Matching a modified vee Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013 against a pontoon Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013 at 16,5 ft versus Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011 at 17,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013 tips the scales at 2 525 lbs — 2 502 lbs more than the Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011 at 23 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 100 hp for the Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013 and 90 hp for the Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 25 lbs per hp for the Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013. 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: The Stabicraft 1650 Fisher 2013 and Stabicraft 1720 Matt Watson Signature 2011 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.