The Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005 vs Triton Boats 21HP 2012 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Triton Boats 21HP 2012 measures 21,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005 at 17,0 feet (2005). At 93 lbs and 184 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 Triton Boats 21HP 2012 has a 120-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005's 80-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 21HP 2012 carries 46 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005. 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 21HP 2012 is rated for 675 passengers, while the Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005 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 21HP 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 21HP 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 675 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 173 Sport 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.