Xpress HD18 2011 boat specs
Xpress
Xpress HD18 2011
2011
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VS
Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 boat specs
Xpress
Xpress V-Jon FL 2009
2009
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Xpress HD18 2011 vs Xpress V-Jon FL 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Xpress HD18 2011 is a flat-bottom design and the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

The Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Xpress HD18 2011 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Xpress HD18 2011 is rated for 5 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 HD18 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Xpress HD18 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakeXpress
MakeXpress
ModelHD18
ModelV-Jon FL
Model Year2011
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam97 in.
Beam85 in.
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Inches97
Beam - Inches85
Width [transom] - Detail68 in.
Width [transom] - Detail60 in.
Height - Detail26 in.
Height - Detail24 in.
Height - Meters0.66
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Inches26
Height - Inches24
Height [transom]21 in.
Height [transom]21 in.
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail18 ft.
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches204
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail380 lbs.
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg172.36
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.380
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.1
Hull thickness0.100 in.
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max50 - 70 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people4 / 564 lbs.

Xpress HD18 2011 vs Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Xpress HD18 2011 or the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009?
The Xpress HD18 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 has a documented max rating of 50 hp. Engine specifications for the Xpress HD18 2011 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Xpress HD18 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Xpress HD18 2011 measures 97" wide, compared to 85" for the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Xpress HD18 2011 and Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Xpress HD18 2011 and the Xpress V-Jon FL 2009 are built by Xpress. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.