The Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 vs Gillgetter 720 RF Cruise 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 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Gillgetter 720 RF Cruise 2008 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Gillgetter 720 RF Cruise 2008 tips the scales at 1 425 lbs — 1 339 lbs less than the Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 at 86 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 720 RF Cruise 2008 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Gillgetter 717 Cruise 2005 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 720 RF Cruise 2008 is rated for 10 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 720 RF Cruise 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 720 RF Cruise 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 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.