Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 boat specs
Klamath
Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006
2006
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VS
Klamath 18 OSW 2012 boat specs
Klamath
Klamath 18 OSW 2012
2012
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Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 vs Klamath 18 OSW 2012 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and the Klamath 18 OSW 2012 are modified vee designs with composite construction — 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Klamath 18 OSW 2012 at 18,3 ft. At 5 lbs and 7 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 — 75 hp for the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and 75 hp for the Klamath 18 OSW 2012. 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 8 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 Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and Klamath 18 OSW 2012 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
MakeKlamath
MakeKlamath
Model18 ft. Open
Model18 OSW
Model Year2006
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam84 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches84
Deadrise8℃ at deadrise
Deadrise8&#176
Depth - DetailBow: 45.5 in. Midship: 31 in. Transom: 28.5 in
Depth - DetailBow: 45.5 in. Midship: 31 in. Transom: 28.5 in
Depth - Centimeters116.84
Depth - Centimeters116.84
Depth - Inches45.5
Depth - Inches45.5
Weight - Detail500 lbs
Weight - Detail700 lbs
Weight - kg226.8
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.7
Width [transom] - Detail56 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18.33
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches22
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessSides: 0.063 in. Bottom: 0.100 in
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. Sides: 0.063 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max75 hp
Engine max75 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,735 lbs
Maximum capacity1,735 lbs
Maximum people8
Maximum people8

Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 vs Klamath 18 OSW 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 or the Klamath 18 OSW 2012?
The Klamath 18 OSW 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,3 feet overall. The Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 or the Klamath 18 OSW 2012?
For trailering, the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 7 lbs for the Klamath 18 OSW 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 Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Klamath 18 OSW 2012 is certified for 8. 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 Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and Klamath 18 OSW 2012 share an 84 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.
Are the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and Klamath 18 OSW 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Klamath 18 ft. Open 2006 and the Klamath 18 OSW 2012 are built by Klamath. 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.