The Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 vs Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 at 15,0 ft versus Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 tips the scales at 1 553 lbs - 978 lbs less than the Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 at 575 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 carries a rated maximum of 50 hp. Engine data for the Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Carolina Skiff DLV Series 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Carolina Skiff 1655 DLX 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.