When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Shallow Stalker 17 2010 and the Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 are flat designs with composite construction — 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 Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 measures 20,3 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Shallow Stalker 17 2010 at 16,8 feet (2010). At 85 lbs and 118 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 150 hp, the Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 has a 60-hp advantage over the Shallow Stalker 17 2010's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Shallow Stalker 17 2010 carries 28 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008. 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 Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Shallow Stalker 17 2010 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Shallow Stalker Cat 204 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Shallow Stalker 17 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.