Matching a modified vee Bass Cat Margay 2013 against a flat Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Bass Cat Margay 2013 at 17,6 ft versus Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012 at 15,9 ft. At 125 lbs and 78 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 70 hp for the Bass Cat Margay 2013 and 60 hp for the Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bass Cat Margay 2013 carries 26 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bass Cat Margay 2013 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bass Cat Margay 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the Bass Cat Margay 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Bass Cat Margay 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bass Cat Skiff Cat 16 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.