Skeeter 21i 2005 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter 21i 2005
2005
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VS
Skeeter SL 180 2008 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter SL 180 2008
2008
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Skeeter 21i 2005 vs Skeeter SL 180 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter 21i 2005 vs Skeeter SL 180 2008 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 Skeeter 21i 2005 measures 21,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Skeeter SL 180 2008 at 17,0 feet (2008). At 193 lbs and 138 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 300 hp, the Skeeter 21i 2005 has a 150-hp advantage over the Skeeter SL 180 2008's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Skeeter 21i 2005 carries 52 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Skeeter SL 180 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 Skeeter 21i 2005 at 21,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Skeeter SL 180 2008 at 17,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakeSkeeter
MakeSkeeter
Model21i
ModelSL 18
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam94.5 in
Beam89 in
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Inches94.5
Beam - Inches89
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detail21.5 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches21.5
Draft [max] - Detail16 in
Draft [max] - Detail13 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.41
Draft [max] - Meters0.33
Draft [max] - Inches16
Draft [max] - Inches13
Weight - Detail1,930 lbs
Weight - Detail1,380 lbs
Weight - kg875.43
Weight - kg625.96
Weight - lbs.193
Weight - lbs.138
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches8
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters6.15
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Inches242
Length overall - Inches212
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine max150 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,484 lbs
Maximum capacity1,400 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5 or 737 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height76 in
Trailer - Height71 in
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 4 in. W/Swing-away Tongue: 23 ft. 10 in
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 9 in. With swing-away tongue: 18 ft. 11 in
Trailer - Width100 in
Trailer - Width98 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialComposite
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Skeeter 21i 2005 vs Skeeter SL 180 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Skeeter 21i 2005 or the Skeeter SL 180 2008?
The Skeeter 21i 2005 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Skeeter SL 180 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter 21i 2005 or the Skeeter SL 180 2008?
For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2008 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 193 lbs for the Skeeter 21i 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 Skeeter 21i 2005 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Skeeter SL 180 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 Skeeter 21i 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter SL 180 2008 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Skeeter 21i 2005 measures 95" wide, compared to 89" for the Skeeter SL 180 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Skeeter 21i 2005 or the Skeeter SL 180 2008?
The Skeeter 21i 2005 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2008. That 49-gallon difference translates to roughly 147–245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Skeeter 21i 2005 and Skeeter SL 180 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Skeeter 21i 2005 and the Skeeter SL 180 2008 are built by Skeeter. 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.