Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 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 220 hp, the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 has a 70-hp advantage over the VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005's 150-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 Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 carries 59 gallons versus 46 gallons in the VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 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 Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 is rated for 15 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelBay Stealth Classic 188
ModelDeckliner 242 I/O DC
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise10°
Deadrisenot available
Weight - Detail1,600 lbs. without engine
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg725.75
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.16
Weight - lbs.not available
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Meters7.37
Length overall - Inches224
Length overall - Inches29
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard115-130 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gals
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Engine max150 hp
Engine max220-300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,180 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people9
Maximum people15
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7901SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer with 14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - DetailSilver tandem axle w/ drum brakes w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - Height89 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 5 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Weight3,350 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available