Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter TZX 180 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter TZX 180 2013?

For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 145 lbs for the Skeeter TZX 180 2013. 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 Skeeter TZX 180 2013 is rated to a maximum of 150 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Skeeter SL 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter TZX 180 2013 share an 89 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter TZX 180 2013?

The Skeeter TZX 180 2013 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2004. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter TZX 180 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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.

Boat Comparison

Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter TZX 180 2013

Skeeter

Skeeter SL 180 2004

2004

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Skeeter

Skeeter TZX 180 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter TZX 180 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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 150 hp, the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 has a 135-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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 carries 24 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Skeeter SL 180 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Skeeter SL 180 2004 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter SL 180 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter SL 180 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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

MakeSkeeter

ModelSL 18

ModelTZX 18

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam89 in

Beam - Meters2.26

Beam - Inches89

Draft [max] - Detail13 in

Draft [max] - Detail14 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.33

Draft [max] - Meters0.36

Draft [max] - Inches13

Draft [max] - Inches14

Weight - Detail1380 lbs

Weight - Detail1,450 lbs

Weight - kg625.96

Weight - kg657.71

Weight - lbs.138

Weight - lbs.145

Height - Detail49 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.24

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches49

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Meters5.38

Length overall - Inches21

Length overall - Inches212

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail17 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters43.18

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17.67

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Engine max15

Engine maxnot available

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower150 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1400 lbs

Maximum capacity1,250 lbs

Maximum people5 Persons

Maximum people4 / 506 lbs

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Height72 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 6 in. 20 ft. 2 in. with swing-away tongue

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width100 in

Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter TZX 180 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter TZX 180 2013?

For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 145 lbs for the Skeeter TZX 180 2013. 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 TZX 180 2013 is rated to a maximum of 150 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 SL 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter TZX 180 2013 share an 89 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter TZX 180 2013?

The Skeeter TZX 180 2013 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2004. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter TZX 180 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and the Skeeter TZX 180 2013 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.

← Skeeter SL 180 2004 full specs ← Skeeter TZX 180 2013 full specs