The VIP Viva 184 2005 vs VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 measures 24,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the VIP Viva 184 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 tips the scales at 353 lbs — 328 lbs less than the VIP Viva 184 2005 at 25 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 tops out at 260 hp. Engine specs for the VIP Viva 184 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 carries 59 gallons versus 2 gallons in the VIP Viva 184 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 Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 is rated for 10 passengers, while the VIP Viva 184 2005 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the VIP Volant 2440 SBRXL 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The VIP Viva 184 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.