Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 vs VIP Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 vs VIP Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 230 hp, the VIP Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 has a 100-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005's 130-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 Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 carries 59 gallons versus 46 gallons in the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 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 Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the VIP Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Vincent 232 SBR RE I/O 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelBluewater 186 CCF
ModelVincent? 232 SBR RE I/O
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
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 - Feet23
Length - Inches9
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Meters7.06
Length overall - Inches225
Length overall - Inches278
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard90-115 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max130 hp
Engine max230-375 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