The Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009 is a flat-bottom design and the Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 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 DLX EW 2390 2009 at 23,0 ft versus Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 at 22,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 tips the scales at 2 800 lbs - 430 lbs less than the Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009 at 2 370 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 has a 75-hp advantage over the Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009's 175-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 caps at 17. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Carolina Skiff DLX EW 2390 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 18 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS Series 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 17 that costs less to run day-to-day.