Carolina Skiff 17 LS vs. MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC
Which 17-foot skiff is better for Florida fishing and family boating? We compared the space, horsepower, fuel capacity, interior depth, shallow-water capability and overall versatility of these two popular center-console boats.
The MAKO is lighter. The Carolina Skiff is the more complete boat.
Shop Carolina Skiff Inventory Call 321-253-4050 Contact UsWhich Is Better: Carolina Skiff 17 LS or MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC?
Both boats provide a manageable center-console platform for Florida inshore fishing. However, they are designed around different priorities.
The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC emphasizes low weight and simple inshore fishing. The Carolina Skiff 17 LS provides substantially more beam, horsepower capability, fuel capacity, interior depth and family-friendly versatility.
Our Quick Verdict
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS wins for buyers who want more deck space, higher sides, greater fuel capacity, more available power and a boat that can handle both serious fishing and family recreation.
The MAKO wins on lower weight. The Carolina Skiff wins the overall comparison.
Carolina Skiff 17 LS vs. MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC
| Comparison | Carolina Skiff 17 LS | MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 17’6″ | 17’2.5″ | Carolina Skiff |
| Beam | 8′ / 96″ | 6’11” / 83″ | Carolina Skiff: 13″ wider |
| Maximum horsepower | 115 HP | 75 HP | Carolina Skiff: 40 HP more |
| Fuel capacity | 30 gallons | 6.6 gallons | Carolina Skiff: more than 4.5× the capacity |
| Gunnel/interior depth | 23″ | 18″ | Carolina Skiff: 5″ deeper |
| Transom height | 25″ | 20″ | Carolina Skiff |
| Approximate draft | 7″ | 8″ | Carolina Skiff |
| Maximum persons | 6 | 6 | Tie |
| Approximate boat weight | 1,700 lbs. | 1,210 lbs. dry | MAKO is lighter |
| Best overall use | Fishing, cruising and family recreation | Lightweight inshore fishing | Carolina Skiff |
Six Important Advantages of the Carolina Skiff 17 LS
Thirteen Inches Wider
MAKO: 83″
The Carolina Skiff’s full eight-foot beam creates more room for casting, walking around the console, carrying equipment and enjoying the boat with family and friends.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageForty More Maximum Horsepower
MAKO: 75 HP
The higher horsepower rating provides greater engine-selection flexibility and more performance potential when carrying passengers, fuel and fishing equipment.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageMore Than 4.5 Times the Fuel Capacity
MAKO: 6.6 gallons
Actual range varies, but the Carolina Skiff’s larger fuel tank provides much greater cruising flexibility and reserve capacity for longer fishing and family boating days.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageFive Inches Deeper
MAKO: 18″
The deeper interior creates a more substantial and secure feeling, especially when children, family members or less-experienced passengers are aboard.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageTaller 25-Inch Transom
MAKO: 20″
The Carolina Skiff’s taller transom complements its deeper gunnels and accommodates the longer-shaft outboards commonly used on more substantial center-console boats.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageShallower Published Draft
MAKO: Approximately 8″
Published specifications give the Carolina Skiff an approximately one-inch shallower draft despite its wider beam, deeper interior and higher horsepower capacity.
Carolina Skiff AdvantageBuilt to Fish Florida Waters
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS combines a manageable size with serious fishing features, including:
- 18-gallon stern livewell
- Removable 70-quart cooler
- Rod-storage provisions
- Broad casting platform
- Self-bailing deck
- Nonskid deck and floor surfaces
- Stainless-steel hardware
- Ample onboard storage
The MAKO remains a capable lightweight fishing skiff, but the Carolina Skiff’s wider deck, larger stern livewell and greater fuel and power capacity make it the more versatile fishing platform.
More Than a Fishing Tool
The Carolina Skiff can spend the morning fishing and the afternoon cruising to a waterfront restaurant.
Its full eight-foot beam provides more room for passengers. The 23-inch gunnel height creates a deeper interior, and the 30-gallon fuel capacity supports longer cruising days.
The MAKO is best suited to someone focused primarily on lightweight inshore fishing. The Carolina Skiff is better for buyers who want fishing capability without limiting how the entire family can use the boat.
Where the MAKO Has an Advantage
The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC is approximately 490 pounds lighter. That may benefit buyers with a more limited tow rating or those whose only goal is obtaining the lightest possible fishing package. The Carolina Skiff’s additional weight accompanies a wider beam, deeper interior, taller transom, larger fuel tank and much higher horsepower rating.
Which Boat Is Easier to Tow and Store?
Both boats are manageable compared with larger center consoles. The MAKO’s lighter weight can benefit someone with a lower-capacity tow vehicle.
The Carolina Skiff remains a compact 17-foot-6-inch boat that is easier to tow, launch and store than many larger bay boats and offshore center consoles. It provides a valuable balance: manageable size without sacrificing beam, interior depth, power or fuel capacity.
Always Calculate the Complete Towing Weight
Include the boat, outboard, trailer, fuel, batteries, safety equipment, fishing gear, coolers, accessories and personal belongings. Consult your vehicle manufacturer’s towing specifications before selecting a boat-and-trailer package.
Final Comparison Score
Carolina Skiff wins on length, beam, horsepower, fuel capacity, interior depth, transom height, published draft and overall versatility.
Carolina Skiff 17 LS Wins the Comparison
The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC is a lightweight fishing tool. The Carolina Skiff 17 LS is a more complete boat.
For Florida buyers who want one manageable center console for fishing, cruising and family recreation, the Carolina Skiff 17 LS is the clear winner.
Shop Carolina Skiff Inventory Contact UsCarolina Skiff 17 LS vs. MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC FAQs
Is the Carolina Skiff 17 LS wider than the MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC?
Yes. The Carolina Skiff has a 96-inch beam, while the MAKO has an 83-inch beam. The Carolina Skiff is approximately 13 inches wider.
Which boat has more horsepower capacity?
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS is rated for up to 115 horsepower. The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC is rated for up to 75 horsepower, giving the Carolina Skiff a 40-horsepower advantage.
Which boat carries more fuel?
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS carries 30 gallons. The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC carries 6.6 gallons. The Carolina Skiff carries more than four-and-a-half times as much fuel.
Which boat has a deeper interior?
The Carolina Skiff has a published gunnel height of 23 inches. The MAKO has an 18-inch interior depth. The Carolina Skiff provides approximately five inches of additional side height.
Which boat is lighter?
The MAKO Pro Skiff 17 CC is lighter. Its approximate dry weight is 1,210 pounds, compared with the Carolina Skiff’s published boat weight of approximately 1,700 pounds.
Which boat is better for family boating?
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS is better suited to family boating because it is wider, deeper and capable of carrying substantially more fuel and horsepower.
Which boat is better overall?
The Carolina Skiff 17 LS is the better all-around choice for buyers who want to combine inshore fishing, family cruising and recreational boating in one manageable package.
Where can I buy a Carolina Skiff in Florida?
Top Notch Marine sells Carolina Skiff boats from its Melbourne, Florida dealership. Call 321-253-4050, contact us or shop our Carolina Skiff inventory .
Shop Carolina Skiff Boats for Sale in Florida
Top Notch Marine has served Florida boaters since 1987. Our team can help you compare Carolina Skiff models, select the right outboard, evaluate your trade and explore available financing options.
Shop Carolina Skiff Inventory Call 321-253-4050 Contact Us
