The Skeeter 21i 2009 vs Skeeter TZX 200 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 21i 2009 at 21,0 ft versus Skeeter TZX 200 2005 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter 21i 2009 tips the scales at 1 930 lbs - 300 lbs more than the Skeeter TZX 200 2005 at 1 630 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 2009 has a 100-hp advantage over the Skeeter TZX 200 2005's 200-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 52 gal and 50 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Skeeter TZX 200 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Skeeter 21i 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter TZX 200 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter TZX 200 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter 21i 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.