The Ranger 173 Ghost 2008 vs Ranger Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 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 Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 measures 22,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Ranger 173 Ghost 2008 at 17,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ranger Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 tips the scales at 1 965 lbs — 980 lbs less than the Ranger 173 Ghost 2008 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 250 hp, the Ranger Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 has a 135-hp advantage over the Ranger 173 Ghost 2008'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 Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 carries 32 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Ranger 173 Ghost 2008. 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 Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 173 Ghost 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Ranger Z22 COMANCHE SERIES 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger 173 Ghost 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.