War Eagle 542VS 2011 boat specs
War Eagle
War Eagle 542VS 2011
2011
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VS
War Eagle 648 2013 boat specs
War Eagle
War Eagle 648 2013
2013
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War Eagle 542VS 2011 vs War Eagle 648 2013 — A Close Look at Two Flats

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the War Eagle 542VS 2011 and the War Eagle 648 2013 are flat designs with aluminum 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — War Eagle 542VS 2011 at 15,3 ft versus War Eagle 648 2013 at 16,3 ft. At 425 lbs and 345 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The War Eagle 542VS 2011 carries a rated maximum of 25 hp. Engine data for the War Eagle 648 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 War Eagle 542VS 2011 and War Eagle 648 2013 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.
General Boat Info
MakeWar Eagle
MakeWar Eagle
Model542VS
Model648
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam62 in
Beam67 in
Beam - Meters1.57
Beam - Meters1.7
Beam - Inches62
Beam - Inches67
Deadrise5℃
Deadrise8℃
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail425 lbs
Weight - Detail345 lbs
Weight - kg192.78
Weight - kg156.49
Weight - lbs.425
Weight - lbs.345
Width [transom] - Detail42 in
Width [transom] - Detail48 in
Height [transom]16 / 21 in
Height [transom]16 / 21 in
Length - Feet15.25
Length - Feet16.25
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters4.65
Length overall - Meters4.95
Length overall - Inches183
Length overall - Inches195
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.080 in
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
HorsepowerMaximum: 25 / 40 hp
Horsepowernot available

War Eagle 542VS 2011 vs War Eagle 648 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the War Eagle 542VS 2011 or the War Eagle 648 2013?
The War Eagle 648 2013 is the longer of the two at 16,3 feet overall. The War Eagle 542VS 2011 comes in at 15,3 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the War Eagle 542VS 2011 or the War Eagle 648 2013?
For trailering, the War Eagle 648 2013 has the edge at 345 lbs dry weight versus 425 lbs for the War Eagle 542VS 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The War Eagle 542VS 2011 has a documented max rating of 25 hp. Engine specifications for the War Eagle 648 2013 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The War Eagle 542VS 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the War Eagle 648 2013 is certified for 4. 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 War Eagle 648 2013 measures 67" wide, compared to 62" for the War Eagle 542VS 2011. 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 War Eagle 542VS 2011 and War Eagle 648 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the War Eagle 542VS 2011 and the War Eagle 648 2013 are built by War Eagle. 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.