Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Weld-Craft 1652 DD Econo 2013 vs Weld-Craft RL 70 (18 ft.) 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Weld-Craft 1652 DD Econo 2013 against a flat Weld-Craft RL 70 (18 ft.) 2008 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 80 hp, the Weld-Craft 1652 DD Econo 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft RL 70 (18 ft.) 2008's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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 1652 DD Econo 2013 and its 80-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft RL 70 (18 ft.) 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeWeld-Craft
MakeWeld-Craft
Model1652 DD Econo
ModelRL 70 (18 ft.)
Model Year2013
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches74
Beam - Inches94
Weight - Detail700 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.7
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail52 in. bottom
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - Detail22 in. side
Height - DetailSide: 26 in
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Meters0.66
Height - Inches22
Height - Inches26
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine model22 in. shaft
Engine modelnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeNone
Horsepower80 hp remote
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max40 hp (manual)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,148 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people5 / 705 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available