The Skeeter 20i 2005 vs Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 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 Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 measures 24,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter 20i 2005 at 20,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 tips the scales at 2 840 lbs - 990 lbs less than the Skeeter 20i 2005 at 1 850 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 300 hp, the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Skeeter 20i 2005's 250-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 ZX 24 V 2012 carries 80 gallons versus 48 gallons in the Skeeter 20i 2005. 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 ZX 24 V 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Skeeter 20i 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 24,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter 20i 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.