When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 and the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 at 19,0 ft versus Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 tips the scales at 1 437 lbs — 1 399 lbs more than the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 at 38 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 200 hp, the Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 has a 150-hp advantage over the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009's 50-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 FS Series - X19FS 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress FS Series - X19FS 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.