When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the EdgeWater 170CC 2008 and the EdgeWater 205CC 2009 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The EdgeWater 170CC 2008 measures 16,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the EdgeWater 205CC 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). At 17 lbs and 25 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the EdgeWater 205CC 2009 has a 110-hp advantage over the EdgeWater 170CC 2008'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 EdgeWater 170CC 2008 carries 32 gallons versus 9 gallons in the EdgeWater 205CC 2009. 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 EdgeWater 205CC 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the EdgeWater 170CC 2008 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the EdgeWater 205CC 2009 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The EdgeWater 205CC 2009 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the EdgeWater 170CC 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.