Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2005 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2005 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 70-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2005's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 59 gal and 59 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 196 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 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 196 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 196 CCF
ModelDeckliner 242 I/O DC
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16℃
Deadrisenot available
Weight - Detail2,185 without Engine
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg991.1
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.2185
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Meters7.37
Length overall - Inches246
Length overall - Inches29
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard115-150 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Engine max150 hp
Engine max220-300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,450 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people6
Maximum people15
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7963TN Tandem Axle Galvanized Trailer with 14 in. Galvanized Wheels
Trailer - DetailSilver tandem axle w/ drum brakes w/ chrome wheels & lug nuts
Trailer - Height97 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all27 ft
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Weight4,250 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available