The Gillgetter 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 vs Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 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 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 at 15,0 ft versus Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 98 lbs and 86 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.
The Gillgetter 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 carries a rated maximum of 40 hp. Engine data for the Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gillgetter 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Gillgetter 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 715 Cruise Deluxe 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 15,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.