The Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006 vs Pro-Line 21 DC 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006 measures 17,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 15,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Pro-Line 21 DC 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). At 17 lbs and 25 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Pro-Line 21 DC 2006 has a 85-hp advantage over the Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006'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 — 4 gal and 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Pro-Line 21 DC 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006 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 21 DC 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Pro-Line 21 DC 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Pro-Line 21 DC 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Pro-Line 17 Sport 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.