Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Stingray 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

The Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,4 feet overall. The Stingray 180RX 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

For trailering, the Stingray 180RX 2006 has the edge at 2 175 lbs dry weight versus 2 219 lbs for the Stingray 185LS / LX 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 180RX 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 180RX 2006 and the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LS / LX 2011

Stingray

Stingray 180RX 2006

2006

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Stingray

Stingray 185LS / LX 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 — Stingray 180RX 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 at 18,4 ft. At 2 175 lbs and 2 219 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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

Model180RX

Model185LS / LX

Model Year2006

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam85 in. (216 cm)

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Inches85

Bridge clearance - Detail41 in. (104 cm)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.04

Bridge clearance - Inches41

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise19°

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 - Detail2,175 lbs. (w/ 3.0L engine)

Weight - Detail2,219 lbs. with 3.0 l engine

Weight - kg986.56

Weight - kg1006.52

Weight - lbs.2175

Weight - lbs.2219

Length - Meters5.5

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feet18.42

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (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

Depth - Detailnot available

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

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters132.08

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches52

Height - Detailnot available

Height - DetailFreeboard: 23 in. (58 cm)

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.58

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches23

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (80 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,070 lbs. (485 kg)

Maximum people7

Storagenot available

StorageIce Box: 32 qt. (30 l)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Stingray 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

The Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,4 feet overall. The Stingray 180RX 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

For trailering, the Stingray 180RX 2006 has the edge at 2 175 lbs dry weight versus 2 219 lbs for the Stingray 185LS / LX 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 180RX 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011?

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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 180RX 2006 and the Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 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 180RX 2006 full specs ← Stingray 185LS / LX 2011 full specs