The Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 is a deep-V design and the Triton Boats VT 17 2009 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 measures 21,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Triton Boats VT 17 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 tips the scales at 2 100 lbs - 1 140 lbs more than the Triton Boats VT 17 2009 at 960 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 200 hp, the Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 has a 125-hp advantage over the Triton Boats VT 17 2009's 75-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 220 Escape 2013 carries 46 gallons versus 22 gallons in the Triton Boats VT 17 2009. 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 VT 17 2009 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Triton Boats VT 17 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats VT 17 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 220 Escape 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.