The Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013 vs Xpress HD17PFC 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013 at 14,0 ft versus Xpress HD17PFC 2006 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress HD17PFC 2006 tips the scales at 887 lbs — 629 lbs less than the Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013 at 258 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 90 hp, the Xpress HD17PFC 2006 has a 65-hp advantage over the Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013's 25-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 Xpress HD17PFC 2006 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress HD17PFC 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Xpress HD17PFC 2006 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 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: Choose the Xpress HD17PFC 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress Deck Boat Jon Series 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.