Both the ProGator 170V 2011 and the ProGator 178V 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in composite, 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ProGator 170V 2011 at 17,0 ft versus ProGator 178V 2011 at 17,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ProGator 178V 2011 tips the scales at 1 150 lbs - 200 lbs less than the ProGator 170V 2011 at 950 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 150 hp, the ProGator 178V 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the ProGator 170V 2011's 125-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ProGator 178V 2011 is rated for 4 passengers, while the ProGator 170V 2011 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ProGator 178V 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The ProGator 170V 2011 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the ProGator 178V 2011. 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 ProGator 178V 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 4 passengers and at 17,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ProGator 170V 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.