Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-)

Brief Summary

Originally built as work boats capable of carrying a heavy load of nets or traps across shallow, protected coastal waters, traditional skiff designs share characteristics that include a flat or nearly flat bottom with a broad beam for the boat’s length, and a blunt bow. Recreational anglers find those same features favorable for negotiating shallows while fishing protected waters where there is not the need for a traditional vee’d hull to tackle rough water on a regular basis. The skiff category has become popular as interest in in-shore light tackle saltwater fishing has grown. The Pro 17 Skiff CC is one of three skiff configurations Mako offers in 2012, which include a 17 tiller model, a 16 foot center console and an 18 foot Light Tackle version, with a new, shallow-running hull design.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	17' 4'' / 5.28 m
Beam	6' 8'' 2.03 m
Dry Weight	950 lbs. 430 kg
Draft	8'' .20 m
Deadrise/Transom	10-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	6 gal. 22 L
Water Capacity	none

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.0 sec.
0 to 30	6.9 sec. (0-20 mph)
Ratio	1.83 : 1
Props	10 x 13
Load	2 persons, full fuel, no water, 10 lbs. of gear
Climate	82 deg.; 44% humidity; wind: 10- 25 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 60-hp Mercury EFI Four-Stroke
Std. Power	1 x 30-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke EFI
Opt. Power	1 x 40-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke 1 x 50-hp Mercury Mercury ELPT 4-stroke 1 x 60-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke

Warranty

Gelcoat Warranty Extended	Three-Year Limited
Hull Warranty Extended	Limited Lifetime

Learn More
Watch Our Video

Captain’s Report by Dan Armitage

Mission

The Pro 17 Skiff CC is targeted to anglers who want an open, stable, full-feature fishing platform capable of accessing shallow waters – fresh or salt - under power of mid-range outboards.

Performance Features

We tested a Pro 17 Skiff CC packaged with a 60-hp Mercury EFI four-stroke, the hull’s maximum recommended power. So rigged, we reached a top speed of 34.9 mph at 5800 rpm burning 5.1 gallons per hour. We found the optimum cruising speed for the rig to be 21.3 mph, turning 4000 rpm while consuming 8.67 miles per gallon, giving the boat a cruising range of 47 miles with the standard 6 gallon fuel tank.

Construction Features

Mako’s Advanced Inverted V (AIV) hull design, wide beam and foam-filled construction allows for a smooth, dry ride and stable platform through rougher conditions. The boat is built with 100% composite materials and despite weighing only 950 lbs. the hull has a 1400 lb. load capacity and is rated to carry up to five passengers.

Mako makes the most of the Pro 17 Skiff CC model’s one-piece molded center console. Anglers find vertical rod racks, a storage compartment below and trays up top. The minimalist dash features a tachometer standard with space for the optional Lowrance Mark-5x Pro fish finder. No additional electronics or gauges are offered; we’d like to see a simple compass available as an option.

Mako Assurance Warranty Program

Mako says its warranty includes--

Recommendation

Any angler looking for a bargain-priced, shallow-running fishing boat capable of taking a couple of family members or fishing buddies along for a day of sight casting and exploring fresh or salt waters where traditional-vee hull craft simply can't go, should consider the new Mako Pro 17 Skiff. We like this rig a lot and believe that plenty of near-shore light tackle anglers will too.