Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 vs Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 or the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009?

The Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 tops out at 35 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 Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 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.

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

Both the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 share an 70 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: Are the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 are built by Weld-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

Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 vs Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012

2012

View full specs →

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 vs Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 against a flat Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 60 hp, the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009's 35-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

Model1648 MUV Crappie

ModelRL 48 (16 ft.)

Model Year2012

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Inches7

Weight - Detail665 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg301.64

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.665

Weight - lbs.not available

Width [transom] - Detail48 in. bottom

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail22 in. side

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches22

Length - Feet16

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches192

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeFlat

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine model22 in. shaft

Engine modelnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeNone

Horsepower60 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine maxnot available

Engine max35 hp (manual)

Operational Info

Maximum capacity950 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people4

Maximum peoplenot available

Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 vs Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 or the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009?

The Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 tops out at 35 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 Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 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.

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

Both the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 share an 70 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.

Are the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 and the Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 are built by Weld-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.

← Weld-Craft 1648 MUV Crappie 2012 full specs ← Weld-Craft RL 48 (16 ft.) 2009 full specs