The Skeeter SX 170 2006 vs Skeeter ZX 22 Bay 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 ZX 22 Bay 2008 measures 21,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter SX 170 2006 at 16,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter ZX 22 Bay 2008 tips the scales at 1 850 lbs - 660 lbs less than the Skeeter SX 170 2006 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 250 hp, the Skeeter ZX 22 Bay 2008 has a 135-hp advantage over the Skeeter SX 170 2006'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 ZX 22 Bay 2008 carries 60 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Skeeter SX 170 2006. 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 22 Bay 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Skeeter SX 170 2006 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter ZX 22 Bay 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 22 Bay 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter SX 170 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.