Both the Charger 186 2011 and the Charger RG Series 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in composite, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Charger RG Series 2012 measures 22,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Charger 186 2011 at 18,5 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Charger RG Series 2012 tips the scales at 2 350 lbs - 1 050 lbs less than the Charger 186 2011 at 1 300 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 225 hp, the Charger RG Series 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Charger 186 2011'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 RG Series 2012 carries 40 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Charger 186 2011. 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 Charger RG Series 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Charger 186 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Charger RG Series 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Charger RG Series 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Charger 186 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.