The Skeeter 20i 2005 vs Skeeter TZX 170 2013 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Skeeter 20i 2005 at 20,0 ft versus Skeeter TZX 170 2013 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter 20i 2005 tips the scales at 1 850 lbs - 500 lbs more than the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 at 1 350 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 250 hp, the Skeeter 20i 2005 has a 135-hp advantage over the Skeeter TZX 170 2013'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 Skeeter 20i 2005 carries 48 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Skeeter TZX 170 2013. 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 Skeeter 20i 2005 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter 20i 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter 20i 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter TZX 170 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.