Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 or the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 is the longer of the two at 18,6 feet overall. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013. 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 and Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 and the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010

2010

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 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 18 Angler 2013 has a 75-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010'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 18 Angler 2013 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelCDS 56 (17 ft.)

Model18 Angler

Model Year201

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam90 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches9

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - DetailSides: 34 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Inches22

Height - Inches34

Length - Feet17

Length - Feet18.58

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.66

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches223

Deadrisenot available

DeadriseBow: 20° Transom: 10°

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail1,326 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg601.46

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.1326

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.16 in. Sides: 0.10 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeNone

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max40 hp (manual)

Engine max115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal27

Operational Info

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,375 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people5 / 775 lbs

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 or the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 is the longer of the two at 18,6 feet overall. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013. 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 and Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 and the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 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 CDS 56 (17 ft.) 2010 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2013 full specs