SeaArk CRX 186 2011 vs SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 or the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005?

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,5 feet overall. The SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 3,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 or the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005?

For trailering, the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 tops out at 40 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 measures 83" wide, compared to 71" for the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005. 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.

Q: Are the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 and SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 and the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 are built by SeaArk. 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.

Boat Comparison

SeaArk CRX 186 2011 vs SeaArk Forecast 156 2005

SeaArk

SeaArk CRX 186 2011

2011

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SeaArk

SeaArk Forecast 156 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

SeaArk CRX 186 2011 vs SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 vs SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 measures 18,5 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 at 15,0 feet (2005). At 11 lbs and 68 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 140 hp, the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is rated for 5 passengers, while the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeSeaArk

ModelCRX 186

ModelForecast 156

Model Year2011

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam83 in. (2.11 m)

Beam71 in. (1.8 m)

Beam - Meters2.11

Beam - Meters1.8

Beam - Inches83

Beam - Inches71

Depth - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)

Depth - Detail21 in. (.53 m)

Depth - Centimeters60.96

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inches24

Depth - Inches21

Weight - Detail1,100 lbs. (498.9 kg)

Weight - Detail680 lbs. (308 kg)

Weight - kg498.95

Weight - kg308.44

Weight - lbs.11

Weight - lbs.68

Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.524 m)

Width [transom] - Detail50 in. (1.27 m)

Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)

Height [transom]20 in. (.51 m)

Length - Feet18.5

Length - Feet15

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 6 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Detail15 ft. 6 in. (4.75 m)

Length overall - Meters5.03

Length overall - Meters4.72

Length overall - Inches198

Length overall - Inches186

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters4.75

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull thickness0.125 in. (3.18 mm)

Hull thickness.100 in. (2.54 mm)

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal25

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Horsepower140 hp (104.4 kW)

Horsepowernot available

Engine maxnot available

Engine max40 hp (29.8 kw)

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,315 lbs. (597.7 kg)

Maximum capacity875 lbs. (396.4 kg)

Maximum people5 / 675 lbs. (306.8 kg)

Maximum people4

SeaArk CRX 186 2011 vs SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 or the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005?

The SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,5 feet overall. The SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 3,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 or the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005?

For trailering, the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005. 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 SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 tops out at 40 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 SeaArk CRX 186 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 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 SeaArk CRX 186 2011 measures 83" wide, compared to 71" for the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005. 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 SeaArk CRX 186 2011 and SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the SeaArk CRX 186 2011 and the SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 are built by SeaArk. 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.

← SeaArk CRX 186 2011 full specs ← SeaArk Forecast 156 2005 full specs