Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 vs VIP Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006 vs VIP Versailles 2602 SBRXL 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 300 hp, the VIP Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 has a 185-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2006's 115-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 Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 carries 75 gallons versus 59 gallons in the VIP Bluewater 196 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 Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the VIP Bluewater 196 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 Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Versailles 2602 SBRXL 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 26,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Bluewater 196 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
ModelBluewater 196 CCF
ModelVersailles 2602 SBRXL
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16℃
Deadrise23.5℃
Weight - Detail2,185 lbs. (without engine)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg991.1
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.2185
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Meters7.98
Length overall - Inches246
Length overall - Inches314
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max115-150 hp
Engine max300-425 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people6 or 1,450 lbs
Maximum people10 or 2,020 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7963TN tandem axle galvanized w/ 14 in. galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 8086TB tandem axle color-coordinated with brakes and aluminum wheels with chrome lug nuts and steel radial tires with raised white letters
Trailer - Height97 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all27 ft
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 4,250 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee