Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013
2013
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VS
Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 boat specs
Weld-Craft
Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007
2007
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Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 vs Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 against a flat Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 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 150 hp, the Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 has a 110-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007's 40-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 DSUV Package 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeWeld-Craft
MakeWeld-Craft
ModelDSUV Package
ModelRL 56 (17 ft.)
Model Year2013
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam85 in
Beam78 in
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches78
Weight - Detail1,050 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg476.27
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.105
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. bottom
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - Detail26 in. side
Height - DetailSide: 22 in
Height - Meters0.66
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inches26
Height - Inches22
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine model22 in. shaft
Engine modelnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeNone
Horsepower150 hp remote
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max40 hp (manual)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8 / 1,128 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available

Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 vs Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 or the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007?
The Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 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 Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 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 DSUV Package 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 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 DSUV Package 2013 measures 85" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007. 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 DSUV Package 2013 and Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Weld-Craft DSUV Package 2013 and the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2007 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.