Matching a modified vee Xpress H51 2013 against a flat Xpress Livewell Jon 2009 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 H51 2013 at 17,0 ft versus Xpress Livewell Jon 2009 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress H51 2013 tips the scales at 862 lbs — 604 lbs more than the Xpress Livewell Jon 2009 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 70 hp, the Xpress H51 2013 has a 45-hp advantage over the Xpress Livewell Jon 2009'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 H51 2013 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Xpress Livewell Jon 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress H51 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Xpress Livewell Jon 2009 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Xpress H51 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 H51 2013 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 Livewell Jon 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.