Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?

For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 175 lbs for the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006. 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 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.

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

The Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 measures 98" 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?

The Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 has the bigger tank at 45 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2004. That 42-gallon difference translates to roughly 126–210 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006

Skeeter

Skeeter SL 180 2004

2004

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Skeeter

Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 carries 45 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.

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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 and its 150-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

ModelSL 18

ModelZX 20 Bay

Model Year2004

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam89 in

Beam98 in

Beam - Meters2.26

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches89

Beam - Inches98

Draft [max] - Detail13 in

Draft [max] - Detail9 in. - 10 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.33

Draft [max] - Meters0.25

Draft [max] - Inches13

Draft [max] - Inches1

Weight - Detail1380 lbs

Weight - Detail1,750 lbs

Weight - kg625.96

Weight - kg793.79

Weight - lbs.138

Weight - lbs.175

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 - Detail19 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Meters5.99

Length overall - Inches21

Length overall - Inches236

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail18.5 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters48.26

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches18.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet19

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches8

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail45 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters170.34

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel tank capacity - Gal45

Engine max15

Engine max150 hp

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1400 lbs

Maximum capacity1,392 lbs

Maximum people5 Persons

Maximum people5

Trailer Info

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Height93 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 6 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width102 in

Skeeter SL 180 2004 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?

For trailering, the Skeeter SL 180 2004 has the edge at 138 lbs dry weight versus 175 lbs for the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006. 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 measures 98" 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Skeeter SL 180 2004 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?

The Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 has the bigger tank at 45 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2004. That 42-gallon difference translates to roughly 126–210 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2004 and the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 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 ZX 20 Bay 2006 full specs