Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (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.
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 Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 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
ModelMud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides)
ModelMud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides)
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
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 - Feet18
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 or the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 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 Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 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 Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2007 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.