Skeeter FX 20 2012 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter FX 20 2012
2012
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VS
Skeeter SL 180 2004 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter SL 180 2004
2004
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Skeeter FX 20 2012 vs Skeeter SL 180 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter FX 20 2012 vs Skeeter SL 180 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Skeeter FX 20 2012 has a 235-hp advantage over the Skeeter SL 180 2004's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Skeeter FX 20 2012 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSkeeter
MakeSkeeter
ModelFX 2
ModelSL 18
Model Year2012
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in
Beam89 in
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches89
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail16 in
Draft [max] - Detail13 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.41
Draft [max] - Meters0.33
Draft [max] - Inches16
Draft [max] - Inches13
Weight - Detail1,820 lbs
Weight - Detail1380 lbs
Weight - kg825.54
Weight - kg625.96
Weight - lbs.182
Weight - lbs.138
Length - Feet20.17
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters6.15
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Inches242
Length overall - Inches21
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail49 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.24
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches49
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]21 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max250 hp
Engine max15
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,530 lbs
Maximum capacity1400 lbs
Maximum people5 or 700 lbs
Maximum people5 Persons
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height76 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 6 in. 23 ft. 10 in. with swing-away tongue
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width101 in
Trailer - Widthnot available

Skeeter FX 20 2012 vs Skeeter SL 180 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter FX 20 2012 or the Skeeter SL 180 2004?
For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 182 lbs for the Skeeter FX 20 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Skeeter FX 20 2012 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Skeeter SL 180 2004 tops out at 15 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 FX 20 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter SL 180 2004 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 FX 20 2012 measures 95" wide, compared to 89" for the Skeeter SL 180 2004. 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Skeeter FX 20 2012 and Skeeter SL 180 2004?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 3 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Skeeter FX 20 2012 and Skeeter SL 180 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Skeeter FX 20 2012 and the Skeeter SL 180 2004 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.