When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 and the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 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 24 V 2012 measures 24,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 at 17,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 tips the scales at 284 lbs — 149 lbs less than the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 at 135 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 ZX 24 V 2012 has a 185-hp advantage over the Skeeter TZX 170 2013'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 TZX 170 2013 carries 24 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012. 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 24 V 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Skeeter TZX 170 2013 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 24 V 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 24 V 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 24,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter TZX 170 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.