The Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 vs Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 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 — Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 at 18,7 ft versus Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 tips the scales at 136 lbs — 112 lbs more than the Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 at 24 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 Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 42 gal and 42 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Weldcraft Marine Renegade - Jet 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Weldcraft Marine 188 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.