Both the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011 and the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 measures 29,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 11,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011 at 17,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 tips the scales at 7 500 lbs - 6 037 lbs less than the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011 at 1 463 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 600 hp, the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 has a 485-hp advantage over the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 carries 200 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011. 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 Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Pro-Line 17 cc 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Pro-Line 29 Express 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Pro-Line 17 cc 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.