Matching a modified vee Scout 170 Costa 2009 against a deep vee Scout 225 Abaco 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Scout 225 Abaco 2011 measures 22,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 6,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Scout 170 Costa 2009 at 16,0 feet (2009). At 98 lbs and 24 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 250 hp, the Scout 225 Abaco 2011 has a 135-hp advantage over the Scout 170 Costa 2009's 115-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 Scout 170 Costa 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Scout 225 Abaco 2011 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Scout 170 Costa 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Scout 170 Costa 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Scout 225 Abaco 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.