When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Xpress H17 2013 and the Xpress H22 2009 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Xpress H22 2009 measures 22,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Xpress H17 2013 at 17,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress H22 2009 tips the scales at 1 795 lbs — 844 lbs less than the Xpress H17 2013 at 951 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 Xpress H22 2009 has a 135-hp advantage over the Xpress H17 2013's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Xpress H17 2013 carries 18 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Xpress H22 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 Xpress H22 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Xpress H17 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress H22 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress H22 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress H17 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.