The Ice Yachts 70 2023 vs Ice Yachts 72 2017 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Ice Yachts 70 2023 at 69,1 ft versus Ice Yachts 72 2017 at 70,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ice Yachts 72 2017 tips the scales at 68 343 lbs — 12 126 lbs less than the Ice Yachts 70 2023 at 56 217 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 260 hp, the Ice Yachts 72 2017 has a 65-hp advantage over the Ice Yachts 70 2023's 195-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Ice Yachts 70 2023 carries 317 gallons versus 264 gallons in the Ice Yachts 72 2017. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 21 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.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Ice Yachts 72 2017 displaces 68 343 lbs — a 12 126-lb difference over the Ice Yachts 70 2023 at 56 217 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Ice Yachts 72 2017 draws 11,2 ft, compared to 9,3 ft for the Ice Yachts 70 2023. That 1,9-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Ice Yachts 70 2023 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Ice Yachts 72 2017 carries a 260-hp engine against 195 hp on the Ice Yachts 70 2023. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Ice Yachts 70 2023 carries 291 gallons versus 264 gallons on the Ice Yachts 72 2017 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Ice Yachts 72 2017 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 68 343 lbs displacement and 70 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Ice Yachts 70 2023 at 56 217 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.