Matching a deep vee Xpress DVX175FS 2009 against a modified vee Xpress H20B 2012 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 DVX175FS 2009 at 17,5 ft versus Xpress H20B 2012 at 20,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress H20B 2012 tips the scales at 1 436 lbs — 221 lbs less than the Xpress DVX175FS 2009 at 1 215 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the Xpress DVX175FS 2009 and 115 hp for the Xpress H20B 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 3 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Xpress H20B 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Xpress DVX175FS 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress H20B 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress H20B 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 20,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress DVX175FS 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.