Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 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 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 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
ModelMud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides)
ModelMud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides)
Model Year2007
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Meters1.75
Beam - Inches73
Beam - Inches69
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Height - Detail19 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Meters0.48
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Inches19
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 typenot available
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 vs Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 or the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 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 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 measures 73" wide, compared to 69" for the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 and Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 x 50 (21 in. sides) 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 17 x 54 (19 in. sides) 2007 and the Gator Trax Mud Buddy 18 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.