Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 or the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008?

The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 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 (18 ft.) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 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 Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 measures 82" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008. 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 (18 ft.) 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 and the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 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 (18 ft.) 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008

2008

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 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 90 hp, the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008'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 17 Angler SE 2008 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelCDS 56 (18 ft.)

Model17 Angler SE

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam82 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches82

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches22

Height - Inchesnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feet17

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

DeadriseBottom: 10℃ at transom

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail975 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg442.25

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.975

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches3

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeNone

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max40 hp (manual)

Engine maxProp: 90 hp Jet: 115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Operational Info

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs. (motor, persons, gear)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people5 or 665 lbs

Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 vs Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 or the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008?

The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 comes in at 17,0 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 Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 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 (18 ft.) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 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 Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 measures 82" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008. 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 (18 ft.) 2008 and Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CDS 56 (18 ft.) 2008 and the Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 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 (18 ft.) 2008 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 17 Angler SE 2008 full specs