Both the Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 and the Xpress X17 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 at 20,0 ft versus Xpress X17 2012 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 tips the scales at 1 166 lbs - 215 lbs more than the Xpress X17 2012 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 150 hp, the Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 has a 35-hp advantage over the Xpress X17 2012's 115-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 Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Xpress X17 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress HD Bay Series - HD20Bay 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress X17 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.