The Fisher 1700 2005 vs Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 measures 22,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fisher 1700 2005 at 17,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fisher 1700 2005 tips the scales at 938 lbs — 650 lbs more than the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 at 288 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 75 hp, the Fisher 1700 2005 has a 72-hp advantage over the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006's 3-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fisher 1700 2005 carries 18 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006. 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 Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fisher 1700 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fisher 1700 2005 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 96 lbs per hp for the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006. 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.
The Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Fisher 1700 2005 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Fisher Freedom 221 DLX CPIII 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher 1700 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.