VIP 202 Vantage 2008 boat specs
VIP
VIP 202 Vantage 2008
2008
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VS
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005
2005
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VIP 202 Vantage 2008 vs VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP 202 Vantage 2008 vs VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 190 hp, the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 has a 60-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005's 130-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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 carries 46 gallons versus 39 gallons in the VIP 202 Vantage 2008. 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is rated for 6 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 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
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
Model202 Vantage
ModelBluewater 186 CCF
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam94 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches94
Deadrise17℃
Deadrisenot available
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches9
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 9 in
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Inches235
Length overall - Inches225
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail16?
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,260 lbs. (without motor)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg571.53
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.126
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max190-260 hp
Engine max130 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard90-115 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 8110TN tandem axle color-coordinated with swing away tongue with chrome wheels and lug nuts
Trailer - DetailModel 7975SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer w/14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 11 in. With Swim Platform: 21 ft. 11 in
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height88 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight2,800 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity845 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6

VIP 202 Vantage 2008 vs VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 or the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005?
The VIP 202 Vantage 2008 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 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 202 Vantage 2008 is rated to a maximum of 190 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 tops out at 130 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 202 Vantage 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is certified for 6. 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 202 Vantage 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005. 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 202 Vantage 2008 or the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 has the bigger tank at 46 gallons, versus 39 gallons on the VIP 202 Vantage 2008. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 and VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 and the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 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.