VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006
2006
View full specs →
VS
VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 boat specs
VIP
VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007
2007
View full specs →

VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 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 130-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006's 90-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 Bluewater 186 CCF 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 Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 is rated for 15 passengers, while the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 caps at 6. 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 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
MakeVIP
MakeVIP
ModelBluewater 186 CCF
ModelDeckliner 242 I/O DC
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
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 - Feet24
Length - Inches9
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Meters7.37
Length overall - Inches225
Length overall - Inches29
Engine and Drivetrain
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxRecommended: 90-115 hp Maximum: 130 hp
Engine max220-300 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people6 or 845 lbs
Maximum people15
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7975SN single axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailSilver tandem axle w/ drum brakes w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - Height88 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 2,800 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available

VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 or the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007?
The VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 6,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 tops out at 90 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 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 is certified for 15. 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 Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 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 Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 or the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007?
The VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 has the bigger tank at 59 gallons, versus 46 gallons on the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 and VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP Bluewater 186 CCF 2006 and the VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 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.