Stingray 180RX 2006 boat specs
Stingray
Stingray 180RX 2006
2006
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Stingray 185LX 2008 boat specs
Stingray
Stingray 185LX 2008
2008
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Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LX 2008 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 185LX 2008 at 18,0 ft. At 2 175 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 180RX 2006 and Stingray 185LX 2008 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
MakeStingray
Model180RX
Model185LX
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam85 in. (216 cm)
Beam85 in. (216 cm)
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches85
Bridge clearance - Detail41 in. (104 cm)
Bridge clearance - Detail41 in. (104 cm)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.04
Bridge clearance - Meters1.04
Bridge clearance - Inches41
Bridge clearance - Inches41
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches29
Weight - Detail2,175 lbs. (w/ 3.0L engine)
Weight - Detail2,155 lbs. (977.5 kg)
Weight - kg986.56
Weight - kg977.49
Weight - lbs.2175
Weight - lbs.2155
Length - Meters5.5
Length - Meters5.6
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18
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
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (80 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (80 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0 CARB 135 SX
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,070 lbs. (485 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people7
Maximum people7 @ 1,070 lbs. (485 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Stingray 180RX 2006 vs Stingray 185LX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Stingray 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LX 2008?
The Stingray 185LX 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Stingray 180RX 2006 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 180RX 2006 or the Stingray 185LX 2008?
For trailering, the Stingray 185LX 2008 has the edge at 2 155 lbs dry weight versus 2 175 lbs for the Stingray 180RX 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Stingray 180RX 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LX 2008 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 185LX 2008 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 185LX 2008?
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 185LX 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Stingray 180RX 2006 and the Stingray 185LX 2008 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.