Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011?

For trailering, the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 has the edge at 155 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 is rated to a maximum of 200 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 measures 94" 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 Z518 Comanche 2011?

The Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 has the bigger tank at 38 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. That 32-gallon difference translates to roughly 96–160 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 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 Z518 Comanche 2011

Ranger

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005

2005

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Ranger

Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 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 200 hp, the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 has a 160-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 Z518 Comanche 2011 carries 38 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 and its 200-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

ModelZ518 Comanche

Model Year2005

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 3/4 in

Beam92.5 in. With Rubrail: 94 in

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches81.75

Beam - Inches94

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 - Detail1,550 lbs

Weight - kg246.3

Weight - kg703.07

Weight - lbs.543

Weight - lbs.155

Height [transom]20 1/2 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 1/2 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.11

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Inches200.5

Length overall - Inches224

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail20.5 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches20.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.67

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) Portable 6 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters22.71

Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal38

Engine max40 hp

Engine maxnot available

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower200 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Maximum capacity1,250 lbs

Storagenot available

StorageLivewell: 24 gal. Rod Holders: Port: 7 ft. 6 in.; Starboard: 7 ft

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 5 in. with motor down

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - WeightGVWR: 3,725 lbs

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width99 in

Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 or the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011?

For trailering, the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 has the edge at 155 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 is rated to a maximum of 200 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 measures 94" 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 Z518 Comanche 2011?

The Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 has the bigger tank at 38 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005. That 32-gallon difference translates to roughly 96–160 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 BANSHEE 2005 and the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2011 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 Z518 Comanche 2011 full specs