Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
VIP Deckliner 183 2008 vs VIP Vegas 185 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The VIP Deckliner 183 2008 vs VIP Vegas 185 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — VIP Deckliner 183 2008 at 18,0 ft versus VIP Vegas 185 2005 at 18,0 ft. At 17 lbs and 25 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The VIP Deckliner 183 2008 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the VIP Vegas 185 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP Deckliner 183 2008 carries 46 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP Vegas 185 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 Vegas 185 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the VIP Deckliner 183 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the VIP Vegas 185 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Vegas 185 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Deckliner 183 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelDeckliner 183
ModelVegas 185
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches88
Weight - Detail1,700 lbs
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs. w/4 Cylinder 2,500 lbs. w/6 Cylinder
Weight - kg771.11
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.17
Weight - lbs.25
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches4
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches221
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise16.5℃
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max115-150 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard135-190 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people7 or 1,694 lbs
Maximum people8
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailModel 7900SN color-coordinated single axle with chrome wheels and lug nuts, or Model 7901SN galvanized single axle with galvanized wheels
Trailer - DetailModel 7954SN Single Axle Trailer w/Chrome Wheels w/Chrome Lug Nuts
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 5 in
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - WeightTow Weight: 3,200 lbs
Trailer - Weight3,300 lbs
Trailer - Width97 in
Trailer - Width92 in
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height75 in