The Gillgetter 716 Standard 2004 vs Gillgetter 717 Family 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 716 Standard 2004 at 19,0 ft versus Gillgetter 717 Family Cruise 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 113 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gillgetter 716 Standard 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Gillgetter 717 Family 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 716 Standard 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 716 Standard 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 717 Family 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.