The Angler 173F 2010 vs Angler 220VFX 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Angler 220VFX 2008 measures 22,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Angler 173F 2010 at 17,3 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Angler 220VFX 2008 tips the scales at 3 000 lbs - 1 800 lbs less than the Angler 173F 2010 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 300 hp, the Angler 220VFX 2008 has a 185-hp advantage over the Angler 173F 2010'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 220VFX 2008 carries 114 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Angler 173F 2010. 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 220VFX 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Angler 173F 2010 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Angler 220VFX 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Angler 220VFX 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Angler 173F 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.