The Ranger 173 Ghost 2007 vs Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2011 measures 21,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Ranger 173 Ghost 2007 at 17,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2011 tips the scales at 1 875 lbs — 890 lbs less than the Ranger 173 Ghost 2007 at 985 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 225 hp, the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2011 has a 110-hp advantage over the Ranger 173 Ghost 2007's 115-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 Z21 Intracoastal 2011 carries 24 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Ranger 173 Ghost 2007. 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 Z21 Intracoastal 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 173 Ghost 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger 173 Ghost 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.