The Ranger 173 Ghost 2010 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Ranger 173 Ghost 2010 at 17,3 ft versus Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ranger 173 Ghost 2010 tips the scales at 985 lbs — 830 lbs more than the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 at 155 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 175 hp, the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 has a 60-hp advantage over the Ranger 173 Ghost 2010's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Ranger 173 Ghost 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 173 Ghost 2010 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.