Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 2006 vs VIP Bay Stealth Liner 1880 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 2006 vs VIP Bay Stealth Liner 1880 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 Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 2006 carries a rated maximum of 90 hp. Engine data for the VIP Bay Stealth Liner 1880 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 Bay Stealth Liner 1880 2005 carries 46 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 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 Bay Stealth Liner 1880 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 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 Bay Stealth Liner 1880 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bay Stealth Liner 1880 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 Bay Stealth 173 Competitor 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
ModelBay Stealth 173 Competitor
ModelBay Stealth Liner 188
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise9℃
Deadrise8℃
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.26
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Inches207
Length overall - Inches22
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,510 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg684.92
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.151
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gals
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard115-150 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7981SN single axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 7901SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer with 14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity850 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6