Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — A Close Look at Two Flats
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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 Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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
ModelGuide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides)
ModelMud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides)
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.75
Beam - Meters1.75
Beam - Inches69
Beam - Inches69
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Inches21
Height - Inches21
Height [transom]16 or 21 in
Height [transom]16 or 21 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
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 thickness0.125 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 or the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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 Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 share an 69 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax Guide Edition 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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.