Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 vs Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 or the Weldcraft Marine 300 2009?

The Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 comes in at 3,0 feet, making it roughly 13,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 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 passengers can the Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 carry?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 74" for the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012. 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.

Q: Are the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 and Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 and the Weldcraft Marine 300 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 VCDS 2012 vs Weldcraft Marine 300 2009

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012

2012

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 300 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 vs Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 300 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 500 hp, the Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 has a 465-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012's 35-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Bottom line: The Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 at 16,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 at 3,0 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

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

Model1648 VCDS

Model3

Model Year2012

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam74 in

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches74

Beam - Inches102

Width [transom] - Detail49 in. bottom

Width [transom] - Detail102 x 0.190 in

Height - Detail22 in. side

Height - Detail40 x 0.160 in. sides

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Meters0

Height - Inches22

Height - Inches0.16

Length - Feet16

Length - Feet3

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise60° bow entry 28° forward entry 20° transom

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail5,900 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2676.19

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.59

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail30 ft. 0 in. Cabin Length: 116 in

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters9.14

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches36

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine model17 or 21 in. shaft

Engine modelnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Horsepower35 hp manual

Horsepowernot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (175 gal. optional)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters662.45

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal175

Engine maxnot available

Engine max500 hp

Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 vs Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 or the Weldcraft Marine 300 2009?

The Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 comes in at 3,0 feet, making it roughly 13,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 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 passengers can the Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 carry?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 74" for the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012. 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 Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 and Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1648 VCDS 2012 and the Weldcraft Marine 300 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 VCDS 2012 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 300 2009 full specs