Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Starcraft Marine 1700 DC 2008 vs Starcraft Marine BOW RIDER 1996 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Starcraft Marine 1700 DC 2008 vs Starcraft Marine BOW RIDER 1996 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 245 hp, the Starcraft Marine BOW RIDER 1996 has a 155-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine 1700 DC 2008's 90-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 25 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 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 Starcraft Marine BOW RIDER 1996 at 20,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Starcraft Marine 1700 DC 2008 at 16,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeStarcraft Marine
Makenot available
Model1700 DC
Modelnot available
Model Year2008
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam85 in. (216 cm)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inchesnot available
Deadrise10℃ (at transom)
Deadrisenot available
Depth - Detail22 in. (56 cm)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches22
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (31 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.53
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches21
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - DetailBoat Only: 925 lbs. (419.6 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg419.57
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.925
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail85 in. (216 cm) Chine Width (at transom): 71 in. (180 cm)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]For Engine: 20 in. (51 cm)
Height [transom]not available
Length - Meters5.1
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet20
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 11 in. (5.1 m)
Length overall - Detail20.00 ft
Length overall - Meters5.16
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches203
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.08 in. (0.203 cm)
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87.1 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine max90 hp (67 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower245 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,450 lbs. (657.7 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people6 or 900 lbs. / 6 or 408.2 kg
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 11 in. (7 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - WeightTowing Weight w/ 90 Merc. 4s: 2,063 lbs. (935.8 kg)
Trailer - Weightnot available