The Gillgetter 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006 vs Gillgetter 720 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 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006 at 17,0 ft versus Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 tips the scales at 1 425 lbs — 180 lbs less than the Gillgetter 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006 at 1 245 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Gillgetter 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Gillgetter 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 720 Outfitter 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 717 Cruise Deluxe 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.