Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007
2007
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VS
Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012
2012
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Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 vs Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 against a modified vee Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 35 hp for the Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 and 50 hp for the Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

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: The Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 and Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeWeld-Craft
MakeWeld-Craft
ModelCDL 48 (17 ft.)
ModelSportsman
Model Year2007
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam70 in
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches7
Height - DetailSide: 22 in
Height - Detail22 in. side
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inches22
Height - Inches22
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail480 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg217.72
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.48
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail48 in. bottom
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeNone
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max35 hp (manual)
Engine maxnot available
Engine modelnot available
Engine model22 in. shaft
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower50 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,120 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people5

Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 vs Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 or the Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012?
The Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 tops out at 35 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 CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 and Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 share an 70 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.
Are the Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 and Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDL 48 (17 ft.) 2007 and the Weld-Craft Sportsman 2012 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.