Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 vs VIP Vanquish 203 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 vs VIP Vanquish 203 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 190 hp, the VIP Vanquish 203 2006 has a 40-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 Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 carries 46 gallons versus 39 gallons in the VIP Vanquish 203 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 Classic 1880 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the VIP Vanquish 203 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 Classic 1880 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bay Stealth Classic 1880 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Vanquish 203 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 Classic 188
ModelVanquish 203
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise10°
Deadrise17℃
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 - Feet19
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Inches224
Length overall - Inches235
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 9 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard115-130 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gals
Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39
Engine max150 hp
Engine max190-260 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,180 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people9
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7901SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer with 14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 8110TN tandem axle color-coordinated w/ swing away tongue w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - Height89 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 5 in
Trailer - Length over allw/o Swim Platform: 20 ft. 11 in. w/ Swim Platform: 21 ft. 11 in
Trailer - Weight3,350 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Width102 in