Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 vs Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 or the Ranger 1850 REATA 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 has the edge at 65 lbs dry weight versus 178 lbs for the Ranger 1850 REATA 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 1850 REATA 2005 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 tops out at 75 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 Phantom 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 1850 REATA 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.

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

The Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 measures 98" wide, compared to 83" for the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008. 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 Phantom 2008 or the Ranger 1850 REATA 2005?

The Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 has the bigger tank at 38 gallons, versus 17 gallons on the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 and Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 and the Ranger 1850 REATA 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.

Boat Comparison

Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 vs Ranger 1850 REATA 2005

Ranger

Ranger 168 Phantom 2008

2008

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Ranger

Ranger 1850 REATA 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 vs Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 vs Ranger 1850 REATA 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 115 hp, the Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 has a 40-hp advantage over the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008's 75-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 1850 REATA 2005 carries 38 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008. 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 1850 REATA 2005 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 with its 75-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

Model168 Phantom

Model1850 REATA

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam83 in

Beam98 in

Beam - Meters2.11

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches83

Beam - Inches98

Depth - Detail11-1/2 in

Depth - Detail24 1/2 in

Depth - Centimeters30.48

Depth - Centimeters63.5

Depth - Inches11.5

Depth - Inches24.5

Draft [max] - Detail6 in. (engine up, batteries, fuel and accessories)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.15

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches6

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - DetailDeck / Hull: 650 lbs

Weight - Detail1,780 lbs

Weight - kg294.83

Weight - kg807.39

Weight - lbs.65

Weight - lbs.178

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]26 in

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches8

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Meters5.08

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Inches2

Length overall - Inches221

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail17 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 38 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters64.35

Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal17

Fuel tank capacity - Gal38

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp

Engine max115-175 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Maximum capacity1,700 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 2,675 lbs

Trailer - DetailSingle Axle Trailer GVWR (4,500 lbs.)

Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 4 in. with motor down 18 ft. 4 in. with 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 - Width90 in

Trailer - Width101 in

Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 vs Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 or the Ranger 1850 REATA 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 has the edge at 65 lbs dry weight versus 178 lbs for the Ranger 1850 REATA 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 1850 REATA 2005 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 tops out at 75 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 Phantom 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 1850 REATA 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 1850 REATA 2005 measures 98" wide, compared to 83" for the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008. 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 Phantom 2008 or the Ranger 1850 REATA 2005?

The Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 has the bigger tank at 38 gallons, versus 17 gallons on the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008. 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 168 Phantom 2008 and Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 and the Ranger 1850 REATA 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.

← Ranger 168 Phantom 2008 full specs ← Ranger 1850 REATA 2005 full specs