Charger 186 DC 2006 boat specs
Charger
Charger 186 DC 2006
2006
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VS
Charger 396 DC 2007 boat specs
Charger
Charger 396 DC 2007
2007
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Charger 186 DC 2006 vs Charger 396 DC 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Charger 186 DC 2006 vs Charger 396 DC 2007 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 — Charger 186 DC 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Charger 396 DC 2007 at 19,0 ft. At 13 lbs and 16 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Charger 396 DC 2007 has a 50-hp advantage over the Charger 186 DC 2006's 175-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Charger 396 DC 2007 carries 44 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Charger 186 DC 2006. 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Charger 396 DC 2007 and its 225-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Charger 186 DC 2006 with its 175-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCharger
MakeCharger
Model186 DC
Model396 DC
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam93 in
Beam95.5 in
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches95.5
Depth - DetailMolded Depth: 41 in
Depth - DetailMolded Depth: 41 in
Depth - Centimeters104.14
Depth - Centimeters104.14
Depth - Inches41
Depth - Inches41
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs
Weight - Detail1,600 lbs
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kg725.75
Weight - lbs.13
Weight - lbs.16
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches9
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Meters6.02
Length overall - Inches222
Length overall - Inches237
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialComposite
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail44 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters166.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal44
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max175 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Storage10 compartments
Storage12 compartments
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 11 in. Swing Away Tongue: 20 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 6 in. Swing Away Tongue: 21 ft. 10 in

Charger 186 DC 2006 vs Charger 396 DC 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Charger 186 DC 2006 or the Charger 396 DC 2007?
The Charger 396 DC 2007 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Charger 186 DC 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Charger 186 DC 2006 or the Charger 396 DC 2007?
For trailering, the Charger 186 DC 2006 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 16 lbs for the Charger 396 DC 2007. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Charger 396 DC 2007 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Charger 186 DC 2006 tops out at 175 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Charger 186 DC 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Charger 396 DC 2007 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 Charger 396 DC 2007 measures 96" wide, compared to 93" for the Charger 186 DC 2006. 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Charger 186 DC 2006 or the Charger 396 DC 2007?
The Charger 396 DC 2007 has the bigger tank at 44 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Charger 186 DC 2006. That 41-gallon difference translates to roughly 123–205 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Charger 186 DC 2006 and Charger 396 DC 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Charger 186 DC 2006 and the Charger 396 DC 2007 are built by Charger. 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.