The Skeeter 21i 2005 vs Skeeter SX 170 2008 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 21i 2005 measures 21,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter SX 170 2008 at 16,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter 21i 2005 tips the scales at 1 930 lbs - 740 lbs more than the Skeeter SX 170 2008 at 1 190 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 21i 2005 has a 185-hp advantage over the Skeeter SX 170 2008'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 21i 2005 carries 52 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Skeeter SX 170 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 Skeeter 21i 2005 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter SX 170 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter 21i 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter 21i 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter SX 170 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.