Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Ranger 173 Ghost 2009 vs Ranger 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Ranger 173 Ghost 2009 vs Ranger 520VX TOUR EDITION 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 200 hp, the Ranger 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 has a 85-hp advantage over the Ranger 173 Ghost 2009'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 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 carries 26 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Ranger 173 Ghost 2009. 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 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 173 Ghost 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Ranger 520VX TOUR EDITION 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger 173 Ghost 2009 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
Model173 Ghost
Model520VX TOUR EDITION
Model Year2009
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam86.5 in. With Rubrail: 88 in
Beam92 1/2 in
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches92.5
Depth - Detail13 in
Depth - Detail21 1/2 in
Depth - Centimeters33.02
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inches13
Depth - Inches21.5
Draft [max] - Detail8 in. (engine up, batteries, fuel and accessories)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.2
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches8
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail985 lbs. with single console
Weight - Detail1,725 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,750 lbs. (w/Dual Console)
Weight - kg446.79
Weight - kg793.79
Weight - lbs.985
Weight - lbs.175
Height [transom]21.5 in
Height [transom]23 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.26
Length overall - Meters6.32
Length overall - Inches207
Length overall - Inches249
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(2) 26 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max115 hp
Engine max200-225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,230 lbs
Maximum capacity1,500 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGVWR: 2,995 lbs
Trailer - DetailGVWR (5,000 lbs.)
Trailer - Length over allMotor Down: 22 ft. 6 in. Swing Away Tongue Down: 20 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 2 in. w/Motor Down 23 ft. 2 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - Width95 in
Trailer - Width97 in