The Fisher Liberty 240 2009 vs Fisher Pro Hawk 170 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fisher Liberty 240 2009 measures 25,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fisher Pro Hawk 170 2005 at 17,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fisher Liberty 240 2009 tips the scales at 2 285 lbs — 2 274 lbs more than the Fisher Pro Hawk 170 2005 at 11 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 115 hp, the Fisher Liberty 240 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Fisher Pro Hawk 170 2005's 90-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 Pro Hawk 170 2005 carries 25 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Fisher Liberty 240 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 Fisher Liberty 240 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fisher Pro Hawk 170 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 Liberty 240 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fisher Liberty 240 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher Pro Hawk 170 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.