The Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007 vs Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007 at 17,0 ft versus Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 tips the scales at 1 926 lbs - 1 001 lbs less than the Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007 at 925 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 Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 has a 175-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007's 75-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 is rated for 650 passengers, while the Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 20RX3 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 650 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 170 DS SC 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.