Matching a modified vee Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 173 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 at 18,4 ft versus Weldcraft Marine 173 2009 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Weldcraft Marine 173 2009 tips the scales at 1 305 lbs — 1 304 lbs less than the Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 at 1 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 has a 35-hp advantage over the Weldcraft Marine 173 2009's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 173 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Weld-Craft 9VB Bass 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weldcraft Marine 173 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.