The Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013 is a modified-V design and the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 is a deep-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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 measures 24,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013 at 17,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 tips the scales at 3 050 lbs - 2 425 lbs less than the Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013 at 625 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 350 hp, the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 has a 235-hp advantage over the Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 carries 75 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013. 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 Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Yellowfin 24 Bay 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 7 passengers and at 24,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Yellowfin 17 Skiff 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.