Matching a modified vee Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 against a deep vee Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 carries 37 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008. 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 Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is rated for 550 passengers, while the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 550 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 177 Explorer 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.