Stingray 185LS 2008 vs Stingray 185LX 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 185LS 2008 or the Stingray 185LX 2005?

For trailering, the Stingray 185LX 2005 has the edge at 2 155 lbs dry weight versus 2 155 lbs for the Stingray 185LS 2008. 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 185LS 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005?

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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 185LS 2008 and the Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 vs Stingray 185LX 2005

Stingray

Stingray 185LS 2008

2008

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Stingray

Stingray 185LX 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Stingray 185LS 2008 vs Stingray 185LX 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Stingray 185LS 2008 vs Stingray 185LX 2005 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.

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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005 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

Model185LS

Model185LX

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

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℃

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 - Detail2,155 lbs. (977.5 kg)

Weight - Detail2155 lbs. (w/ 3.0L engine)

Weight - kg977.49

Weight - lbs.2155

Length - Meters5.6

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Inches221

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0 CARB 135 SX

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (80 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Maximum people7 @ 1,070 lbs. (485 kg)

Maximum people7

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1070 lbs. (485 kg)

Stingray 185LS 2008 vs Stingray 185LX 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Stingray 185LS 2008 or the Stingray 185LX 2005?

For trailering, the Stingray 185LX 2005 has the edge at 2 155 lbs dry weight versus 2 155 lbs for the Stingray 185LS 2008. 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 185LS 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005?

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 185LS 2008 and Stingray 185LX 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Stingray 185LS 2008 and the Stingray 185LX 2005 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 185LS 2008 full specs ← Stingray 185LX 2005 full specs