Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 or the Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013?

The Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 has a documented max rating of 40 hp. Engine specifications for the Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 198X 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 Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 measures 94" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009. 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 RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 and Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 and the Weldcraft Marine 198X 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 RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013

Weld-Craft

Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009

2009

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Weld-Craft

Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a flat Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 against a modified vee Weldcraft Marine 198X 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 Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 carries a rated maximum of 40 hp. Engine data for the Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

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: The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 and Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeWeld-Craft

MakeWeldcraft Marine

ModelRL 56 (17 ft.)

Model198X

Model Year2009

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam94 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches94

Height - DetailSide: 22 in

Height - DetailSide: 33 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Meters0.84

Height - Inches22

Height - Inches33

Length - Feet17

Length - Feet19

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail19 ft

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.79

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches228

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise8° constant

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail2,800 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1270.06

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.28

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in. with full length delta pad

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeFlat

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.250 in. Sides: 0.125 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeNone

Drive typenot available

Engine max40 hp (manual)

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeGM

Engine modelnot available

Engine model350 MPI

Jet pumpnot available

Jet pumpAmerican Turbine SD 309

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

Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 vs Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 or the Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013?

The Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 has a documented max rating of 40 hp. Engine specifications for the Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 198X 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 Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 measures 94" wide, compared to 78" for the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009. 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 RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 and Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Weld-Craft RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 and the Weldcraft Marine 198X 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 RL 56 (17 ft.) 2009 full specs ← Weldcraft Marine 198X 2013 full specs