The Xpress HD17DB 2006 vs Xpress XP20 2010 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 - Xpress HD17DB 2006 at 17,0 ft versus Xpress XP20 2010 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Xpress XP20 2010 tips the scales at 1 190 lbs - 303 lbs less than the Xpress HD17DB 2006 at 887 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 115 hp, the Xpress XP20 2010 has a 25-hp advantage over the Xpress HD17DB 2006's 90-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 XP20 2010 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Xpress HD17DB 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Xpress XP20 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Xpress XP20 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Xpress HD17DB 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.