The Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 vs Odyssey Millennium II 1903M2 2005 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 - Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 at 16,0 ft versus Odyssey Millennium II 1903M2 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Odyssey Millennium II 1903M2 2005 tips the scales at 1 600 lbs - 200 lbs less than the Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 at 1 400 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Odyssey Millennium II 1903M2 2005 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Odyssey Cottage 1701C 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Odyssey Millennium II 1903M2 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.