Skeeter SX 180 2005 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter SX 180 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 boat specs
Skeeter
Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006
2006
View full specs →

Skeeter SX 180 2005 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Skeeter SX 180 2005 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Skeeter SX 180 2005 at 17,0 ft versus Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 at 19,0 ft. At 127 lbs and 175 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 130 hp for the Skeeter SX 180 2005 and 150 hp for the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 carries 45 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Skeeter SX 180 2005. 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 SX 180 2005 with its 130-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSkeeter
MakeSkeeter
ModelSX 18
ModelZX 20 Bay
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam88 in
Beam98 in
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches98
Depth - Detail19 in
Depth - Detail18.5 in
Depth - Centimeters48.26
Depth - Centimeters48.26
Depth - Inches19
Depth - Inches18.5
Draft [max] - Detail12 in
Draft [max] - Detail9 in. - 10 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.3
Draft [max] - Meters0.25
Draft [max] - Inches12
Draft [max] - Inches1
Weight - Detail1,270 lbs
Weight - Detail1,750 lbs
Weight - kg576.06
Weight - kg793.79
Weight - lbs.127
Weight - lbs.175
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches8
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Meters5.99
Length overall - Inches212
Length overall - Inches236
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail45 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters170.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal45
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max130 hp
Engine max150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs
Maximum capacity1,392 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height65 in
Trailer - Height93 in
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 7 in. W/Swing-away Tongue: 19 ft. 3 in
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Width94 in
Trailer - Width102 in

Skeeter SX 180 2005 vs Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Skeeter SX 180 2005 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?
The Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Skeeter SX 180 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Skeeter SX 180 2005 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?
For trailering, the Skeeter SX 180 2005 has the edge at 127 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 SX 180 2005 tops out at 130 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 SX 180 2005 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 88" for the Skeeter SX 180 2005. 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 SX 180 2005 or the Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006?
The Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 has the bigger tank at 45 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Skeeter SX 180 2005. 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 SX 180 2005 and Skeeter ZX 20 Bay 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Skeeter SX 180 2005 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.