Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 or the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009?

The Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 comes in at 17,3 feet, making it roughly 0,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 tops out at 90 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 1856 V Bass 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 is certified for 5. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 measures 82" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008. 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 19 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 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 1856 V Bass 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008

2008

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 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 140 hp, the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 21 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 1856 V Bass 2008 and its 140-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

Model1856 V Bass

Model17 Angler SE

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam82 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches82

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - Detail28 x 0.100 in. sides

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Meters0

Height - Inches22

Height - Inches0.1

Length - Feet18

Length - Feet17.25

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.26

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches207

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise22° bow entry 17° forward entry 10° transom

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail975 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg442.25

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.975

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail80 x 0.160 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max140 hp

Engine max90 hp (prop) 115/80 hp (Jet)

Operational Info

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people5 / 665 lbs

Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 or the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009?

The Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 comes in at 17,3 feet, making it roughly 0,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 tops out at 90 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 1856 V Bass 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 is certified for 5. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 measures 82" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008. 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 19 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft 1856 V Bass 2008 and the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 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 1856 V Bass 2008 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2009 full specs