Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 boat specs
Fisher
Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002
2002
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VS
Fisher Liberty 180 2005 boat specs
Fisher
Fisher Liberty 180 2005
2005
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Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 vs Fisher Liberty 180 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 vs Fisher Liberty 180 2005 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.

The Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 carries a rated maximum of 125 hp. Engine data for the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 carries 21 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002. 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 Fisher Liberty 180 2005 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeFisher
MakeFisher
Model17 Sport Avenger
ModelLiberty 18
Model Year2002
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam85"
Beam97 in
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches97
Weight - Detail1180 lbs
Weight - Detail1660 lbs
Weight - kg535.24
Weight - kg752.96
Weight - lbs.118
Weight - lbs.166
Length overall - Detail17' 6"
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches222
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gallons
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gallons
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Engine max125 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard75 hp
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutBoard
Operational Info
Maximum people6 person
Maximum people7 person
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity970 lbs
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter24 in

Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 vs Fisher Liberty 180 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 or the Fisher Liberty 180 2005?
For trailering, the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 has the edge at 118 lbs dry weight versus 166 lbs for the Fisher Liberty 180 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 has a documented max rating of 125 hp. Engine specifications for the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Fisher Liberty 180 2005 measures 97" wide, compared to 85" for the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 or the Fisher Liberty 180 2005?
The Fisher Liberty 180 2005 has the bigger tank at 21 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002. That 18-gallon difference translates to roughly 54–90 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 and Fisher Liberty 180 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fisher 17 Sport Avenger 2002 and the Fisher Liberty 180 2005 are built by Fisher. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.