Matching a flat Xpress 1440SS 2011 against a modified vee Xpress Striker 16 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Xpress 1440SS 2011 at 14,0 ft versus Xpress Striker 16 2013 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress Striker 16 2013 tips the scales at 667 lbs — 419 lbs less than the Xpress 1440SS 2011 at 248 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 40 hp, the Xpress Striker 16 2013 has a 25-hp advantage over the Xpress 1440SS 2011's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 3 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Xpress 1440SS 2011 comes in at 17 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Xpress Striker 16 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Xpress Striker 16 2013 and its 40-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Xpress 1440SS 2011 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.