When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Sweetwater SW 1880 2013 and the Sweetwater SW 2186 F 2010 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sweetwater SW 1880 2013 at 18,3 ft versus Sweetwater SW 2186 F 2010 at 21,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sweetwater SW 1880 2013 tips the scales at 2 058 lbs — 1 910 lbs more than the Sweetwater SW 2186 F 2010 at 148 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Sweetwater SW 2186 F 2010 has a 50-hp advantage over the Sweetwater SW 1880 2013's 65-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 21 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 9 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 Sweetwater SW 2186 F 2010 at 21,2 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sweetwater SW 1880 2013 at 18,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.