Xpress HD20B 2006 boat specs
Xpress
Xpress HD20B 2006
2006
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VS
Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 boat specs
Xpress
Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008
2008
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Xpress HD20B 2006 vs Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Xpress HD20B 2006 vs Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Xpress HD20B 2006 at 16,0 ft versus Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress HD20B 2006 tips the scales at 1 138 lbs — 679 lbs more than the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 at 459 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 130 hp, the Xpress HD20B 2006 has a 80-hp advantage over the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Xpress HD20B 2006 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Xpress HD20B 2006 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeXpress
MakeXpress
ModelHD20B
ModelVJ Series - 1756VJ
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in
Beam78 in
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches78
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,138 lbs
Weight - Detail459 lbs
Weight - kg516.19
Weight - kg208.2
Weight - lbs.1138
Weight - lbs.459
Height [transom]22 in
Height [transom]21.5 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 11 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.16
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches203
Length overall - Inches204
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail23 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.58
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches23
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max130 hp
Engine max50-90 hp (Higher horsepower ratings are for remote steering only)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,250 lbs
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people4/625 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 9 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available

Xpress HD20B 2006 vs Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Xpress HD20B 2006 or the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008?
The Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Xpress HD20B 2006 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Xpress HD20B 2006 or the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008?
For trailering, the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 has the edge at 459 lbs dry weight versus 1 138 lbs for the Xpress HD20B 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Xpress HD20B 2006 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 tops out at 50 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Xpress HD20B 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Xpress HD20B 2006 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 9 lbs per hp compared to 9 lbs per hp for the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Xpress HD20B 2006 measures 95" wide, compared to 78" for the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008. 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 HD20B 2006 and Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Xpress HD20B 2006 and the Xpress VJ Series - 1756VJ 2008 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.