ProGator 178V 2008 boat specs
ProGator
ProGator 178V 2008
2008
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VS
ProGator 180V 2011 boat specs
ProGator
ProGator 180V 2011
2011
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ProGator 178V 2008 vs ProGator 180V 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee ProGator 178V 2008 against a modified vee ProGator 180V 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — ProGator 178V 2008 at 17,7 ft versus ProGator 180V 2011 at 18,8 ft. At 115 lbs and 115 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 175 hp, the ProGator 180V 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the ProGator 178V 2008's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 ProGator 180V 2011 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ProGator 178V 2008 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeProGator
MakeProGator
Model178V
Model180V
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam86 in
Beam87 in
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches87
Depth - Detail19 in
Depth - Detail19 in
Depth - Centimeters48.26
Depth - Centimeters48.26
Depth - Inches19
Depth - Inches19
Weight - Detail1,150 lbs
Weight - Detail1,150 lbs
Weight - kg521.63
Weight - kg521.63
Weight - lbs.115
Weight - lbs.115
Length - Feet17.67
Length - Feet18.75
Length overall - Detail17.67 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Inches212.04
Length overall - Inches225
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine max175 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people4
Maximum people4

ProGator 178V 2008 vs ProGator 180V 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ProGator 178V 2008 or the ProGator 180V 2011?
The ProGator 180V 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,8 feet overall. The ProGator 178V 2008 comes in at 17,7 feet, making it roughly 1,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the ProGator 178V 2008 or the ProGator 180V 2011?
For trailering, the ProGator 180V 2011 has the edge at 115 lbs dry weight versus 115 lbs for the ProGator 178V 2008. 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 ProGator 180V 2011 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ProGator 178V 2008 tops out at 150 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 ProGator 178V 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the ProGator 180V 2011 is certified for 4. 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 ProGator 180V 2011 measures 87" wide, compared to 86" for the ProGator 178V 2008. 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.
Are the ProGator 178V 2008 and ProGator 180V 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ProGator 178V 2008 and the ProGator 180V 2011 are built by ProGator. 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.