The Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 vs Gillgetter 713 Tiller 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 at 13,0 ft versus Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008 at 13,0 ft. At 575 lbs and 625 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 15 hp for the Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 and 15 hp for the Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 comes in at 38 lbs per hp versus 42 lbs per hp for the Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 713 Tiller 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 13,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 513 Tiller 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.