Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 vs Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a flat Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 against a modified vee Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Both boats are rated for 5 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 Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 and Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 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
MakePro-Drive
MakePro-Drive
ModelSBX (Self Bail) Series
ModelX 17 x 48 (18 in. sides)
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.22
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Inches48
Beam - Inches6
Height - Detail24 in
Height - Detail18 in
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Meters0.46
Height - Inches24
Height - Inches18
Length [deck]4 ft
Length [deck]4 ft
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 vs Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 or the Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008?
The Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 measures 48" wide, compared to 6" for the Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008. 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 Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 and Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Pro-Drive SBX (Self Bail) Series 2012 and the Pro-Drive X 17 x 48 (18 in. sides) 2008 are built by Pro-Drive. 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.