The Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 2005 vs Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 2006 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 Fishmaster II 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 2006 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 2006 tips the scales at 1 245 lbs — 1 159 lbs less than the Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 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 717 Fishmaster II 2006 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 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 717 Fishmaster II 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 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 717 Fishmaster II 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Gillgetter 717 Fishmaster II 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.