Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 has the edge at 155 lbs dry weight versus 1 595 lbs for the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005. 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 V170 I-O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 190 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 tops out at 19 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 V170 I-O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 is certified for 8. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 share an 90 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 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 V170 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005

Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004

2004

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Smoker Craft

Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 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 190 hp, the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 has a 171-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004's 19-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 23 gal and 23 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 8 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 and its 190-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 with its 19-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeSmoker Craft

ModelV170 I-O

Model Year2004

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90 in

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches9

Deadrise15℃

Weight - Detail1550 lbs

Weight - Detail1,595 lbs

Weight - kg703.07

Weight - kg723.48

Weight - lbs.155

Weight - lbs.1595

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.13

Length overall - Inches202

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Engine max19

Engine max190 hp

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people8 Persons

Maximum people8

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,075 lbs

Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 vs Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 or the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005?

For trailering, the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 has the edge at 155 lbs dry weight versus 1 595 lbs for the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005. 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 V170 I-O 2005 is rated to a maximum of 190 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 tops out at 19 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 V170 I-O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 is certified for 8. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 share an 90 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2004 and the Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 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 V170 I-O 2004 full specs ← Smoker Craft V170 I-O 2005 full specs