Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 or the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010?

The Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 tops out at 40 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 CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 measures 94" wide, compared to 92" for the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010. 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: Are the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 and Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 and the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007

2007

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 173 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 115 hp, the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 has a 75-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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 Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelCDL 70 (18 ft.)

Model173

Model Year2007

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam94 in

Beam92 in

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches94

Beam - Inches92

Height - DetailSide: 26 in

Height - DetailSides: 34 x 0.100 in

Height - Meters0.66

Height - Meters0

Height - Inches26

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

Deadrise28.5° bow entry 24° forward entry 14° transom

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail1,305 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg591.94

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.1305

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail92 x 0.190 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeNone

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max40 hp (manual)

Engine max115 hp

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

Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 or the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010?

The Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 tops out at 40 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 70 (18 ft.) 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 measures 94" wide, compared to 92" for the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010. 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.

Are the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 and Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 and the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 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 CDL 70 (18 ft.) 2007 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 full specs