The Angler 173 Bay 2011 vs Angler 204FX 2006 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 - Angler 173 Bay 2011 at 17,3 ft versus Angler 204FX 2006 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Angler 204FX 2006 tips the scales at 2 200 lbs - 1 000 lbs less than the Angler 173 Bay 2011 at 1 200 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 150 hp, the Angler 204FX 2006 has a 35-hp advantage over the Angler 173 Bay 2011's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Angler 204FX 2006 carries 65 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Angler 173 Bay 2011. 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 Angler 204FX 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Angler 173 Bay 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Angler 204FX 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Angler 204FX 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Angler 173 Bay 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.