Matching a deep vee Ranger 1750 Reata 2013 against a modified vee Ranger Z117 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Ranger 1750 Reata 2013 at 17,4 ft versus Ranger Z117 2012 at 17,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Ranger 1750 Reata 2013 tips the scales at 165 lbs — 151 lbs more than the Ranger Z117 2012 at 14 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 115 hp, the Ranger Z117 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Ranger 1750 Reata 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 25 gal and 22 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 Z117 2012 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the Ranger 1750 Reata 2013. 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.