When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 and the Vectra V-172 OB 2009 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Vectra V-172 OB 2009 measures 16,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 tips the scales at 2 325 lbs — 2 173 lbs more than the Vectra V-172 OB 2009 at 152 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 260 hp, the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 has a 125-hp advantage over the Vectra V-172 OB 2009's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 carries 43 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Vectra V-172 OB 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Vectra 2042 IO 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Vectra V-172 OB 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Vectra V-172 OB 2009 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Vectra 2042 IO 2009. 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: Choose the Vectra 2042 IO 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Vectra V-172 OB 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.