VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 boat specs
VIP
VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007
2007
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VS
VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 boat specs
VIP
VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007
2007
View full specs →

VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 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 105-hp advantage over the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007's 115-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 2007 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 2007 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 196 CCF
ModelDeckliner 242 I/O DC
Model Year2007
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam98 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16℃
Deadrisenot available
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 - 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
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max115-150 hp
Engine max220-300 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people6 or 1,450 lbs
Maximum people15
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7963TN tandem axle galvanized w/ 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 - WeightTow Weight: 4,250 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available

VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 vs VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 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 196 CCF 2007 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 22,0 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 196 CCF 2007 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 196 CCF 2007 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 98" for the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007. 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 and VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 59 gallons and 59 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 and VIP Deckliner 242 I/O DC 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the VIP Bluewater 196 CCF 2007 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.