Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012
2012
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VS
Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 boat specs
Blue Wave
Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005
2005
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Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 vs Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 vs Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 at 18,3 ft versus Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 at 17,0 ft. At 975 lbs and 995 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 and 115 hp for the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

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.

Bottom line: The Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 and Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeBlue Wave
MakeBlue Wave
Model180 V-Bay
ModelMulti-Species MS-52
Model Year2012
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam89 in
Beam90 in
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches89
Beam - Inches9
Draft [max] - Detail12 in
Draft [max] - Detail8 - 10 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.3
Draft [max] - Meters0.25
Draft [max] - Inches12
Draft [max] - Inches1
Weight - Detail975 lbs
Weight - Detail995 lbs
Weight - kg442.25
Weight - kg451.32
Weight - lbs.975
Weight - lbs.995
Length - Feet18.33
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches212
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max115 hp
Engine max115 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,257 lbs
Maximum capacity1,227 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5

Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 vs Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 or the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005?
The Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,3 feet overall. The Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 or the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005?
For trailering, the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 has the edge at 975 lbs dry weight versus 995 lbs for the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 measures 89" wide, compared to 9" for the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 and Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Blue Wave 180 V-Bay 2012 and the Blue Wave Multi-Species MS-52 2005 are built by Blue Wave. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.