The Gator Trax 16 x 38 2013 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 44 (up to 21 in. sides) 2007 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 44 (up to 21 in. sides) 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax 16 x 38 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 44 (up to 21 in. sides) 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 44 (up to 21 in. sides) 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gator Trax 16 x 38 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.