Matching a modified vee Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2011 against a deep vee Custom Weld 22 - 24 ft. Whitewater Special 2012 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Custom Weld 22 - 24 ft. Whitewater Special 2012 measures 22,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2011 at 17,0 feet (2011). At 23 lbs and 5 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Custom Weld 22 - 24 ft. Whitewater Special 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Custom Weld 22 - 24 ft. Whitewater Special 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Custom Weld 22 - 24 ft. Whitewater Special 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Custom Weld 17 ft. Sport 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.