The Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 vs Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 measures 21,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 at 17,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 tips the scales at 245 lbs — 118 lbs more than the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 at 127 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 250 hp, the Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 has a 180-hp advantage over the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 carries 48 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hewes Redfisher 21 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.