Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2007 vs VIP 202 Vantage 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2007 vs VIP 202 Vantage 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 190 hp, the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2007'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 202 Vantage 2008 carries 39 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2007. 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 2007 is rated for 8 passengers, while the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 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 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP 185 Vegas Combo 2007 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 202 Vantage 2008 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
Model185 Vegas Combo
Model202 Vantage
Model Year2007
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
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
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
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 with swing away tongue with chrome wheels and lug nuts
Trailer - Height75 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 11 in. With Swim Platform: 21 ft. 11 in
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 3,300 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width92 in
Trailer - Width102 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee