Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 or the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,6 feet overall. The Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,6 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 2012 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012. 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 and Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 and the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009

2009

View full specs →

Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 against a deep vee Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 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 2012 has a 75-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009'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 2012 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelCLT 56 (18 ft.)

Model18 Angler

Model Year2009

Model Year2012

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 - Feet18

Length - Feet18.58

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.66

Length overall - Inches216

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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 or the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012?

The Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,6 feet overall. The Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,6 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 2012 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012. 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 and Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 and the Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 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 CLT 56 (18 ft.) 2009 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 18 Angler 2012 full specs