SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 boat specs
SeaArk
SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013
2013
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VS
SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 boat specs
SeaArk
SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006
2006
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SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 vs SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 vs SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 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 — SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 at 15,0 ft versus SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 tips the scales at 775 lbs — 772 lbs less than the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 at 3 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 75 hp, the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSeaArk
MakeSeaArk
ModelDXS 1542 DKLD
ModelForecast 170 C
Model Year2013
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam61 in
Beam71 in
Beam - Meters1.55
Beam - Meters1.8
Beam - Inches61
Beam - Inches71
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail300 lbs
Weight - Detail775 lbs
Weight - kg136.08
Weight - kg351.53
Weight - lbs.3
Weight - lbs.775
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 42 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches18
Length overall - Inches204
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp
Engine max75 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,005 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people4 people / 445 lbs

SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 vs SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 or the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006?
The SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 or the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006?
For trailering, the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 775 lbs for the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006. 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 SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 tops out at 25 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 SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 measures 71" wide, compared to 61" for the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013. 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 SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 and SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SeaArk DXS 1542 DKLD 2013 and the SeaArk Forecast 170 C 2006 are built by SeaArk. 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.