Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010
2010
View full specs →
VS
Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weldcraft Marine 20 2011
2011
View full specs →

Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 — Which Deep Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 and the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 are deep vee 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 measures 18,1 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 16,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 tips the scales at 205 lbs — 180 lbs more than the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 at 25 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.

Both boats are rated for 6 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 Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 at 18,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 at 2,0 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
MakeWeldcraft Marine
MakeWeldcraft Marine
Model18 SJ
Model2
Model Year201
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam86 in
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches86
Deadrise22.5° bow entry 16° forward entry 14° transom
Deadrise22.5° bow entry 16° forward entry 14° transom
Weight - Detail2,050 lbs
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - kg929.86
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.205
Weight - lbs.25
Width [transom] - Detail86 x 0.160 in
Width [transom] - Detail86 x 0.160 in
Height - DetailSides: 30 x 0.100 in
Height - DetailSides: 30 x 0.125 in
Height - Meters0
Height - Meters0
Height - Inches0.1
Height - Inches0.125
Length - Feet18.08
Length - Feet2
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.51
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches217
Length overall - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makenot available
Engine model200 OptiMax SJ
Engine modelMarine Power 5.0 V-8 carb
Fuel tank capacity - Detail42 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail62 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters158.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters234.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal62
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpAmerican Turbine SD-309
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum people6 / 980 lbs
Maximum people6 / 980 lbs

Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 or the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011?
The Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 is the longer of the two at 18,1 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 16,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 or the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011?
For trailering, the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 205 lbs for the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 is certified for 6. 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 Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 and Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 share an 86 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 or the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011?
The Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 has the bigger tank at 62 gallons, versus 42 gallons on the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 and Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2010 and the Weldcraft Marine 20 2011 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.