Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 boat specs
Carolina Skiff
Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008
2008
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VS
Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 boat specs
Carolina Skiff
Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008
2008
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Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 vs Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 is a flat-bottom design and the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 - Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 at 20,0 ft. At 850 lbs and 850 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 - 90 hp for the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 and 70 hp for the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008. 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.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 at 20,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 at 17,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeCarolina Skiff
MakeCarolina Skiff
Model1780 DLX
ModelJVX 20 SS
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam93 in.
Beam78 in.
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches78
Draft [max] - Detail3 in - 8 in.
Draft [max] - Detail4 in. - 8 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.2
Draft [max] - Meters0.2
Draft [max] - Inches8
Draft [max] - Inches8
Weight - Detail850 lbs.
Weight - Detail850 lbs.
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - lbs.850
Weight - lbs.850
Height - DetailGunnel: 22 in.
Height - DetailGunnel: 19 in.
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Meters0.48
Height - Inches22
Height - Inches19
Height [transom]15 in. / 20 in. / 25 in.
Height [transom]15 in. / 20 in. / 25 in.
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet20
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 2 in.
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters5.23
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches206
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp
Engine max70 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,120 lbs.
Maximum people8
Maximum people8

Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 vs Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 or the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008?
The Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 is the longer of the two at 20,0 feet overall. The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 or the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008?
For trailering, the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 has the edge at 850 lbs dry weight versus 850 lbs for the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 tops out at 70 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 measures 93" wide, compared to 78" for the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 and Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Carolina Skiff 1780 DLX 2008 and the Carolina Skiff JVX 20 SS 2008 are built by Carolina Skiff. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.