The Lund 1236 2008 is a flat-bottom design and the Lund 170WPE 2005 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lund 170WPE 2005 measures 17,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lund 1236 2008 at 11,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 170WPE 2005 tips the scales at 995 lbs - 855 lbs less than the Lund 1236 2008 at 140 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 115 hp, the Lund 170WPE 2005 has a 105-hp advantage over the Lund 1236 2008's 10-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 Lund 170WPE 2005 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Lund 1236 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 170WPE 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lund 170WPE 2005 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Lund 1236 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Lund 170WPE 2005 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 Lund 1236 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.