Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP 202 Vantage 2008 vs VIP Vegas 185 Combo 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP 202 Vantage 2008 vs VIP Vegas 185 Combo 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 VIP 202 Vantage 2008 carries a rated maximum of 190 hp. Engine data for the VIP Vegas 185 Combo 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP 202 Vantage 2008 carries 39 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP Vegas 185 Combo 2005. 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 Vegas 185 Combo 2005 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 Vegas 185 Combo 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Vegas 185 Combo 2005 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
Model202 Vantage
ModelVegas 185 Combo
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches88
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise16.5℃
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches5
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. 5 in
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches235
Length overall - Inches221
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs. with 4 Cylinder 2,500 lbs. with 6 Cylinder
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.25
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max190-260 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard135?190 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 8110TN tandem axle color-coordinated with swing away tongue with chrome wheels and lug nuts
Trailer - DetailModel 7954SN Single Axle Trailer with Chrome Wheels with Chrome Lug Nuts
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 11 in. With Swim Platform: 21 ft. 11 in
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Width92 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height75 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight3,300 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8