Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger 170VX 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger 170VX 2008?

For trailering, the Ranger 170VX 2008 has the edge at 127 lbs dry weight versus 543 lbs for the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Ranger 170VX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 tops out at 40 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 170VX 2008 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Ranger 170VX 2008 measures 85" wide, compared to 82" for the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger 170VX 2008?

The Ranger 170VX 2008 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and Ranger 170VX 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and the Ranger 170VX 2008 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.

Boat Comparison

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger 170VX 2008

Ranger

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005

2005

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Ranger

Ranger 170VX 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger 170VX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger 170VX 2008 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 115 hp, the Ranger 170VX 2008 has a 75-hp advantage over the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005's 40-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 170VX 2008 carries 25 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 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 170VX 2008 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

Model168 BANSHEE

Model170VX

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 3/4 in

Beam84-1/2 in

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Inches81.75

Beam - Inches84.5

Draft [max] - Detail4 1/2"

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.13

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches4.5

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - DetailDeck/Hull: 543 lbs

Weight - Detail1,270 lbs

Weight - kg246.3

Weight - kg576.06

Weight - lbs.543

Weight - lbs.127

Height [transom]20 1/2 in

Height [transom]21-1/2 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 1/2 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.11

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inches200.5

Length overall - Inches204

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail21 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches21

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) Portable 6 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters22.71

Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal25

Engine max40 hp

Engine max115 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 2,995 lbs

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 8 in. with motor down 19 ft. 8 in. with swing-away tongue open

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width94 in

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger 170VX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger 170VX 2008?

For trailering, the Ranger 170VX 2008 has the edge at 127 lbs dry weight versus 543 lbs for the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 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 170VX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 tops out at 40 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 168 BANSHEE 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 170VX 2008 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 170VX 2008 measures 85" wide, compared to 82" for the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. 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 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger 170VX 2008?

The Ranger 170VX 2008 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and Ranger 170VX 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and the Ranger 170VX 2008 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.

← Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 full specs ← Ranger 170VX 2008 full specs