Matching a pontoon Weld-Craft CDL 56 Pontoon (17 ft.) 2009 against a flat Weld-Craft RS 36 (12 ft.) 2008 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 40 hp, the Weld-Craft CDL 56 Pontoon (17 ft.) 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft RS 36 (12 ft.) 2008's 15-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 CDL 56 Pontoon (17 ft.) 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Weld-Craft RS 36 (12 ft.) 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Weld-Craft CDL 56 Pontoon (17 ft.) 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Weld-Craft CDL 56 Pontoon (17 ft.) 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weld-Craft RS 36 (12 ft.) 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.