Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Weld-Craft CDL 56 (18 ft.) 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a flat Weld-Craft CDL 56 (18 ft.) 2008 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2011 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 Weld-Craft CDL 56 (18 ft.) 2008 carries a rated maximum of 40 hp. Engine data for the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2011 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Weld-Craft CDL 56 (18 ft.) 2008 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 18 SJ 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Weldcraft Marine 18 SJ 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weld-Craft CDL 56 (18 ft.) 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeWeld-Craft
MakeWeldcraft Marine
ModelCDL 56 (18 ft.)
Model18 SJ
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches86
Height - DetailSide: 22 in
Height - DetailSides: 30 x 0.100 in
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Meters0
Height - Inches22
Height - Inches0.1
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18.08
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.51
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches217
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise22.5° bow entry 16° forward entry 14° transom
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail2,050 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg929.86
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.205
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail86 x 0.160 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeNone
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max40 hp (manual)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine model200 OptiMax SJ
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail42 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters158.99
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal42
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6 / 980 lbs