Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bay Stealth 188 Competitor 2006 vs VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bay Stealth 188 Competitor 2006 vs VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 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 Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 tops out at 115 hp. Engine specs for the VIP Bay Stealth 188 Competitor 2006 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 carries 59 gallons versus 41 gallons in the VIP Bay Stealth 188 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 Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth 188 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 Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Bay Stealth 188 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 188 Competitor
ModelBluewater 196 CCF
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches98
Deadrise10℃
Deadrise16℃
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Inches224
Length overall - Inches246
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail2,185 lbs. (without engine)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg991.1
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.2185
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max115-150 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7907SN single axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 7963TN tandem axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height97 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all27 ft
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 4,250 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6 or 1,450 lbs