Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 or the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 is the longer of the two at 17,3 feet overall. The Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 5,3 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 Jon Boats 2011 tops out at 15 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 passengers can the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 carry?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 measures 92" wide, compared to 59" for the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011. 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 Jon Boats 2011 and Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 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 Jon Boats 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011

2011

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 173 2010

2010

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 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 100-hp advantage over the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Bottom line: The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 at 17,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 at 12,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelJon Boats

Model173

Model Year2011

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam59 in

Beam92 in

Beam - Meters1.5

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches59

Beam - Inches92

Width [transom] - Detail36 in

Width [transom] - Detail92 x 0.190 in

Height - Detail19 in. side

Height - DetailSides: 34 x 0.100 in

Height - Meters0.48

Height - Meters0

Height - Inches19

Height - Inches0.1

Height [transom]17 or 22 in

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet12

Length - Feet17.25

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

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters5.26

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches207

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.080 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Horsepower15 hp manual

Horsepowernot available

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

Engine maxnot available

Engine max115 hp

Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 or the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 is the longer of the two at 17,3 feet overall. The Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 5,3 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 Jon Boats 2011 tops out at 15 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 passengers can the Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 carry?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 measures 92" wide, compared to 59" for the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011. 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 Jon Boats 2011 and Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft Jon Boats 2011 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 Jon Boats 2011 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 173 2010 full specs