VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005
2005
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VS
VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 boat specs
VIP
VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008
2008
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VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 vs VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 vs VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 130 hp for the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 and 115 hp for the VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
ModelBluewater 186 CCF
ModelVanquish 203 SBR O/B
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam94 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches94
Beam - Inches102
Draft [drive up] - Detail16?
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,260 lbs. (without motor)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg571.53
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.126
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches9
Length - Inches3
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Inches225
Length overall - Inches243
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise17℃
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard90-115 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max130 hp
Engine maxRecommended: 115-200 hp Maximum: 250 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity845 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people6
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7975SN Single Axle Galvanized Trailer w/14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 8112TB silver tandem axle with drum brakes and swing-away tongue with chrome wheels and lug nuts
Trailer - Height88 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Weight2,800 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 vs VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 or the VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 16,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 tops out at 115 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 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 Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005. 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.
Are the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 and VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 and the VIP Vanquish 203 SBR O/B 2008 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.