 125-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 4 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fisher FX DV 18 2002 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeFisher

ModelFX DV 18

ModelHawk 170 Sport

Model Year2002

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam93.75"

Beam94 in

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches93.75

Beam - Inches94

Height [transom]21"

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail18' 6"

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.28

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches208

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail25 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters63.5

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches25

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail1,450 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg657.71

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.145

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail74 in

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches4

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gallons / Kicker Motor Fuel Tank 8gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal4

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Engine max200 hp

Engine max125 hp

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1500 lbs

Maximum capacity1,530 lbs

Maximum people8

Maximum people5

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in. gauge

Fisher FX DV 18 2002 vs Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 — Common Questions

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fisher FX DV 18 2002 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 tops out at 125 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 Fisher FX DV 18 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 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.

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

Both the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 share an 93.75" 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 4 gallons and 3 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fisher FX DV 18 2002 and the Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 are built by Fisher. 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.

← Fisher FX DV 18 2002 full specs ← Fisher Hawk 170 Sport 2005 full specs