Carolina Skiff vs Key West: Small Skiff Review w/Pics! • SaltwaterMecca

Small vessels, like skiffs, continue to gain momentum in their popularity.

Two of the popular brands in this industry are Carolina Skiff and Key West.

Below we’ll investigate the Carolina Skiff vs Key West and what separates them.

We’ll explore the benefits and shortcomings of each and compare them to see which is the best small fishing vessel.

Carolina Skiff vs Key West

Carolina Skiffs and Key West boats are two companies meeting the same niche. On average, the Carolina Skiff is more affordable than the Key West, but Key West boats are bigger, and slightly more versatile than the Carolina Skiff.

Both boats are primarily used as fishing vessels with an emphasis on family, affordability and recreational boating.

Both Carolina Skiff and Key West are recognizable brands, with well-known brand names throughout the boating community.

Physical Comparison

To ensure that we’re comparing oranges to oranges, we’ll compare the JV 17 Carolina Skiff to the 1720 Key West.

Carolina Skiffs arrived on the scene in 1990, and roughly a decade later, the JV 17’s hit the shore. These small vessels have a self-bailing V-shaped hull. Carolina Skiff released the JV 17 in a center console and a hand tiller model.

Key West (established in 1986) released the first of its 1720 models in 1992.

Similar in many aspects to the JV 17, the 1720 has a slightly deeper V-shape to its hull, providing slightly more of a stable and comfortable ride. They are also center console or side console boats.

The table below compares additional physical features of the Carolina Skiff and the Key West.

Physical Characteristic	JV 17 Carolina Skiff	1720 Key West
Length	16 ft. 8in.	17 ft. 2in.
Beam	64in.	82in.
Weight	750lbs.	1150lbs.
Transom height	15/20in.	20in.
Draft	3in.	10in.
Maximum people on board	4	5
Maximum weight	980lbs.	Roughly 1200lbs.
Maximum horsepower	40HP	90HP
Maximum speed	Approximately 30mph	Approximately 35mph
Fuel capacity	6gal.	40gal.

The table above demonstrates that although these two boats look similar, the Keywest 1720 has length, beam, and weight over the JV 17.

Look at the beam length comparison, the Key West 1720 has an 82 inch beam, nearly 1.5 feet wider than the JV 17! This is a BIG difference!

This increase allows the 1720 to accommodate 1 additional person, a larger outboard motor, more storage space and more fuel.

In other words, the Keywest 1720 is a much heavier boat, capable of handling a bit rougher seas, and maintaining stability and a heavy payload.

The significant characteristic the Carolina Skiff JV 17 has over the Key West 1720 is that it requires less water, i.e., it can move in shallower areas (ideal for flats fishing, backcountry fishing or even swamps and shallow creeks).

This also means it’s much more fuel-efficient, requiring a smaller outboard engine size, and generally speaking, will be less expensive when purchased on the used boat market.

Construction Materials

Carolina Skiffs are constructed of 100% composite materials. They are a fiberglass hull and molded deck with foam floatation. The JV 17 also contains a fair amount of stainless steel.

Key West constructs its boats by hand-laying fiberglass sheets with composite material. Key West also uses foam for floatation. They also use stainless steel for certain components.

Both companies use similar materials and an integrated stringer structure during hull production.

In my opinion, with both of these modern boats, all of the construction materials are going to be safe, reliable and adequate for recreational use.

Features Comparison

The JV 17 and the 1720 share many similarities in design, shape, and features. The standard (and optional) features of each boat include:

JV 17 Features	JV 17 Features
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

JV17 Carolina Skiff (bought used) — Key West

KW 1720 Features	KW 1720 Features
Anchor Locker with Anchor	Bilge Pump w/ Auto Switch
Black Rubber Rub Rail	Built-In Fuel Tank
Compass	Console Rod Holders
Courtesy Lights	Cushioned Console seat
Fiberglass Lids	Flip-Flop Cooler Seat w/ Cushion
Foam Injected Fiberglass Stringer System	Folding Stern Light
Flush mount gauges compatible with the console	Horn-electric
Improved self-bailing features	Large Bow Casting Deck
Larger Casting Deck	Molded Fiberglass Swim Platform
Molded Non-skid Inner Liner	No Wood-No Rot Construction
Power Outlet in Dash	Raw Water Wash Down Kit
Recessed Horizontal Gunwale Rod Holders	Self-bailing Cockpit
SS Wheel with Anti-Feedback Steering	Stainless Steel Hardware and Rails
Stainless Steel Rod Holders with Drain	Tinted Windshield w/ Grab Rail
Trolling Motor Plug	Ten (10) Year Hull Warranty
Optional Features	4x Pop-up Fender Holders
Battery Charger – 2 Bank	Bay Star Plus Hybrid Tilt Steering
Bow Lifting Eye	Dual Battery Switch
High Bow Rail (Exch.)	No-Feedback Tilt Steering

Cost And Availability

The most significant difference between a JV 17 and a 1720 is that the JV 17 was discontinued. The only JV 17 boats available are second-hand used boats and old stock.

Used Carolina Skiff JV 17s price range is between $7,995 and $16,000.

The 1720 is Key West’s most popular boat. They are still in production and range in price from $9,995 (used) to $34,995 (new).

Older second-hand boats can be found as low as $5,500 on places like Craiglist, Facebook Marketplace and Boattrader.com.

Pros And Cons of Each

Carolina Skiff JV 17 Pros:

They are significantly cheaper than the 1720.
They have much shallower draft requirements.
A good utility boat, ideally suited to inshore and freshwater fishing.
Durable and stable.
Simple and easy to use, exceedingly lightweight.
Removeable external fuel tank.

Key West 1720 Pros:

Although more expensive, they are still in production which makes parts and service easier.
They have the capacity for a more powerful motor.
A larger boat that handles choppier water better.
10-year hull warranty.
A better all-around-utility boat, well suited to fishing and water sports.
Plenty of storage capacity.

Carolina Skiff JV 17 Cons:

These boats are no longer in production, and stock is limited (although they are common).
The smaller outboard motor is limiting for water sports.
These boats are not suitable for offshore fishing.
JV 17s handle choppy water poorly compared to 1720s.
The 5-year warranty would be closer to the expiration date or no longer valid.

Key West 1720 Cons:

These boats are considerably more expensive.
The larger, heavier boat makes shallow waters a bit more challenging to navigate.
Heavier overall weight means more towing capacity is required.
Requires a high thrust trolling motor to properly.
Unable to easily access the built-in fuel tank (in hull design).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better? A Carolina Skiff Or A Key West?

The “which is better” question is always subjective.

On paper, the 1720 is a better boat. It is more versatile, has a bigger motor, can hold an additional person, and constantly receives renovations/upgrades. The JV 17, however, is cheaper, is a tough boat on its own, and is smaller and sits higher in the water.

Both boats are great, and personal preference plays a significant role.

Is A Carolina Skiff Or Key West Better For Rougher Waters?

The Keywest 1720 is better suited to rougher/choppy conditions. The JV 17’s flat bottom and lightweight hull make it an exceptionally rough ride in strong winds or waves.

Who Has The Better Reputation, Carolina Skiff Or Key West?

Although Carolina Skiff is one of the top-selling boat manufacturers in the US, the general perception is that the Key West is a better brand and is, therefore, more popular.

However, the Carolina Skiff’s affordable price and durability make it competitive.

My Final Thoughts

Carolina Skiffs and Key Wests are renowned for their utility, and both fill similar niches in the fishing & family niche.

Both vessels are primarily used on lakes, backwaters, rivers, bays, lagoons, and inshore applications.

I personally own a Carolina Skiff JV 17 CC, and it excels in shallow water fishing, stealth, fuel efficiency and and simplicity. Its great for fishing two people, or a casual boat ride on the lake with my girlfriend and dog.

My father owns a Key West, and his boat is a much sturdier build, with a heavy hull, wider beam and larger engine. Its great for up to 4 people, and can withstand moderate chop without too much trouble.

No brand of boat is better than the other…but I hope this article helped differentiate between the Carolina Skfif vs Key West, so you can determine which boat will better suit your personal needs.

Be safe on the water, have fun, and good luck!

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