VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 boat specs
VIP
VIP 203 Vanquish 2005
2005
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VS
VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005
2005
View full specs →

VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 vs VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 vs VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 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.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 and VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
Model203 Vanquish
ModelBay Stealth Competitor 188
Model Year2005
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise10℃
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches8
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. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Inches235
Length overall - Inches224
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard190-260 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeOutboard
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 8110TN Tandem Axle Color Coordinated Trailer w/Swing Away Trailer Tongue w/Chrome Wheels w/Chrome Lug Nuts
Trailer - DetailModel 7907SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer w/14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - Length over allSwung Away without Swim Platform: 20 ft. 11 in. Swung Away with Swim Platform: 20 ft. 11 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Widthnot available

VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 vs VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 or the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005?
The VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 and VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 and VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 39 gallons and 41 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 and VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP 203 Vanquish 2005 and the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 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.