20’ Skiff vs 17’ Skiff: What Size Skiff Is Right for You?

20’ Skiff vs 17’ Skiff: What Size Skiff Is Right for You?

For anglers and boaters exploring the world of skiffs, one of the most common questions is simple: What size skiff is right for me?

Two sizes that often come up in conversation are 17-foot skiffs and 20-foot skiffs. Both are popular for inshore fishing and coastal cruising, but each offers different advantages depending on how and where you plan to use your boat.

For longtime Gause Built Boats followers, the 17’ Gause skiff, last produced in 2013, holds a special place in the brand’s history. Now, with the upcoming release of the 20’ Gause Built Skiff, many people are curious about the differences between these two sizes.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Advantages of a 17’ Skiff

A 17-foot skiff is known for its simplicity and maneuverability. Smaller skiffs are often favored by anglers who want a lightweight, highly efficient boat that performs well in shallow water environments.

Benefits of a 17’ skiff often include:

  • Excellent shallow water capability

  • Lightweight and easy to trailer

  • Lower fuel consumption

  • Simple layouts ideal for fishing

For many inshore fishermen, the 17’ skiff represents the classic minimalist fishing platform.

Why Many Boaters Are Moving Toward 20’ Skiffs

While 17’ skiffs remain popular, many modern boaters are choosing slightly larger platforms like 20-foot skiffs for additional versatility.

A 20’ skiff offers several key advantages:

  • Increased stability on the water

  • More deck space and storage

  • Improved ride quality in choppier conditions

  • More room for passengers and gear

This extra length often makes a noticeable difference when fishing coastal waters, exploring bays, or running longer distances.

The New 20’ Gause Built Skiff

Recognizing the demand for a slightly larger skiff platform, Gause Built Boats has designed an all-new 20’ Gause Built Skiff, scheduled to begin production in 2027.

Unlike the original 17’ model, this new skiff has been completely redesigned from the ground up. The goal was to create a boat that maintains the simplicity of a traditional skiff while offering the added space and ride quality that modern boaters appreciate.

Built in Tarpon Springs, Florida, this new model will carry forward the craftsmanship and custom design elements that define every Gause build.

Choosing the Right Skiff for Your Needs

When deciding between a 17’ skiff and a 20’ skiff, the best choice depends on how you plan to use your boat.

If your focus is extremely shallow water fishing with a minimalist setup, a smaller skiff may still be appealing.

However, if you want a skiff that provides more room, stability, and versatility, a 20-foot platform often offers the ideal balance between size and performance.

The Future of the Gause Skiff

As Gause Built Boats approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027, the introduction of the 20’ Gause Built Skiff marks an exciting new chapter.

For those who remember the original 17’ skiff, this new model represents the next evolution of the platform — combining the spirit of the original with modern design and craftsmanship.

Learn more about the upcoming 20’ Gause Built Skiff launching in 2027 and join the waitlist.

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