When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006 and the Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006 measures 18,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 at 2,0 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006 tips the scales at 155 lbs — 131 lbs more than the Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 at 24 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 140 hp for the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006 and 150 hp for the Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 carries 65 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Palm Beach Fishing 185 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 7 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: The Palm Beach Fishing 185 2006 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Palm Beach Fishing 2000 DL 2010 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.