Matching a deep vee Xpress DVX175 2009 against a flat Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008 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 DVX175 2009 at 17,5 ft versus Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008 at 15,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress DVX175 2009 tips the scales at 1 215 lbs — 899 lbs more than the Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008 at 316 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 115 hp, the Xpress DVX175 2009 has a 90-hp advantage over the Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008'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 DVX175 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress DVX175 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Xpress DVX175 2009 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008. 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 DVX175 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress Livewell - 1546LW 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.