Both the Sundance F17T 2013 and the Sundance NX17 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Sundance F17T 2013 at 16,8 ft versus Sundance NX17 2011 at 17,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sundance NX17 2011 tips the scales at 1 350 lbs - 505 lbs less than the Sundance F17T 2013 at 845 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 70 hp for the Sundance F17T 2013 and 90 hp for the Sundance NX17 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Sundance F17T 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Sundance NX17 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.