When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the May-Craft 1700 Skiff 2011 and the May-Craft 1820CC 2010 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — May-Craft 1700 Skiff 2011 at 16,8 ft versus May-Craft 1820CC 2010 at 18,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the May-Craft 1820CC 2010 tips the scales at 175 lbs — 167 lbs less than the May-Craft 1700 Skiff 2011 at 8 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 115 hp, the May-Craft 1820CC 2010 has a 55-hp advantage over the May-Craft 1700 Skiff 2011's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the May-Craft 1820CC 2010 carries 36 gallons versus 12 gallons in the May-Craft 1700 Skiff 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.