Ranger 165VS 2006 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 165VS 2006
2006
View full specs →
VS
Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005
2005
View full specs →

Ranger 165VS 2006 vs Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 165VS 2006 vs Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 has a 90-hp advantage over the Ranger 165VS 2006's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Ranger 165VS 2006 carries 25 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 165VS 2006 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeRanger
MakeRanger
Model165VS
Model185VS INTRACOASTAL
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam92 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches92
Depth - Detail20 1/4 in
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches20.25
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail1,200 lbs
Weight - Detail1,530 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,555 lbs. (w/Dual Console)
Weight - kg544.31
Weight - kg705.34
Weight - lbs.12
Weight - lbs.1555
Height [transom]21 1/2 in
Height [transom]23 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches221
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 25 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 40 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Engine max60-90 hp
Engine max150-175 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,140 lbs
Maximum capacity1,365 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailSingle axle trailer GVWR (2,675 lbs.)
Trailer - DetailGVWR (3,725 lbs.)
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 8 in. with motor down 18 ft. 8 in. with motor down & swing-away tongue open
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down 20 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - Width92 in
Trailer - Width97 in

Ranger 165VS 2006 vs Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 165VS 2006 or the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005?
For trailering, the Ranger 165VS 2006 has the edge at 12 lbs dry weight versus 1 555 lbs for the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 165VS 2006 tops out at 60 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 Ranger 165VS 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 is certified for 5. 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 Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 measures 92" wide, compared to 84" for the Ranger 165VS 2006. 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger 165VS 2006 or the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005?
The Ranger 165VS 2006 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 4 gallons on the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Ranger 165VS 2006 and Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ranger 165VS 2006 and the Ranger 185VS INTRACOASTAL 2005 are built by Ranger. 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.