Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 vs Stingray 185LS 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 or the Stingray 185LS 2009?

The Stingray 185LS 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 or the Stingray 185LS 2009?

For trailering, the Stingray 185LS 2009 has the edge at 2 155 lbs dry weight versus 2 219 lbs for the Stingray 180LS / LX 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LS 2009 is certified for 7. 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 Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009 share an 85 in. (216 cm) 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 21 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and the Stingray 185LS 2009 are built by Stingray. 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

Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 vs Stingray 185LS 2009

Stingray

Stingray 180LS / LX 2013

2013

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Stingray

Stingray 185LS 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 vs Stingray 185LS 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 against a modified vee Stingray 185LS 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 at 18,0 ft versus Stingray 185LS 2009 at 18,0 ft. At 2 219 lbs and 2 155 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 are rated for 7 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 Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeStingray

Model180LS / LX

Model185LS

Model Year2013

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam85 in. (216 cm)

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Inches85

Bridge clearance - Detail41 in. (104 cm) with standard windshield

Bridge clearance - Detail41 in. (104 cm)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.04

Bridge clearance - Inches41

Deadrise19°

Deadrise19℃

Depth - DetailMolded Depth: 42 in. (107 cm) windshield base to keel Max Depth: 52 in. (132 cm) with standard windshield Bow Depth: 14 in. (36 cm) bow to cushion top; 31 in. (79 cm) max depth Cockpit: 28 in. (71.1 cm) at helm

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters132.08

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches52

Depth - Inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.74

Draft [max] - Inches29

Weight - Detail2,219 lbs. (1,007 kg)

Weight - Detail2,155 lbs. (977.5 kg)

Weight - kg1006.52

Weight - kg977.49

Weight - lbs.2219

Weight - lbs.2155

Height - DetailFreeboard: 23 in. (58 cm)

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.58

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches23

Height - Inchesnot available

Length - Feet18

Length overall - Detail18 ft.(5.5 m)

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.6 m)

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches221

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (80 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0 CARB 135 SX

Operational Info

StorageIce Box: 14 qt. (13 l)

Storagenot available

Maximum capacity1,070 lbs. (485 kg)

Maximum people7

Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 vs Stingray 185LS 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 or the Stingray 185LS 2009?

The Stingray 185LS 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 or the Stingray 185LS 2009?

For trailering, the Stingray 185LS 2009 has the edge at 2 155 lbs dry weight versus 2 219 lbs for the Stingray 180LS / LX 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LS 2009 is certified for 7. 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 Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009 share an 85 in. (216 cm) 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 21 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and Stingray 185LS 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 and the Stingray 185LS 2009 are built by Stingray. 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.

← Stingray 180LS / LX 2013 full specs ← Stingray 185LS 2009 full specs