The 170 Montauk from Boston Whaler is a larger, more powerful boat designed for inshore and nearshore use. The JV 17 Carolina Skiff is better suited to backwaters, with calm conditions. Both boats are ideal for fishing, some water sports, and run-around due to their versatile designs.
While the Carolina Skiff and the Boston Whaler share many similarities, we’ll examine what sets them apart.
Let’s take a closer look at the Carolina Skiff vs Boston Whaler, their pros and cons, their features and uses, and ultimately, which is the better boat.
Table of Contents
- Is Boston Whaler Or Carolina Skiff Better?
- Cost And Availability
- Carolina Skiff vs Boston Whaler: Uses
- So Which Is Better? A Carolina Skiff Or Boston Whaler?
- Related Posts
Is Boston Whaler Or Carolina Skiff Better?
Carolina Skiff was Established in 1990, and since roughly 1996, they have been one of the top manufacturers and sellers of fiberglass boats.
During their 30-plus years, they have released various skiff models.
Boston Whaler is a company with a lot of heritage. Established in 1958, this company has seen many changes to the boating industry, yet they remain a competitive manufacturer today.
Attempting to answer the question “which is better” is challenging as there is a lot of bias in the argument. While both companies have been around for a significant period, Boston Whaler is double the age of Carolina Skiff.
Although older doesn’t always mean better, Boston Whalers are regarded as some of the most popular vessels.
Comparing similar models is the best way to determine whether the Carolina Skiff or Boston Whaler is a better small vessel.
For this reason, we’ll pit the JV 17 Carolina Skiff against the 170 Montauk Boston Whaler.
Physical Characteristics
The JV 17 Carolina Skiff and the 170 Montauk Boston Whaler bear many similarities.
The JV 17 is a small boat with a modified V-shaped self-bailing hull (it is flattened to improve stability while floating). Carolina Skiff produced the JV 17 mostly as a center console, but there are some hand tiller models.
Boston Whaler’s 170 Montauk (2018 and onwards) is similar in shape and design to the JV 17, with a slightly deeper V-shaped hull and a center console. These boats are longer, wider, and heavier than the original design released in the 50s/60s.
The table below compares additional characteristics of the Carolina Skiff and the Boston Whaler.
| Characteristics | JV 17 Carolina Skiff | 170 Montauk |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 16 ft. 8in. | 17 ft. 4in. |
| Beam | 64in. | 87in. |
| Dry weight | 750lbs. | 1700lbs. |
| Transom height | 15/20in. | 25in. |
| Draft | 3in. | 12in. |
| Maximum weight | 980lbs. | 1900lbs. |
| Max passengers | 4 | 7 |
| Max horsepower | 40HP | 115HP |
| Maximum speed | ~ 30mph | ~ 45mph |
| Fuel capacity | 6gal. | 25gal. |
We see that the 170 Montauk outclasses the JV 17 in length, beam, weight, and engine capacity, making it quicker by roughly 10mph and carrying four times more fuel.
The Montauk accommodates three additional passengers and more weight.
However, the JV 17’s lighter weight outperforms the 170 Montauk in shallow waters, with a significantly lower draft requirement.
JV 17 Carolina Skiff Standard And Optional Features
| 1x Bow eye | 2x Stern eyes | 2x 11ft. Extension poles |
| 2x Swivel padded seats | 2x Stainless steel base plates | 4x 11×19 Hatch covers for storage |
| 12V Trolling motor plug and battery tray | 2x 6 1/2 gallon portable fuel tank | 500 Gallon bilge pumps |
| 4x Stainless steel cleats | 2x 3 Stage rod holders | Aerator pump |
| Binnacle controls with wiring harness | Control cables | Console cushion set |
| Full instrumentation (Speed, Fuel, Volt, Tach) | Heavy-duty rub rail | HK premium gel coat |
| Horn | LED bow light / stern light | Lockable access door |
| Quick disconnect windshield | Smart tabs SX9510-30 | Speckled interior finish |
| Stainless steel grab rail | Stainless steel steering wheel | Steering cables |
| Tilt Helm | 5-year warranty on new hulls (however, this series was discontinued) |
170 Montauk Boston Whaler Standard And Optional Features
| 2X Bilge pump with float switch | 2X Cup holders at bow | 3X Drink holders |
| 3X 8” stainless steel cleats | 4X Rod holders (stern) | 12V receptacle |
| 19” interior freeboard | 90 EXLPT EFI Black Command Thrust Four Stroke Mercury engine | Access door with lockable stainless steel latch |
| Acrylic windshield | All hardware 316-L stainless steel | All rails welded 316-L stainless steel |
| Analog instrumentation and Smart Craft digital gauges | Battery box and switch | Boarding steps |
| Lifting eyes in the bow and stern | Fiberglass cover and overboard drain bow locker | Bow rail – welded stainless steel |
| Classic style navigation lights | Electric horn | Electrical switch panel with circuit breaker protection |
| Forward fish box with overboard drain | Fuel tanks – integrated (25 gallons) | Hydraulic steering |
| Heavy-duty rub rail | Integrated transom storage | Mercury binnacle control |
| Partitioned top of the helm storage | Propeller – stainless steel | Locking backrest and storage on a reversible pilot seat |
| Side rails – stainless steel | Swim platform with grab rail and telescoping stainless steel swim ladder (fiberglass) | Stainless steel steering wheel |
| Vessel view mobile | Welded stainless steel grab rail | 10-year hull and 3-year component warranty |
| Aft seats with plug-in backrests | Bow cushion | Bow rail (low profile) |
| Bow table -with holder | Complete rail package | Navionics Chart Card |
| Ray Marine Axiom 7 RV 7 inch/9 RV 9 inch | Ray Marine Ray53 VHF radio | Pedestal fishing seat |
| Stereo – Fusion AM/FM | Sun top with boot |
Materials Used
Both Carolina Skiff and Boston Whaler use fiberglass in hull construction.
Carolina Skiff uses 100% composite materials in a box-beam construction with an integrated stinger system structure.
Boston Whaler uses its patented Unibond fiberglass for hull constructions.
Both companies use a foam floatation system too. The foam is usually added after the mold has been set. The JV 17 and the 170 Montauk use stainless steel.
Cost And Availability
Although the JV 17 is significantly cheaper than the 170 Montauk, Boston Whaler still produces the 170 Montauk (with upgrades and modifications), while Carolina Skiff discontinued the JV 17.
According to Boat Trader, and similar websites, the Carolina Skiff JV 17 ranges between $7,995 and $16,000 when purchased used.
The 170 Montauk is available from many retailers (including Boston Whaler’s website) from $34,000 to $63,889. Used Boston Whalers are available from $16,900.
Both boats have a healthy supply in the used boat market, especially in coastal states all around North America.
Carolina Skiff vs Boston Whaler: Uses
The Jv 17 and the 170 Montauk meet similar needs. Both vessels were designed with utility and versatility in mind.
The JV 17 and 170 Montauk are primarily fishing vessels; however, they are great for boating activities, including watersports (tubing and skiing), run-around, and cruising.
Related: Can You Pull A Tube With A Carolina Skiff? Tips To Stay Safe
The significant difference is that the JV 17 is better suited to calm, shallow waters, like backwater rivers, lakes, bays, and lagoons. The 170 Montauk’s new design allows it to handle rougher waters better, so nearshore fishing is also viable.
The larger motor on the 170 Montauk also provides more power for water sports.
Carolina Skiff Vs. Boston Whaler: Pros And Cons
JV 17 Carolina Skiff Pros
They are significantly cheaper than the 170 Montauk. They move in shallow water better. JV17s are a good utility boat, ideally suited to fishing.
They are fuel-efficient. JV 17s are durable and stable. Simple and easy to use. Incredibly lightweight.
170 Montauk Pros
They are in production. 170 Montauks have a more powerful motor. Their deep hull makes for a dry, comfortable ride.
Boston Whaler offers fishing packages for extras. 10-year hull and 3-year component warranty.
170 Montauks are better utility boats suited to fishing and water sports. They are relatively fuel-efficient.
They have many features and extras. An exuberance of storage capacity.
JV 17 Carolina Skiff Cons
Stock is limited because these boats were discontinued. The smaller outboard motor limits water sports. JV 17s are not suitable for offshore fishing.
JV 17s do not ride well in rough water. Most boats’ warranties have expired. JV 17s are susceptible to hull blisters and delamination issues.
170 Montauk Cons
These boats are significantly more expensive, even second-hand. 170 Montauks are less suited to shallow water boating.
The 170 Montauk is still not great for offshore fishing. Their fiberglass might also develop hull blisters.
So Which Is Better? A Carolina Skiff Or Boston Whaler?
Although quite subjective, the 170 Montauk outshines the JV 17 in many aspects. It’s bigger, more powerful, still in production, with great features.
However, a JV 17 is significantly cheaper than the 170 Montauk.
As a small run-around boat, the JV 17 is perfect. You’ll get wet and have a bumpy ride, but if you’re young or looking for a boat that can take some punishment, then these are great.
See Also: 3 Comparable Boats Similar To Carolina Skiff JV17
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