Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 vs Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 vs Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 measures 21,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 at 16,7 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 tips the scales at 186 lbs — 121 lbs less than the Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 at 65 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 has a 190-hp advantage over the Ranger 168 Phantom 2012'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 VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 carries 52 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Ranger 168 Phantom 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Ranger VX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger 168 Phantom 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model168 Phantom
ModelVX Comanche Series - 521VX Tour Edition
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam83 in. With Rubrail: 84.5 in
Beam92 1/2 in
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches84.5
Beam - Inches92.5
Depth - Detail11.5 in
Depth - Detail20 1/2 in
Depth - Centimeters30.48
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches11.5
Depth - Inches20.5
Draft [drive up] - Detail6 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.15
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches6
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Weight - Detail650 lbs
Weight - Detail1,860 lbs. with single console
Weight - kg294.83
Weight - kg843.68
Weight - lbs.65
Weight - lbs.186
Length - Feet16.67
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters5.08
Length overall - Meters6.48
Length overall - Inches2
Length overall - Inches255
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]23 in
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail17 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters64.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Gal17
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower60 - 75 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max250 hp
Operational Info
StorageLivewells: 16 gal. Rod Holders: 10 / 9 ft. port and starboard
Storagenot available
Maximum capacity1,070 lbs
Maximum capacity1,550 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height7 ft. 2 in. with available poling platform
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 4 in. with motor down 18 ft. 4 in. with swing away tongue open
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. with motor down 24 ft. with motor down & swing-away tongue open
Trailer - WeightGVWR: 2,675 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width90 in
Trailer - Width97 in
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGVWR: 5,000 lbs