The Skeeter 20i 2006 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 2005 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 2006 at 20,0 ft versus Skeeter ZX 1790T 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter 20i 2006 tips the scales at 1 850 lbs - 550 lbs more than the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2005 at 1 300 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 2006 has a 170-hp advantage over the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2005's 80-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 2006 carries 48 gallons versus 33 gallons in the Skeeter ZX 1790T 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 1790T 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Skeeter 20i 2006 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 1790T 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter 20i 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.