Skeeter SL 1800 2011 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter SL 1800 2011
2011
View full specs →
VS
Skeeter ZX 250 2009 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter ZX 250 2009
2009
View full specs →

Skeeter SL 1800 2011 vs Skeeter ZX 250 2009: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Skeeter SL 1800 2011 and the Skeeter ZX 250 2009 are modified-V designs, both built in composite, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Skeeter SL 1800 2011 at 18,0 ft versus Skeeter ZX 250 2009 at 21,0 ft. At 1 850 lbs and 1 790 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 ZX 250 2009 has a 150-hp advantage over the Skeeter SL 1800 2011'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 ZX 250 2009 carries 50 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Skeeter SL 1800 2011. 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 ZX 250 2009 at 21,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Skeeter SL 1800 2011 at 18,0 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
ModelSL 1800
ModelZX 250
Model Year2011
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam93 in.
Beam94 in.
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches94
Depth - Detail23 in.
Depth - Detail20 in.
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches20
Draft [max] - Detail14 in.
Draft [max] - Detail16 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.36
Draft [max] - Meters0.41
Draft [max] - Inches14
Draft [max] - Inches16
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs.
Weight - Detail1,790 lbs.
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - kg811.93
Weight - lbs.1850
Weight - lbs.1790
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail21 ft.
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches252
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Fuel tank capacity - Gal50
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine max300 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,622 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,484 lbs.
Maximum people5 or 737 lbs.
Maximum people5 or 700 lbs.
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height70 in.
Trailer - Height74 in.
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 0 in. 21 ft. 4 in. with swing-away tongue
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 2 in. 24 ft. 10 in. with swing-away tongue
Trailer - Width100 in.
Trailer - Width100 in.

Skeeter SL 1800 2011 vs Skeeter ZX 250 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Skeeter SL 1800 2011 or the Skeeter ZX 250 2009?
The Skeeter ZX 250 2009 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Skeeter SL 1800 2011 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Skeeter SL 1800 2011 or the Skeeter ZX 250 2009?
For trailering, the Skeeter ZX 250 2009 has the edge at 1 790 lbs dry weight versus 1 850 lbs for the Skeeter SL 1800 2011. 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 250 2009 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Skeeter SL 1800 2011 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 SL 1800 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Skeeter ZX 250 2009 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 250 2009 measures 94" wide, compared to 93" for the Skeeter SL 1800 2011. 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 1800 2011 or the Skeeter ZX 250 2009?
The Skeeter ZX 250 2009 has the bigger tank at 50 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the Skeeter SL 1800 2011. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Skeeter SL 1800 2011 and Skeeter ZX 250 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Skeeter SL 1800 2011 and the Skeeter ZX 250 2009 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.