Charger 186 2012 boat specs
Charger
Charger 186 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
Charger 186 DC 2007 boat specs
Charger
Charger 186 DC 2007
2007
View full specs →

Charger 186 2012 vs Charger 186 DC 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Charger 186 2012 vs Charger 186 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 2012 at 18,5 ft versus Charger 186 DC 2007 at 18,0 ft. At 1 300 lbs and 1 300 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 - 175 hp for the Charger 186 2012 and 175 hp for the Charger 186 DC 2007. 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 carry nearly identical fuel loads - 30 gal and 30 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 Charger 186 2012 and Charger 186 DC 2007 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
MakeCharger
MakeCharger
Model186
Model186 DC
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam93 in.
Beam93 in.
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches93
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 - Detail1,300 lbs.
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - lbs.1300
Weight - lbs.1300
Length - Feet18.5
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Inches222
Length overall - Inches222
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max175 hp
Engine max175 hp
Operational Info
Storage10 compartments
Storage10 compartments
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs.
Maximum people5 / 825 lbs.
Maximum people5
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 11 in. Swing Away Tongue: 20 ft. 6 in.
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 11 in. Swing Away Tongue: 20 ft. 6 in.

Charger 186 2012 vs Charger 186 DC 2007 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Charger 186 2012 or the Charger 186 DC 2007?
The Charger 186 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,5 feet overall. The Charger 186 DC 2007 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Charger 186 2012 or the Charger 186 DC 2007?
For trailering, the Charger 186 DC 2007 has the edge at 1 300 lbs dry weight versus 1 300 lbs for the Charger 186 2012. 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 Charger 186 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Charger 186 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Charger 186 2012 and Charger 186 DC 2007 share an 93 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Charger 186 2012 and Charger 186 DC 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 30 gallons and 30 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Charger 186 2012 and Charger 186 DC 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Charger 186 2012 and the Charger 186 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.