Skeeter SL 180 2007 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2007 or the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004?

For trailering, the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 138 lbs for the Skeeter SL 180 2007. 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 SL 180 2007 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 tops out at 8 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 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 is certified for 6. 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 2007 and Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 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 2007 or the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004?

The Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2007. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Skeeter SL 180 2007 and Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2007 and the Skeeter ZX 1790T 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.

Boat Comparison

Skeeter SL 180 2007 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004

Skeeter

Skeeter SL 180 2007

2007

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Skeeter

Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Skeeter SL 180 2007 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter SL 180 2007 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 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 150 hp, the Skeeter SL 180 2007 has a 142-hp advantage over the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004's 8-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 1790T 2004 carries 33 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Skeeter SL 180 2007. 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 ZX 1790T 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Skeeter SL 180 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Skeeter SL 180 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeSkeeter

ModelSL 18

ModelZX 1790T

Model Year2007

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam89 in

Beam - Meters2.26

Beam - Inches89

Depth - Detail21.5 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters55.88

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches21.5

Depth - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail13 in

Draft [max] - Detail12 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.33

Draft [max] - Meters0.3

Draft [max] - Inches13

Draft [max] - Inches12

Weight - Detail1,380 lbs

Weight - Detail1300 lbs

Weight - kg625.96

Weight - kg589.67

Weight - lbs.138

Weight - lbs.13

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches8

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.38

Length overall - Inches212

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail45 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.14

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches45

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]22 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardYamaha

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel tank capacity - Gal33

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max150 hp

Engine max8

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,400 lbs

Maximum capacity1450 lbs

Maximum people5 or 737 lbs

Maximum people6 Persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - Height71 in

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 9 in. With swing-away tongue: 18 ft. 11 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Width98 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Skeeter SL 180 2007 vs Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SL 180 2007 or the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004?

For trailering, the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 138 lbs for the Skeeter SL 180 2007. 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 SL 180 2007 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 tops out at 8 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 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 is certified for 6. 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 2007 and Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 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 2007 or the Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004?

The Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Skeeter SL 180 2007. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Skeeter SL 180 2007 and Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Skeeter SL 180 2007 and the Skeeter ZX 1790T 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.

← Skeeter SL 180 2007 full specs ← Skeeter ZX 1790T 2004 full specs