Matching a modified vee Xpress XP160 2012 against a tunnel Xpress XP170 Jet 2013 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 XP160 2012 at 16,0 ft versus Xpress XP170 Jet 2013 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress XP160 2012 tips the scales at 667 lbs — 575 lbs more than the Xpress XP170 Jet 2013 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 90 hp, the Xpress XP170 Jet 2013 has a 30-hp advantage over the Xpress XP160 2012's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 18 gal and 18 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 XP170 Jet 2013 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Xpress XP160 2012. 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 XP170 Jet 2013 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Xpress XP160 2012 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.