VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005
2005
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VS
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006
2006
View full specs →

VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 vs VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 vs VIP Bluewater 186 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 186 CCF 2006 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 carries 46 gallons versus 41 gallons in the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 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 Competitor 188 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
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
ModelBay Stealth Competitor 188
ModelBluewater 186 CCF
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam94 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches94
Deadrise10℃
Deadrisenot available
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches9
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Inches224
Length overall - Inches225
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail16?
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,260 lbs. (without motor)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg571.53
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.126
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxRecommended: 90-115 hp Maximum: 130 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7907SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer w/14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 7975SN single axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height88 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 2,800 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6 or 845 lbs

VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 vs VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 or the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 or the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 has the bigger tank at 46 gallons, versus 41 gallons on the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 and VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP Bay Stealth Competitor 188 2005 and the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 are built by VIP. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.