When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Xpress H20B 2013 and the Xpress XP170 2012 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Xpress H20B 2013 measures 20,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Xpress XP170 2012 at 17,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress H20B 2013 tips the scales at 1 436 lbs — 1 344 lbs more than the Xpress XP170 2012 at 92 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 H20B 2013 has a 45-hp advantage over the Xpress XP170 2012's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Xpress XP170 2012 carries 18 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Xpress H20B 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Xpress H20B 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Xpress XP170 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress H20B 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress H20B 2013 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 XP170 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.