VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 boat specs
VIP
VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006
2006
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VS
VIP Vanquish 203  2006 boat specs
VIP
VIP Vanquish 203 2006
2006
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VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 vs VIP Vanquish 203 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 vs VIP Vanquish 203 2006 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 190 hp, the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 carries 39 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Vanquish 203 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
Model185 Vegas Combo
ModelVanquish 203
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam88 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16.5℃
Deadrise17℃
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs. (4-cylinder) 2,500 lbs. (6-cylinder)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Inches221
Length overall - Inches235
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 9 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Engine max135-190 hp
Engine max190-260 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people8 or 1,150 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7954SN single axle w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - DetailModel 8110TN tandem axle color-coordinated w/ swing away tongue w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - Height75 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over allw/o Swim Platform: 20 ft. 11 in. w/ Swim Platform: 21 ft. 11 in
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 3,300 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width92 in
Trailer - Width102 in

VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 vs VIP Vanquish 203 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 or the VIP Vanquish 203 2006?
The VIP Vanquish 203 2006 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The VIP Vanquish 203 2006 is rated to a maximum of 190 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 tops out at 135 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 is certified for 5. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The VIP Vanquish 203 2006 measures 102" wide, compared to 88" for the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 or the VIP Vanquish 203 2006?
The VIP Vanquish 203 2006 has the bigger tank at 39 gallons, versus 2 gallons on the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006. That 37-gallon difference translates to roughly 111–185 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 and VIP Vanquish 203 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2006 and the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 are built by VIP. 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.