Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 or the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 133 lbs for the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 is certified for 6. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 measures 91" wide, compared to 63" for the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004. 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.

Q: Are the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 and Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 and the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 are built by Smoker Craft. 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

Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011

Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004

2004

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Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 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 140 hp, the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 has a 115-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004's 25-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 Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeSmoker Craft

ModelModified V Split Seat 1444

ModelUltima 172

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam63 in

Beam91 in

Beam - Meters1.6

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches63

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail260 lbs

Weight - Detail1,330 lbs

Weight - kg117.93

Weight - kg603.28

Weight - lbs.26

Weight - lbs.133

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Detail36 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Meters0.91

Height - Inches22

Height - Inches36

Height [transom]LS/SS

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail14 ft

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 2 in

Length overall - Meters4.27

Length overall - Meters5.23

Length overall - Inches168

Length overall - Inches206

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail26 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters66.04

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches26

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail88 in

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17.17

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. Side: 0.080 in. Rib: 0.100 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max25

Engine max140 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum people3 Persons

Maximum people6

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,425 lbs

Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 vs Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 or the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 133 lbs for the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011. 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 Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 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 Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 is certified for 6. 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 Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 measures 91" wide, compared to 63" for the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004. 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 Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 and Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 and the Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 are built by Smoker Craft. 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.

← Smoker Craft Modified V Split Seat 1444 2004 full specs ← Smoker Craft Ultima 172 2011 full specs