When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Nautica LC 20 2011 and the Nautica RIB 17 Catamaran 2011 are inflatable rigid designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 230 hp, the Nautica LC 20 2011 has a 115-hp advantage over the Nautica RIB 17 Catamaran 2011's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 1 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Nautica RIB 17 Catamaran 2011 at 16,9 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Nautica LC 20 2011 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.