Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 vs VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 vs VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 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 150 hp, the VIP Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 has a 60-hp advantage over the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 2005's 90-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 Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 carries 46 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 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 Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 2005 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 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bay Stealth 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 173 2005 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 2180 BSVR/BSTR Rolled Gunnel Classic
ModelBay Stealth Competitor 173
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise10℃
Deadrise9℃
Weight - Detail2,020 lbs. (without engine)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg916.26
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.202
Weight - lbs.not available
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches3
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters6.6
Length overall - Meters5.26
Length overall - Inches26
Length overall - Inches207
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150-200 hp
Engine max90 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard90 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people8 or 1,525 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 8053TN tandem axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 7981SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer w/14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - Height85 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 3,800 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available