The Gillgetter 612 Tiller 2004 vs Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 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 612 Tiller 2004 at 15,0 ft versus Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 tips the scales at 1 275 lbs — 1 209 lbs less than the Gillgetter 612 Tiller 2004 at 66 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 tops out at 60 hp. Engine specs for the Gillgetter 612 Tiller 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Gillgetter 612 Tiller 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 718 Outfitter 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 612 Tiller 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.