Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 vs Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 — A Close Look at Two Flats
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 and the Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 are flat designs with aluminum 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?
Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 and Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeGator Trax
MakeGator Trax
ModelBig Water 21 in. Sides (1/8)
ModelGT 17 x 5
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Width [transom] - Detail62 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - DetailSides: 21 in
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Inches21
Height - Inches21
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 vs Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 or the Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013?
The Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 is certified for 5. 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.
Are the Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 and Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax Big Water 21 in. Sides (1/8) 2011 and the Gator Trax GT 17 x 50 2013 are built by Gator Trax. 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.