The Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 measures 17,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 15,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 tips the scales at 1 305 lbs — 1 279 lbs more than the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 at 26 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 Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 carries 62 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Weldcraft Marine 173 2011. 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 Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Weldcraft Marine 20 Sabre 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weldcraft Marine 173 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.