I was worried going from Ankona Native 40hp to this "bigger" boat in that I might lose skinny water access. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. This skiff goes everywhere my Native went and poles just as well. What I gained was comfort via a center console/seat cushion/back rest, and range since its much faster and handles bigger water much better. I can change zip codes when looking for fish without having to worry about the conditions or the time to get there. When my wife and 2 teens want to come, we can cruise to the sandbar and be comfortable as well. Very happy with this boat.

I downsized from an 18HPX-V to the 17HPX-S. I had been debating doing this move for quite some time. The 18HPX-V is an awesome boat! Extremely versatile - Fast! Dry! Shallow! However I found myself poling 95% of the time and working the skinny much more! I was worried I would miss the bigger boat and want to switch back. 8 months and 300 engine hours later and probably 1,500 hours on the poling platform... I cannot say enough great things about the 17S. I am blown away by how this little boat handles every time I am out on the water. It is an absolute breeze to push pole all day every day! It is a DRY ride. Honestly drier than the 18V because the cap extends so far out. Extremely efficient with the 70Yamaha. Wide open is 42 MPH. Hatches are bone dry! Haven't gotten a drop of water in any of the compartments.