[BUDC]

All I can tell you is the 17' w/70hp(assuming an OMC 3 cylinder 2 cycle) is probably one of the most economical rigs you will ever own in a 2 cycle engine. 200 HP is bound to burn more than a 125HP on boats no different than 19' vs 21'. I doubt it would be double, perhaps 20-25% more. There are just to many variables like boat weight, hull design, loading etc. to give more reliable estimates. Striper is a pretty darn good and darn nice bay boat and I would be attracted to it -- but then what is the other boat??
Put more info out about the boats and I'm sure you can get some idea from owners of each about the performance and assets of each.:thumbup:
budc

 

[BUDC]

Perry,
Hey man. You're letting a dime hold up a dollar! From 17 to 21 is not a quantum leap.
I trailer a 16' 50 miles and we also drag a 24' from the Virginia Peninsula to Oregon Inlet, NC. The 16 is aggravating as **** 'cause it jack knifes before I can hit the brakes. I can back the 24' at 10 MPH without any RolAids or Tums.
Trailering is a learned ability. The more you do it, the better you are at it. Your 17 requires you to swing a little wider on turns and be very reactive when backing up. Add 4' and all you do is swing a little more wider on turns and backing willl be a dream because the short 17 is a PIA compared to a longer trailer.
Fuel consumption difference to trailer the larger boat is usually not worth talking about.
My suggestion in this situation is to buy the boat you want to fish in. Face it, if you go one less trip a year, the cost of that trip will pay the extra expenses of the rest of the trips that year. That's what we figured when gas went in the tree tops -- give up one trip and spread the bucks over the other trips. If 10 trips cost a grand, now you go 9 trips in a hugely better rig for the same grand. Not really a big deal for all the comfort and room for friends. :beergood:

You only go around once. Get it while the getting is good!!!:thumbup:
(Now, go talk to your wife..............) ;- }
budc