When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Skeeter SX 170 2008 and the Skeeter ZX 200 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 ZX 200 2010 measures 19,4 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter SX 170 2008 at 16,0 feet (2008). At 119 lbs and 163 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 200 hp, the Skeeter ZX 200 2010 has a 85-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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Skeeter ZX 200 2010 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 ZX 200 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 200 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 19,4 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.