When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Skeeter 20i 2008 and the Skeeter SX 170 2010 are modified vee 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 Skeeter SX 170 2010 measures 16,7 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 14,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter 20i 2008 at 2,0 feet (2008). At 185 lbs and 119 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 Skeeter 20i 2008 has a 135-hp advantage over the Skeeter SX 170 2010's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 2 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Skeeter 20i 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter SX 170 2010 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 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Skeeter 20i 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Skeeter SX 170 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.